On Wed, 13 Dec 1995, A.D.Smith wrote:
> Just one question really : what is the expected lifetime of plug leads ?
> Number one plug lead seemed to be grubby and a bit rusty in the end where it
>goes
> over the plug head. This might mean that the rest of the lead is getting
>past
> it's best, might it ?
Plug lead lifetime is a function of mileage and age. For daily
drivers they should be good for tens of thousands of kilometers if
the winters are not too severe. Here in Canada I change them ( and
the points, cap, condensor and plugs) every year to make shure that
the ignition will work a hundred percent when it is -30 or -40
degrees C and you need all the help you can get.
I think the best way is to inspect the insolation for degradation
(cracks, brittleness, softness). You can also measure the
resistance but I don't remember what it should be. Anyway, the
resistance of the lead when installed in the car is strongly
affected by the connections at the plug and the cap so the
resistance of just the lead does not tell the whole story.
The rust can be prevented by putting a bit of tune-up grease
(dielectric grease) or vaseline in the connectors.
Dirk (Warm day today. Only -20 C)
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