Spark plugs arcing is not the most common problem out there. However, we can’t ignore it for long, either. It will lead us to various problems like bad fuel economy, engine misfire, loss of acceleration power, and a handful more.
So, what does spark plug wires arcing mean? And how to stop spark plug wires from arcing? In this article, we will discuss how spark plug wires arc and what you can do to prevent them.
Luckily, the task isn’t that skillful, and you can do it easily without any prior experience. Don’t worry. You won’t have to do them every weekend. Without further ado, let’s get into this!
Signs Of Spark Plug Wires Arcing
The symptoms of spark plug wires arcing can be many. Some of them are; that your car’s fuel consumption will be higher than normal. Your car will have difficulty starting smoothly. While a bad start can be a symptom of many problems, this is also one of them.
It will be harder for your car to accelerate than normal. When they are arcing, it cannot provide a smooth flow of electricity, so you might also face rough idle. Additionally, face engine misfires, engine backfires, and so forth.
These are the most common symptoms of spark plug wires arcing. If your car has any of them, then get your car checked immediately.
How To Stop Spark Plug Wires From Arcing?
Many reasons contribute to the spark plug wires arcing. Weak ignition coil, defective wires, bad electrical connection, and so forth. They play a major role in causing spark plug wires to arc.
So, how to stop spark plug wires from arcing? Below we discussed how you can stop your plug wires from arcing.
Proper Cleaning
Cleanliness is a virtue, and it’s no different here either. We recommend you properly clean the wires every 20000 miles. You can clean them in a variety of ways. Furthermore, you can use a napkin to clean the spark plug hole and sandpaper for the exterior.
If you are wondering what to spray in spark plug hole? You can use carb cleaner or WD-40, clean them with a napkin, airgun, etc. Nevertheless, check the link where we have covered it in detail.
Changing The Ignition Coil
The most common cause of arcing plug wires is faulty ignition coils. If your ignition coil has failed, it will provide less voltage than it should. Furthermore, it could overheat, and so on. Replace faulty ignition coils as soon as possible.
Inspect The Wires
Over time, the spark plug wires could deteriorate. So it’s a good idea to check in on them every now and then. If they are defective, they will overheat, have poor insulation, and so on.
You can easily detect and investigate any faults with an arc-fault detection device.
Check For Any Disconnected Shift Linkage
Shift linkage may become disconnected due to spark plug arcing. As quickly as possible, you should fix the disconnect.
These are some of the prevention methods you can follow. If you follow them, then you should be able to prevent your plug wires from arcing. But for a general rule of thumb, get your car serviced twice a year.
Nevertheless, if you are interested in what causes a spark plug to crack, we got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading all the stuff above, you might have a few questions on your mind. Here, we will answer some of your frequently asked questions.
How Long Do Spark Plug Wires Last?
They usually last anywhere from 30000 miles to 50000 miles. Again, depending on the quality and material of the wires, they might even last 80000 miles.
Can Electrical Tape Be Used To Tie Spark Plug Wires?
When there is a tear in spark plug wires and if they are exposed, it’s not safe to touch them. In that case, it isn’t wise to use electrical tape, and they should be repaired instead.
That being said, you can use them in an emergency.
Will Cleaning Spark Plug Wires Reduce Arcing?
Yes. Proper care of your wires will ensure a reduced chance of arcing.
Why Does The Ignition Coil Arc?
The ignition coil sends a spark to the plugs, which then help the engine to start. They are very important, and high voltage current flows through them. As a result, they sometimes face corrosion, leaks, overheating, etc. When the coil case leaks due to overheating, they cause the wires to arc.
Conclusion
So, how to stop spark plug wires from arcing? To answer in short, you just have to take care of your spark plug wires by cleaning and performing a regular checkup.
Spark plug wires are essential to your engine. They keep your engine healthy and running. Having faulty spark plug wires could cause massive problems to your car’s engine over time. Nevertheless, it’s very easy to prevent them from arcing. If you follow the precautions we mentioned above, your wires should be fine.
