Question on installing new plug wires

[Jim D.]

I am going to change plug wires on my 1966 327/350hp, do I need to jack engine up from motor mount to get through to 1 & 3 and 2 & 4.
Thank you

[Clem Z.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

if you have the straight distributor end wires you can pull them thru the engine mounts if you remove the wire's boots.

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

You mean that I should remove the round boot end that goes in Dist. cap ? Correct ?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

You mean that I should remove the round boot end that goes in Dist. cap ? Correct ?

yes and a little WD-40 will make them come off and go back on easier

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

yes and a little WD-40 will make them come off and go back on easier

Thanks Clem, saved me some work

[Clem Z.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Thanks Clem, saved me some work

before you pull the old wires out you can cut the spark plug ends from the original wires and attach the distributor end of the new wire to the original with tape and use it to pull the new wire thru the engine mount

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

before you pull the old wires out you can cut the spark plug ends from the original wires and attach the distributor end of the new wire to the original with tape and use it to pull the new wire thru the engine mount

Your the man, thanks again.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Jim:
I found that when I removed the distributor boot from the LL plug wires, if I didn't slightly close up the brass wire ends, the boot would catch on it and in at least 1 case, would pull the wire end off. By using WD-40 and closing up the fitting the boot came off very easily. I also removed the distributor boot from the old set and tied a string (hot pink to be exact) to the brass and pulled it through. Then I attached the string to the new wire and pulled the other way. Still not easy but it will get done.
Jeff

[Gerard F.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Jeff,

Can you do that without taking off the lower ignition shield?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Jerry:
If, by "lower ignition shields", you mean the "V" shields the answer is definitely yes. As you know, to remove those shields you need to remove a motor mount bolt and, especially on the starter side, this is difficult (at least on my '69 with A/C and AIR it is). The only tricky part is keeping the cord or string inside the "V" since it tries to pull across the "V" when you draw it in either direction. We did 2 cars this way this spring and mine was far more difficult than the '72 (no air, no AIR) that we also did.
Jeff

[Gerard F.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Thanks Jeff,

Do you have to jack up or block up the engine when you remove the one motor mount bolt to get the shielding off. I think this was Jim's original question above, but no one addressed it.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Jerry:
I don't bother trying to remove these pieces when I change wires so I can't speak to jacking the engine. I find it just as easy to simply "pull" the wires through the shield.
Jeff

[Jim D.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Thanks for the tips Jeff

[Don L.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

Jeff, it was surely the performance pink (vs hot pink) color of the string that made the difference, agree?

Seriously, as long as the dist. end boot is removed (both going on and off) and the string is tied VERY securely, it works well. It's most helpful if one person is working from below and another is working from above the car to accomplish with minimal stress and difficulty. Don't pull too hard on the string, as it may break or pull the brass connector off the wire. Also, there is no need to, at least in Jeff's and my case, to raise the engine off the mounts. Jeff's and mine were accomplished on a lift, where we actually used a step ladder and a stool to work ergonomically.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Question on installing new plug wires

I strongly disagree!! Hot pink works far better than performance pink. I do agree that the string needs to be securely fastened because if it comes off it makes for a trying installation. I forgot to mention that after the boot is put back on the wire, you need to open up the brass end slightly for a snug fit in the distributor cap.
Jeff