A couple of months ago, I replaced my iginition wires with MSD 8.5MM wires. Of course, I haven't driven the car since then. I took the car out yesterday for a spin (WOW, I almost forgot what it was like) . Anyway, I had a lot more radio noise than I was expecting. I thought if anything there would be less noise with these wires. Should I be looking for a wire that I did a bad job installing or something? I had autotap on there and did not see any obvious problems.
Number 8 was a pain, I am wondering if I didn't get it on right and it is arcing somewhere and causing my radio noise.
I guess the question is, does anyone else use the MSD's and did they have any radio noise?
Thanks
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
If you did not buy "noise suppression" wires,this could happen. That's another reason there are resistor spark plugs available.
Posted by Thom Mackesy (Member # 264) on :
Thought this was only a problem on older cars with points ignitions?
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: If you did not buy "noise suppression" wires,this could happen. That's another reason there are resistor spark plugs available.
Well, the box says, Super Conducting and "High EMI Suppression Abilities". The stock wires were quiet so I don't think it is the plugs. Guess I'll have to take a better look at the installation. I am going to start it up when it is dark in the garage and see if I see any arcing.
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
Hey Dan
I run the MSD's but haven't had any radio noise. They have worked really well and they look great too, or at least better than the stock black ones.
You could be right about the #8 wire...that one is such a pain to get on right that it might be causing some problems if you didn't snug it up.
Did you get that "beater" ZO6 all fixed up? I didn't hear if it's healed now.
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
The beater needs a new passenger mirror. I can't believe how much I miss having that mirror. I didn't realize how much I use it.
That is all the damage that really needs fixin. Couple of hundred bucks. Not bad for stupidity.
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
Update. I started the car in the dark. I don't see any arcing. Of course, I am not sure I could see it if it was in the right place on number 8. I guess I'll have to get headers and check it when installing. Posted by Bolide (Member # 373) on :
Uh oh. I have some MSD wires on order, arriving soon. I was under the impression that the "high EMI supression capabilities" boasted meant no radio noise, but come to think of it, EMI and RFI Supression and two different things. Maybe I should have bought Jacobs wires....? Well, I'll find out soon enough. Posted by Bolide (Member # 373) on :
Dan, Almost forgot to ask-- just how much of a pain was the #8 wire? If it's really obnoxious, I may just be a wussy and have my dealer throw the wires on.
Posted by DanA_F99_1977 (Member # 118) on :
It is a big pain. Almost as bad as putting that plug in. You might have to remove the air hose and the coil packs to get in there. I still think I may not have a perfect snug #8 and that may be my noise. I have heard a few others got noise on weaker stations after changing stock wires. Stock wires weem to be good for radio noise suppression. My car is running great!
Let mw know how you make out Paul, it could just be me.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Hey Dan, just reach your hand in there while its running and start wiggling things around, that will help you. You guys are such whiners!! You ought to try working on cars that are tough to reach!! LOL. Next plan of attack, try putting water in a spray bottle and lightly misting the plug wires/coils/plugs with water while in the dark garage. That will give the spark an easier path, and you may see/hear where its arcing. Also watch for misfire counts on the autotap (if it has that feature). Every cylinder will have its own misfire counter. Hope that helps. Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bolide: Dan, Almost forgot to ask-- just how much of a pain was the #8 wire? If it's really obnoxious, I may just be a wussy and have my dealer throw the wires on.
Changing plugs and wires is a "rite of passage" on these beasts. Ya gotta go for it!!
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Bloody knuckles are just part of the initiation process....hang in there and you'll get it. Thank goodness I have a "Steve da Wrench" to do that stuff for me!
Posted by Ken Howe Sr (Member # 196) on :
Dan,if your engine is running strong and the "sel" isn't on steady or blinking,it sounds like its the wires you installed if you didn't have it with the "OE" wires.I installed a set of wires that I purchased from GM Performance Parts (red in color) and the engine is running as strong as ever.The number (8)wire was a bear to install.It just takes alot of patience and a "cold one" to complete the horror show.It was well worth the struggle.
all fixed up? I didn't hear if it's healed now.
. Anyway, I had a lot more radio noise than I was expecting. I thought if anything there would be less noise with these wires. Should I be looking for a wire that I did a bad job installing or something? I had autotap on there and did not see any obvious problems.
