spark plug wires

KaGee · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Originally posted by Ralph: I bet you guys use standard auto starters, alternators, carbs, etc., and auto grade wire too. Or, is solid conductor romex good enough Like they say, whatever floats your boat What the heck does the Coast Guard know anyway? Surely anybody who knows something about auto engines knows a heck of a lot more, right?

There is a substantial difference between auto and marine grade when it involves starters and alternators. And saftey is the issue in their design differences. My carb is a standard Carter two barrel.... OEM by the way... nothing different from an automotive carb... just the spark arrester. As for wire... there is no difference in wire used for 12volt. Auto... marine... all the same. There is a difference in 120V. First it's stranded not solid... because of the motion and vibrations in a boating situation. Second, the copper wire is tinned to help in corrosion resistance. Personally, I do not have 120v on my boat so it's a mute point. As for the government being more wiser & capable of knowing more than I do and knows what's best for me...

please, don't go there... this is a boating forum. Placing the "marine" tag on something does not always make it any better or safer... but it ALWAYS raises the price... count on it.

Elk Chaser · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

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Subject: Mallory Marine Promaster Spark Plug Wires Date: 7/15/2004 Cleveland, Ohio (July 2004) Mallory Marine's new Promaster Spark Plug Wires Sets are constructed with only the best premium quality materials you would expect from the ignition leader. Built specifically for marine applications, these wires sets are designed for a custom fit for each application. The correct boots, correct length, for a perfect fit! Open the box and you can see the quality of our premiere line of spark plug wires. MALLORY MARINE PROMASTER WIRE SETS Performance Features At A Glance: Ultra Low resistance spiral core delivers high energy output for Maximum spark at the plug. Excellent RFI / EMI suppression for even the most sensitive high tech on board electronics. 8 MM Ozone resistant blue silicone jacket repels water, oil, grease, fuel and withstands temperatures up to 500 degrees. Top of the line construction features: 100% Kevlar inner core for superior strength which virtually eliminates breakage. Layered inner carbon conductive element for excellent RFI / EMI suppression. Special Promaster Mag Core SSC wire wrap provides extremely low resistance and faster current flow for hotter spark and longer spark duration. High density Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) to eliminate bleed through from low resistance, high output Promaster Mag Core. Tightly woven fiberglass braid forms a permanent bond between the EPDM inner layer and the outer silicone jacket to increase wire strength and eliminate terminal pull-off. 100% Silicone Jacket and boots provide superior protection against chemicals, oil, moisture, and abrasion. Ready to install and custom fit for your specific application. When you sell Mallory Marine Promaster Spark plug wires you know you're selling the best quality at a competitive price and they are backed by our limited lifetime warranty

------------------------------------------------ Funny, it does not say a thing about being SAE J557 compliant. And the construction is exactly the same as a good set of automotive wires. Hmmm. -------------------------------------------------

SPARK PLUG WIRES (Sample 18-8810) Sierra spark plug wire sets are made with high performance 8mm carbon based in a nylon wrapped core silicon jacket. The wire offers maximum heat and radio interference resistance. All terminals are corrosion resistant brass. Sierra wire sets are custom made to fit marine inboard engines. Outboard spark plug wires are available pre-made in 7mm copper core or 8mm carbon core. We also offer a universal wire kit, 18-5225, which comes with 25' of wire and a variety of terminals.

---------------------------------------------- Again, nothing about the SAE J557 issue. Interesting, and they too are built with the exact same specs as a good set of automotive wires. ------------------------------------------------- I do not buy your argument as you really have not shown me what I asked for. Show me where someone that actually sells the "marine" wires talks about the SAE J557 standard and states a warning that any other wire is dangerous and I will shut up. I still stand on the fact that most if not all wires sets manufactured today meet or exceed the SAE J557 standard. Show me they do not. In all my years of driving boats and cars I have never seen any spark plug wire fall off or come loose. They are all built to withstand chemicals and temperature and they are all built to ensure that there is not any grounding or loss of spark by providing tight fitting boots. The only difference I've ever seen between the automotive style plugs wires sets and marine plug wire set is that the marine wire sets are usually longer to accommodate having to go around and under the exhaust manifolds, that's it.

Elk Chaser · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: SAE J557 spark plug wires We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable set meeting SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wires meets SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable manufacturer SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable conforming to SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable set conforming to SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wire set conforming to SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wire set meets SAE J557 standards We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wire manufactured to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wire set manufactured to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable set manufactured to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable manufactured to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable construction to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable set construction to meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug cable set specifications meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: spark plug wire set specifications meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug wire set conforming to SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug wire set meets the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug wire specifications meet the SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug wire SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug cable sets SAE J557 We didn't find any Web pages matching the following criteria: Containing this query term: marine spark plug wire sets SAE J557 I am done searching............... -------------------------------------------- Seems to me that you are the only person in the world today that is concerned with that SAE J557 issue when it comes to selling or manufacturing spark plug wire sets. Interesting.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

If they are selling "marine" wires, common sense tells you they are compliant with the laws that make it so. Otherwise, if something happened they would be sued out of existence, and if death occurred, held criminally liable. Nobody uses a spec "J557 Compliant" in their marketing because it is meaningless to most people. What is meaningful is the word "marine" which implies compliance with all applicable laws - common sense. Some sets may very well meet or exceed the requirements of the Coast Guard, but, because they don't specifically say they do, they don't accept the liability associated with their use. Companies that use that tag "marine" do accept it. Which means, the Coast Guard can't cite you and the insurance company can't deny you. As for Carbs "The most obvious difference between a Holley auto carb and a Holley marine carb are the float bowl vents, Auto vents point straight up and marine vents (called J tubes) point back down into the barrels of the carb. If the needle and seats should stick, fuel coming out of the vents would be directed back into the engine... Throttle shafts are grooved and slabbed to prevent fuel from leaking out of the throttle shafts if the accelerator pump is activated without the engine running, or if the engine is flooded. The grooved and slabbed throttle shafts direct raw fuel back into the intake manifold where it is consumed by the engine." As for wire, this is from Ancor Marine:

Q: What is the most common problem on a boat? A: The most common problem on a boat is the failure of its electrical system. Q: What causes most boat fires? A: Most boat fires are directly related to a faulty electrical system. Q: What can happen when a boat has a stray current from a live wire? A: Stray current from a live wire can destroy a bronze thru-hull, outdrive, or propeller in a few days. Q: What can cause a boat to sink at an unattended slip or mooring? A: A non-operative bilge pump, due to corrosion or terminal can cause a boat to sink at an unattended slip or mooring. Q: What is the best way to prevent future electrical problems on a boat? A: The only sure way to postpone future electrical problems for as long as possible is to rewire the boat with material that meets Coast Guard and ABYC standards for marine applications. Q: Why do experts recommend tinned wire? A: Premium grade wire has tin plating over every strand, and it offers the ultimate in resistance against the subtle, long-term, internal corrosion that contributes to premature demise of marine wiring. Q: What harsh marine environments contribute to problems on a boat? A: Vibration; corrosion; the presence of salt-laden moisture in the atmosphere; contamination by various chemicals, particularly oil, diesel and dirty bilge water, and exposure to ultraviolet(UV) rays from sunlight are conditions subjected to a boat. " and... The construction of insulated cables and conductors shall conform with the requirements of UL 1426, Cables for Boats (E-9.15.2) Conductors shall be at least 16 AWG except 18 AWG conductors may be used if included with other conductors in a sheath, and do not extend more than 30 inches outside the sheath (E-8.14.11) and (E-9.17.9) Conductor shall have a minimum rating of 600 volts (E-8.14.1) The temperature rating shall be at least 75°C dry. (E-8.14.4.2) Minimum surface marking on individual conductors and their jacket shall include type/style, voltage, wire size and temperature rating dry. (E-8.14.7 through E-8.14.7.4) and (E-9.15.4 through E-9.15.4.4) All conductors and flexible cords shall meet the flame retardant and moisture resistant requirements of UL 83 (E.8.14.5) Conductors used for panelboard or switchboard main feeders, bilge blowers, electronic equipment, navigation lights and other circuits where voltage drop must be kept to a minimum, shall be sized for a voltage drop not to exceed 3 percent. (See Table C) Conductors used for lighting, other than navigation lights, and other circuits where voltage drop is critical, shall be sized for a voltage drop not to exceed 10 percent (See Table (D) (E-9.15.8) When AC and DC conductors are run together, the AC conductors shall be sheathed, bundled or otherwise kept separate from the DC conductors (E-8.15.7) Wiring shall be installed in a manner that will avoid magnetic loops in the area of the compass and magnetically sensitive devices. Direct current wires that may create magnetic fields in this area shall run in twisted pairs. (E-9.17.1) If conductors must be routed in the bilge or other areas where water may accumulate, the connection shall be watertight. (E-8.15.8) and (E-9.17.4) Loom used to cover conductors shall be self extinguishing, classified V-2 or better (E-8.15.10.1) Conductors shall be supported throughout their length, or shall be secured at least every 18 inches by one of the following methodsE-8.15.11) and (E-9.17.10) Metal clamps lined with insulating material resistant to the effects of oil, gasoline or water. (E-8.15.11.3) and (E-9.17.10.3) All connections shall be in locations protected from weather, or in weatherproof enclosures, or shall be watertight. If connections are exposed to immersion they shall be watertight. (E-9.17.12.1) Terminal connectors shall be the ring or captive spade types. (E-8.15.16) and (E-9.17.12.5) Twist on connectors, i.e., wire nuts, shall not be used. (E-8.15.18) and (E-9.17.12.7). Solder shall not be the sole means of mechanical connection in any circuit. (E-8.15.19) and (E.9.17.12.8) Solderless crimp on connectors shall be attached with the type of crimping tool designed for the connector used (E-8.15.20) and (E-9.17.12.9) Ring and captive spade terminal connectors shall be the same nominal size as the stud. (E-8.15.22) and (E-9.17.12.11) The shanks of terminals shall be protected against accidental shorting by the use of insulation barriers or sleeves (E-8.15.24) and (E-9.17.12.13)

Finally, check your insurance policy. I'm sure you'll find a clause that allows them to deny a claim if parts not approved by the Coast Guard are found. Like I said, if you feel comfortable using auto wires, then go for it. But for $7 - $10 a piece you can get ones that comply with the requirements.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

This is from Blue Sea Systems. Note bold parts: http://www.bluesea.com/Article_detail.asp?Section_ID=145&id=110 United States Coast Guard Requirements for Recreational Boats Recreational Vessels Electrical Requirements By Captain Tony Ford USCG (Ret.) Note: This paper is a summary of the Coast Guard regulations for electrical systems on recreational boats and those carrying less than 6 passengers for hire. Readers should not use this document as a compliance guideline and check the prime source - the regulations. There are three classes of Uninspected Vessels - Recreational, Fishing and Towing. Coast Guard officials do not look at fishing and towing vessels during their construction. Recreational vessels and vessels carrying 6 or less passengers for hire may be covered by manufacturer standards. The Coast Guard has contracted with private companies for a nationwide Recreational Boat Factory Visit Program (RBFV). Qualified contractors will contact and visit recreational boat manufacturers and have been doing so since early 2001. The visits are intended to help manufacturers understand and comply with the standards but if they see violations, the representatives will make reports to the Coast Guard. Electrical System Standards Electrical standards are required on all boats, regardless of size, "..that have gasoline engines for electrical or mechanical propulsion, except outboard engines." If there is a gasoline engine on an inboard or inboard-outboard that is used as a generator or for propulsion, the boat must meet these standards. Ignition Protection - Electrical components must be ignition protected if they are in a compartment with a gasoline engine or fuel tank. Inspectors will look for proof in the form of labeling. If the component is not labeled, the inspector generally will accept a statement in the manufacturer's catalog. If the component is isolated from the fuel source, ignition protection is not required. The regulations go to some length to define isolation. Batteries - Must be secured so they cannot be moved more than 1" in any direction; terminals must be protected so that metallic objects cannot contact ungrounded terminals (positive battery terminal); and be vented to permit the discharge of hydrogen gas. Batteries cannot be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter or fuel line fitting. Conductors (Wires) - Look for Table 5 - which has allowable amperage for conductors. Wires must meet SAE standards J378 and J1127 or J1128. Inspectors will look for markings on the wire. If they do not find them, they will want a compliance statement from the supplier. Engine spark plug wires must meet SAE J557. Wires that pass thru bulkheads or other rigid surfaces must be protected from abrasion. 18 AWG conductors are restricted in use to 7" unprotected pigtails. Overcurrent Protection - Manually reset, trip free circuit breakers or fuses must be at the source of power for each circuit or conductor. There are some exceptions if it is physically impractical to do so and also note that if these breakers are in an area not isolated from gasoline fuel sources, they must be ignition protected. Now here is a Coast Guard Captain telling you, that when you get inspected, they look for the markings and want proof of compliance if they don't find them. So, I guess there is more than "one person concerned"

tommays · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

i have posted this before and for you people who have not had and explosion it because your luckey that the boat was built with murphys law in mind(if any thing can go worng it will)if you get a 1.4% level of gas fumes your rolling the dice big time THE BOAT WAS BUILT AS A SYSTEM CHANGE ANY PART THAT DOES MEET THE SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS AND THE SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK BUT I KEEP READING BAD ADVICE WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT MAKES AND IO BOAT SAFE FROM A FUEL EXPLOSION SO HERE GOES This is the description for gasoline gasoline: Automotive - Fire Hazards: Flash Point (deg. F): -36 CC; Flammable Limits in Air (%): 1.4 - 7.4; Fire Extinguishing Agents: Foam, carbon &oxide, or dry chemical: Fire Extinguishing Agents Not To Be Used: Water may be ineffective; Special Hazards of Combustion Products: None: Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back: Ignition Temperature (deg. F): 853: Electrical Hazard: Class I, Group D The important number here is the 1.4% any time that gas fumes are allowed to build up in a boat above this level you are in grave danger no mater what type of starter or alternator or anything else that is electric in that area . In and area with gasoline fumes there are two ways to go the first is called (completely safe) it is not possible to make a boat completely safe The second way is called (acceptably safe) and is the way boats are made while the electric parts and engine parts that are made for marine use go a long way the only thing that keeps your boat safe IS USING YOU BILGE BLOWER ALL THE TIME WHEN REFUELING AND ANY TIME THAT IS RECOMMENDED SUCH AS LONG PERIODS OF TIME IDLING The blower is sized to move enough air through the engine area to not allow gas fumes to rise above the all-important 1.4% level unless a bad gasoline leak were to happen Thank you for all I am learning here and have a safe summer tommays -------------------- if a dirty bottom slows you down what do think it does to your boat

KaGee · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Right on Tommays. I am going to add a second blower next spring. Common sense.... go figure! Elk, I'm with you man. God forbid my boat would explode, but I'm sure something other than spark plug wires would be the cause. BTW... Here on Lake Erie, i have NEVER heard of anyone's boat being inspected for anything other than compliance for the standard safety regulations i.e... fire extinguisher, life jackets, flairs etc.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

The blower is sized to move enough air through the engine area to not allow gas fumes to rise above the all-important 1.4% level unless a bad gasoline leak were to happen

Which is why all engine compartment components are ignition protected. It gives you a fighting chance of surviving a leak or a brain fart like forgetting to run the blowers before starting (most common time boats blow up around here). Most detailed (close) inspections occur when either disaster strikes (to find the cause) or you are getting an older vessel inspected (surveyed) for insurance. I completely restored a 79 Formula and when I was finished it had to go through a close inspection and everything was closely inspected for CG compliance.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

From Dennis Moore, "Small Block Chevy Marine Performance" In an auto, if gas vapors leak from the fuel system, being heavier than air, they will escape out of the bottom of the engine and not usually cause much of a problem. Such is not the case with a boat. Gas and its vapors are very explosive. They will lie in the hull of a boat for quite some time, and any stray spark could ignite them - the boat could literally explode! All engine compartments are required by the USCG to be vented and connected to a blower motor that should be run to purge these gases before the engine is started. The electrical system in a boat need to be shielded to prevent sparks. The distributor cannot be made airtight because of the build-up of ionic gases caused by the spark jumping from the rotor to the distributor cap. It has to be vented. Sparks cannot go around corners, so an elbow or series of screens are used to vent the distributor but not allow any stray sparks to escape. The alternator and starter have brushes running on an armature that causes sparks. They are also made with devices, usually some sort of screen or a seal that is in the path of stray sparks..." So safety is not one or the other, but both - it is prevention/evacuation of vapors and prevention of ignition.

seahorse5 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Just a bit of additional information on marine rated plug wires. Some years back, Mercruiser had a major safety recall because the "rubber" insulation of the plug wires from one of their suppliers could form hairline cracks in it after a period of time. Sparks could jump through the cracks to a part of the engine block igniting any gas fume that may be around the motor in the enclosed engine compartment.

summit1 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Just curious (not interested in finding out

, but when you say 'can cause an explosion', are we talking about a 'pop' and the engine goes dead, maybe ruins some seats.....or are we talking 'BOOM', and people are getting blown out of the boat and it decentigrates?

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

summit1 - the later. No joke. Usually hear of a case or two each year. There was just a big one recently (in Florida I think) that set a bunch of other boats at the marina on fire too. I think I saw it on Fox News a few months ago. Hey Seahorse, how many Kabooms you think that caused before they figured out the root cause

By a strange cosmic coincidence, DIY TV just talked about checking the boots of your plug wires for cracks during one of their "DIY kits" by Autolite... Best way to cover your self if you're not sure is just send the manufacturer and email and ask if they are complaint with the reg and if they are suitable for marine use. If they say yes, you're covered if they say no, ask why not.

seahorse5 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

summit1, Most of the time, a boom results in the motor cover or hatch being blown off and the fiberglas starts to burn, fed by any grease, oil, and possibly spilt fuel around the motor. Some larger boats will have the fireball travel thru the bilge and come up thru the dash openings and cabin openings(if equipped). Federal specs only require fuel lines, filters, and other components to withstand 2 1/2 minutes of a direct flame before leaking gas into the fire. Then the fire really gets going. If you are out on the water, you may or may not have a chance to jump overboard, many don't. If you are at a dock, the fire will probably burn adjacent boats and buildings also.

Scaaty · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Originally posted by Ralph: [QB] I bet you guys use standard auto starters, alternators, carbs, etc., and auto grade wire too. Or, is solid conductor romex good enough You are out of line here Ralph...we are NOT talking Starters, Alts, or carbs.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Robby - I was joking but was surprised to see one of the replies... Anyway, this has been beat to death. People clearly have gotten both sides and can decide for themselves. Here is the story I mentioned earlier from August 4th:

An explosion at the Topock Gorge Marina on the Colorado River sparked a fire in the marina, destroying at least nine boats. No one was injured. Bob Kemp, Mohave Valley Fire Department division chief, said around 11 a.m. Sunday one boat exploded near the dock and burst into flames. The fire quickly spread to other vessels moored at the facility north of Lake Havasu City. At least nine vessels were destroyed and five others damaged. Kemp said an unknown number of boats sank. Debra McCollum, a bartender at the marina's restauarant, said she saw two people on a boat that had been launched but not started. "The people tried to start it, and the hood on the engine blew 10 feet in the air. They dove off, it blew up and then it drifted to other boats at the dock," McCollum told Today's New-Herald. "Within 10 seconds three were burning, and two more caught while I was on the phone." The fire remains under investigation.

Scaaty · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

We had two punk kids ransake our marina and set 4 boats on fire with a gas can out a RIB...all caught on tape...idiots Life happens, and sometimes it aint pretty.

Ralph 123 · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Another recent tragic one:

Boat explosion kills 1 Police seeking cause of blast that sinks vessel in Lake Macatawa By RICHARD HARROLD Staff writer Sunday, July 25, 2004 An Ann Arbor man was killed and a Dexter man injured when a boat exploded and sank in Lake Macatawa Saturday. Lakeshore residents said the explosion just before 10 a.m. was loud enough that they could feel its force against their bodies. "I literally felt the explosion," said John Klungle, who watched the scene unfold from his Holland Township home in the Oaklawn Park subdivision. John Meritt Huegli, 59, of Dexter, was boating in Lake Macatawa with Peter Christian Murray, 52, of Ann Arbor, when the explosion occurred, Sgt. Kevin Allman of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department said. An explosion at the rear of the 1959 twin-engine wooden boat knocked both men unconscious, Huegli, the boat's owner, told police. Huegli, who was operating the boat, told police that after he regained consciousness he attempted to rouse Murray, but when that failed, he abandoned the boat as it was overcome with flames, Allman said. Huegli was taken to Holland Community Hospital for treatment of minor burns and injuries and was released. A dive team from the Coast Guard and other area fire and police departments searched the lake just east of Pine Creek Bay where the boat sank and recovered Murray's body by mid-afternoon. The explosion's cause remains unknown. The explosion and flames apparently erupted at the stern of the boat. Flames then spread forward to the bow, Allman said. One south shore resident said he saw the boat going back and forth on the lake Saturday morning. "I thought they were probably testing it out," said David Van Dyke, whose home is at the north end of Graafschap Road in Holland. A few moments later, there was an explosion that rattled windows and walls. Klungle said he saw one man jump into the water. That man was quickly surrounded by other watercraft that came out to attempt to help, but the intense fire kept rescuers at bay. "The Coast Guard reported that they could not get close enough to the boat to do anything," Allman said. Dale Borgman, whose Holland Township home is about 100 yards north of the lake, said he could feel the explosion. He ran outside with binoculars and saw a man still on the flaming boat. "I saw a man in the cockpit area bent over screaming and yelling," Borgman said, apparently witnessing Huegli's attempt to reawaken Murray. "I felt pretty helpless watching it burn," Klungle said. The boat then drifted west as it burned until it sank just short of Pine Creek Bay. Allman said that Huegli reported that the boat was fueled that morning and had been vented.

Paul Moir · Aug 29, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

A little over a month ago ago a boat blew up due to a gasoline explosion a couple miles from where I live. The guy just came out of his coma last week. Lucky to be alive really. Apparently it blew up when he started the engine. It was a homebuilt boat, so I can imagine the state of the electrics. Local news story (RealAudio Format)

cobra 3.0 · Aug 30, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Sounds terrible! My set of accel high performance 8.8mm spiral core wires probably exceed Mercury's approved stuff made by who knows who. As mentionned earlier by another fellow, I'd like to see these wires "fall" of from jarring up and down, left and right. I have trouble taking them off by hand there on so tight. The specs shown earlier, are exactly what's written on my box of ACCEL wiring...my ACCEL's have EDPM to eliminate arcing, and magnetic suppression spiral core. This spiral core protects the core from breaking in jarring applications. Cheap auto wires are not the way to go, but a high performance auto set meets/exceeds the standards set for marine use. You just have to know what to look for.

seahorse5 · Aug 30, 2004

Re: spark plug wires

Elk Chaser, Wow, the gob'mint even tells you what wires to run on a truck!!! Even for battery cables and hookup wires!!! §393.27 Wiring specifications. (a) Wiring for both low voltage (tension) and high voltage (tension) circuits shall be constructed and installed so as to meet design requirements. Wiring shall meet or exceed, both mechanically and electrically, the following SAE Standards as found in the 1985 edition of the SAE Handbook: (1) Commercial vehicle engine ignition systems-SAE J557-High Tension Ignition Cable. (2) Commercial vehicle battery cable-SAE J1127-Jan 80-Battery Cable. (3) Other commercial vehicle wiring-SAE J1128-Low Tension Primary Cable. (b) The source of power and the electrical wiring shall be of such size and characteristics as to provide the necessary voltage as the design requires to comply with FMVSS 571.108. (c) Lamps shall be properly grounded. Note: This shall not prohibit the use of the frame or other metal parts of a motor vehicle as a return ground system provided truck-tractor semitrailer/full trailer combinations are electrically connected.

spark plug wires

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