Sparkplug wires

[OldRedFord]

How do modern spark plug wires conduct electricity?

I bought a new set for the Ford tractor and they are cut to length. I thought plug wires had copper in the center?

Has what looks like rubber around fiberglass in the very middle.

[greywynd]

Originally Posted by OldRedFord

How do modern spark plug wires conduct electricity?

I bought a new set for the Ford tractor and they are cut to length. I thought plug wires had copper in the center?

Has what looks like rubber around fiberglass in the very middle.

Those are carbon in the middle. Do yourself a favour and return them, and find the copper core type. The old fords need all the heat they can get into the spark.

And if I remember right, the original spec plug in Champion was an H10, go H11. They are the next hotter plug and will be less apt to foul if there’s any oil or gas issues.


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[mccutter]

Anything will conduct electricity with enough voltage, even carbon (plug wires) and air (spark plug gap and lighting) which are normally insulators. That is why a "step-up" coil is used with spark-ignition engines to convert the 12volts to low-amp 12,000+volts.

The conductors are usually carbon-impregnated fibers and thin stainless wire which help reduce electrical "noise" as would happen if you just used a copper conductor. The insulation is also very thick to keep the spark from finding its way from the wire to ground before it gets to the spark plug.