How do you tell if your leads are worn out?

[private9]

Hi All,

Just wondering how I can tell if my leads are stuffed? The car runs well, idles smoothly etc, but I'm getting the car serviced anyway, so thought I might as well get them done if they needed changing.

Having said that, I don't want to replace mine if they're nowhere near stuffed.

Will search some threads as to recommended brands etc.

Thanks,

Justin.

[StealthAu]

I know its overkill, and a waste of cash, but I replace mine every 6 months (every second service).

[Robe]

Because it starts backfiring when on gas.

(That's why I wired those $5 air box springs on to the bottom of the box.)

[LOWAU]

You can tell if they are really stuffed if you run your car in the night and look for arcing across to your engine block. To be safe I guess change them every 70-100,000km.
You can also test them with a multimeter set on the OHM setting and test for resistance but it would be good if you have access to a new set so you could tell the difference.

[klawsterfobik]

I think its 10k Ohms for every 30cm? If they're above this they're stuffed.

[XR351]

I agree, if your experiencing mild backfiring from the exhaust when listening to it from behind say at idle then maybe both leads & plugs are a bit stuffed. Leads are less likely to breakdown (ie previous thread 70,000 - 100,000km maybe change leads but spark plugs especially on LGP breakdown quick 10,000-30,000km at a guess) It sounds like engine is missing or popping slightly. Cheers :

[GK]

If the leads are breaking down, would you notice hesitation under WOT?

GK

[Oo_xrsx_oO]

Originally Posted by GK

If the leads are breaking down, would you notice hesitation under WOT?

Generally one of the first signs they're on the way out, pretty scary when you give it a bootfull to get it through traffic or something and all of a sudden there's nothing there!

[GK]

Originally Posted by Oo_xrsx_oO

Generally one of the first signs they're on the way out, pretty scary when you give it a bootfull to get it through traffic or something and all of a sudden there's nothing there!

Under heavy throttle that's exactly what I've been getting!

My leads are being replaced as I type! I hope that sorts it out, otherwise, coilpack will be next.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh the fun and games! LOL!

GK

[Oo_xrsx_oO]

Originally Posted by GK

Under heavy throttle that's exactly what I've been getting!

My leads are being replaced as I type! I hope that sorts it out, otherwise, coilpack will be next.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh the fun and games! LOL!

GK

Yeah sounds like your leads have had it, do you get a popping sound sometimes when it cuts out? Always a good feeling when you know what the cause of a problem is, even better when its an easy fix.

[XR351]

If it was a coil pack stuffed the car would NOT run at all. Don't waste your money on a new coil pack if the car runs. If its missing replace the plugs first then if its still missing then gets some leads. Save your hard earned.... One thing at a time till you fix/find the prob.

[GK]

Originally Posted by XR351

If it was a coil pack stuffed the car would NOT run at all. Don't waste your money on a new coil pack if the car runs. If its missing replace the plugs first then if its still missing then gets some leads. Save your hard earned.... One thing at a time till you fix/find the prob.

I am doing exactly that.

Gas converter cleaned.
ISC valve cleaned on Monday.
Plugs replaced two weeks ago.
Today leads.

Hopefully that will be the situation sorted.

GK

[GK]

Originally Posted by Oo_xrsx_oO

Yeah sounds like your leads have had it, do you get a popping sound sometimes when it cuts out? Always a good feeling when you know what the cause of a problem is, even better when its an easy fix.

No popping sound that I can hear.

GK

[private9]

Originally Posted by LOWAU

You can tell if they are really stuffed if you run your car in the night and look for arcing across to your engine block. To be safe I guess change them every 70-100,000km.
You can also test them with a multimeter set on the OHM setting and test for resistance but it would be good if you have access to a new set so you could tell the difference.

Thanks, I'll give that a try in the next few nights. We've had the car for 2 years or 25000 kays, and the leads looked a bit old when we got it. Mechanic said they were fine at the last service, but not sure if he tested them or not.

I might just get a set and be done with it, as the plugs are being done anyway as well. The car's going on gas soon too, so at least I'll have peace of mind knowing that I won't have any backfires straight up!

[private9]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. In the end I figured they must be close to the end of their life regardless, so went out and bought a set of 9mm ICE leads. Will have them fitted next weekend hopefully, so I'll let you all know how it goes.