installing replacing spark plug wires misfire

[97240SXSE]

I changed my plugs and wires the other day and the wires kept popping off the motor when I was driving. I had a friend come over and we ended up having to pull off the insulation and expose the wire itself. We made the connection with the wire to the plug first, and then slid the insulators down, and boot covers on top.

My question is: What are the symptoms of a misfire or bad connection besides rough idle? Are there any visual clues? The engine runs smooth now, but I've never changed the plugs myself before and I don't have full confidence in my work. I've driven about 30 miles since and noticed the boot on cylinder one lifts about 1mm or 2mm off the motor. Is this ok? Should it be flush?

My friend said the job should not have been that difficult and that plug wires usually just "plug in" with no problem.

I'd appreciate any insight regarding this.

[safxtacy]

did u gap the plugs right. not sure but thats all i could think u did wrong other than not tightning or to much tightning ont he plugs

[rogoman]

My question is: What are the symptoms of a misfire or bad connection besides rough idle? Are there any visual clues? The engine runs smooth now, but I've never changed the plugs myself before and I don't have full confidence in my work. I've driven about 30 miles since and noticed the boot on cylinder one lifts about 1mm or 2mm off the motor. Is this ok? Should it be flush?

Other symptoms of misfire are reduced HP and MPG.

I'll assume that you have a 1991 or newer 240SX since you didn't describe your car. The plug boots should never lift at all; it's a point of future failure. Are the plug wires OEM or some aftermarket crap?

It looks like it's time for a new ignition wire set; a good wire set to buy is 'NGK BLUE'; it's an excellent wire set and much cheaper then OEM.

[97240SXSE]

Gapping was not required.

I have a 97 like my name. The wires were Borg Warner from Checker.

Thanks for the input. I'm going to Midas today for a rusted resonator and a transmission fluid change. Maybe I'll just have them look at the plug wires too.

[rogoman]

Those wires are crap. The boot ends on each side are most likely not molded so they will get loose over time. Don't screw around; invest in a good set of the NGK BLUE 8mm wires that I mentioned in my previous post. I have a set of them on my DOHC motor and never had a problem; they snap on tight on the plugs and on the distributor cap posts.

[97240SXSE]

I already got the ok from checker to return the wires if I want to. I'll give it a couple weeks and see if they are any good, as I guess the company is officially licensed by nascar or something, so it must be a decent product for $55.

But yeah if these fail, then those NGK's will be next on my list. I did get NGK iridium plugs, if it makes you feel any better.

If these wires are indeed crap, then I will definately give you guys a heads up so that no one else has to go through this. For now though, the guy at Chevron said they're on tight right now; and my baby is running smooth with new plugs, wires, and resonator.

[97240SXSE]

Ordered the NGK blues today. The boots were lifting off the motor again, but this time when i pulled the insulators out, a rubber piece got stuck in the hole and I can't get it out. Tried a long screwdriver and a fish hook but it ain't workin'.

Don't bother with Borg Warner spark plug wires for awhile until they resolve their issues.

[95240mjm]

o-ring puller set, around 6 bucks at your local auto store, i have the same problem with my accell wires, cylinder #1 boot lifts about 1/4 to a 1/2 inch or so off the valve cover. i just ordered the ngk blues also

[hapaboi39]

Man i had the same problem!Those NGK wires really resolved that problem.The ka24DE is a very sensitive motor from what I've experienced, but it seems to love NGK. I had to special order the wires from an Import Parts Specialist and they werent cheap. I have to say they were worth every penny. Maybe that Nascar crap works for domestics but i would put anything on my car that is sponsored by Nascar. Just my opinion.

[Florida240sx]

Me and my friend have both thrown a set of those wires away. Ended up breaking the first time I went to pull them back out after a week.I used a clothes hanger and long small flathead to fish out the sprak plug wire rubber...NGK from sparkplugs.com...(we get discount)enough said

[slipnfall]

Hey while we're on the topic of the NGK Blues: can you guys reccomend a similar plug wire set, but in BLACK? I'm not trying to cordinate colors or anything, but this is seriously the only thing that has held me back from getting the 'blues. I just don't think they would look right(with a black valve cover, black engine bay, etc).

How are OEM?

[hapaboi39]

OEM is great... actual dynotest back that up.