Mazda problem (I know... not Nissan)

[MaineExport]

Okay, so to start with this has nothing to do with my 240sx, but I was hoping that, in your infinate wisdom, you might be able to help me with a Mazda issue. Unfortunately I know of no Mazda site that has the kind of support I can get here at NICO. So if you can help:

I have a 90 Mazda B2600i 4X4 and it has some mis-firing issues. The engine seems to run perfectly fine (under ideal conditions), but it misfires reguarly. The engine will continue to run, but it is skipping a cylinder every rotatoin when it acts up. When looking under the hood at night, I noticed a spark jumping from the ignition wire to the ignition coil (I believe that is what it is called.... small aparatus to which the ignition wire is attached, not the distributor). The spark occurs EVERY time the engine misfires.

So I wrapped the ignition wire in electrical tape where it conects to the coil. There is now no (visible) spark, but if I touch the ignition wire ANYWHERE, I get a nice shock. To top it off, the problem still exists.

I am completely baffled, as these are brand new wires and the problem has existed for a long time (replacing the wires was another effort to corect the problem). I would appreciate any advice.... thanks.

[drjohn]

Are they factory wires or aftermarket? Have you replaced the spark plugs or are they old ? Did you check the gap before you installed them ? If the plug gap is to wide or the plugs are worn out this will increase the resistance,[ the gap the spark has to jump] of the curcuit or plug and cause the voltage to take the path of least resistance. Causing the wires to short or the coils to short or crack from the current shorting to ground. Sometimes aftermarket wires don't meet factory specs and can short.