Spark plug wires transfer electric current from the distributor cap to the spark plugs. The wires wear down with use and need replacement as part of scheduled maintenance on 1973 Corvettes and other cars. If the wires develop cracks or breaks, you should replace them earlier than the scheduled maintenance to ensure that the engine runs efficiently. A mechanic is not required to change the spark plug wires.
Tools Used: 8 mm or 10 mm wrench, Replacement spark plug wires, Dielectric grease
Install Spark Plug Wires
Specifying the engine type of your Corvette, buy replacement spark plug wires from an auto parts store and lay them out on a flat surface. You will have eight spark plug wires of varying lengths.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery by loosening the cable clamp bolt with an 8 mm or 10 mm wrench and lifting it off the battery terminal.
Locate the longest spark plug wire in the engine compartment. You will be replacing the wires in order of length, from longest to shortest.
Pull the longest spark plug wire off the spark plug. Grab the boot of the wire when pulling it off and use a gentle back and forth motion if the cable does not pull off easily.
Slide the wire out of the retaining clips inside the engine compartment. The retaining clips are used to keep the wires from swinging freely inside the compartment.
Remove the longest spark plug wire from the distributor cap using the method described in Step 4. Find the replacement spark plug wire that is the same size as the one removed from the engine and discard the old wire.
Place a small amount of dielectric grease on the inside of both boots on the replacement spark plug wire. This helps prevent corrosion, which will have an adverse effect on your engine's performance.
Attach one end of the replacement spark plug wire to the open spark plug by holding the boot of the spark plug wire over the spark plug and pressing down.
Run the spark plug wire through the engine to the distributor cap, attaching the retaining clips along the way. Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to the open distributor cap terminal by holding the boot of the wire above the terminal and pressing down.
Repeat Steps 3-11 with the remaining spark plug wires. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery by slipping the cable clamp over the negative battery terminal and tightening the bolt with the wrench.
Tips & Warnings
Allow the engine to cool down before replacing the spark plug wires to prevent injury.
0 Comments