Spark plugs are crucial to the operation of any vehicle as they produce the spark of electricity needed to kick-start the combustion process. Designed for extreme durability, spark plugs are generally recommended to be replaced every 80,000 miles. Replacing spark plugs is a straightforward task but can be slightly complicated is connecting the spark plug wires in the right order. This article focuses on how to connect the spark plug wires in Chevy as well as other vehicles.
Spark plug wires go to the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 2nd cylinders. This is the right order for most V4 engines, including Chevy.
You may not give much thought to the order of the spark plug wires until you remove them and have to reinstall them. And there are consequences to installing them in the wrong order. Continue reading to learn about the correct order of spark plug wires.
Putting Spark Plug Wires In The Right Order
Whether you own a Chevy or some other car model, the best guide to connect the spark plug wires in the right order is the owner’s manual. The manual will provide a step-by-step guide on how to put spark plugs in the correct order. You’ll also see a detailed diagram of the spark plug wiring system, and this will let you know where each spark plug wire goes.
Another way to know the right order to connect the spark plug wires involves the distributor, which is a cylindrical component designed to direct high-voltage current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. As a result, the spark plug wires pass through the distributor, and you can find out the order by examining it.
Open the distributor cap and look out for a big round part where all the wires pass through. You’ll find the distributor cap at the top of the engine. Sometimes, it’s located in front of the engine. You’ll need a screwdriver to remove the top, as it is usually held in place by two latches.
Removing the distributor top will reveal the distributor rotor, which makes a turn with the crankshaft. By cranking the rotor, you’ll be able to know which direction it moves. Distributor rotors can move in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Check the direction your rotor moves in and note it.
Identifying The Spark Plug Wires In The Distributor
The four spark plugs pass through the distributor, as mentioned earlier. When you remove the top, you’ll see the spark plug wires, and the first spark plug wire is usually marked.
In most Chevy V8 vehicles, the cylinders are usually numbered 1-3-5-7 on the driver’s side. The cylinders on the passenger’s side are usually assigned 2-4-6-8. If your Chevy has four cylinders, it will be numbered 1-2-3-4. So, once you identify the first wire, it’s all about following the sequence above to connect it.
If all these sound confusing to you, just replace the spark plugs or the wires one at a time. This way, there won’t be any confusion about the order of the wires.
Inspecting Spark Plug Wires
You are supposed to change the spark plugs occasionally (every 80,000 miles for most cars). When changing the spark plug, use that opportunity to also inspect the spark plug wires. Follow the steps below to inspect the spark plug wires.
• Remove the wires one at a time and clean them with a neat, dry cloth.
• Check each wire individually for signs of physical damage, cuts, scratches, market, and scorch.
• Inspect the spark plug, the coil, and the wire insulation boot for signs of corrosion.
• Spark plug wires are connected to the distributor caps via spring clips. Check the clips for signs of physical damage or other types of damage.
What Will Happen If Spark Plug Wires Are Connected Incorrectly?
The spark plugs in your vehicle don’t fire at the same time. They have specific times when they fire, and the timing of the firing is very precise. So, if you connect a wire to the wrong spark plug, the timing of the spark plug becomes off, and this will affect the combustion process. The effect of this is potential significant damage to several components of the car. It’s even worse if you connect two or more spark plug wires to the wrong plugs.
Signs Of Spark Plug Problems
While spark plugs are designed to last long, it’s not uncommon for them to have some problems. Below are signs that suggest your spark plugs need some attention:
Fuel Economy
Every car owner should track the fuel economy of their vehicle. If you notice your car consuming more fuel than it used to, bad spark plugs might be the reason for that. It’s important to point out that there are many reasons why a vehicle might be consuming more fuel. But checking the spark plug should be one of the things you should do when trying to find the underlying problem.
Engine Misfiring
Bad spark plugs could be the cause of an engine misfire. When an engine misfires, it feels like it suddenly loses power, and you’ll experience delays when attempting to accelerate.
If you notice your engine misfiring, check the spark plugs and the wires. If they are in bad condition, you’ll need to replace or repair them depending on the severity of the problem.
Trouble Starting Engine
Dead batteries and empty fuel tanks are usually the culprits when it’s difficult to start a car. However, an unsuspecting culprit is the spark plug. When the spark plug is dirty or corroded, it’ll be difficult to start the engine. It’ll also be difficult to start a car if the electrodes of the spark plugs are damaged.
So, whenever you have trouble starting your car, the spark plugs should be among the first things you check out, alongside the battery and fuel level.
Why Causes Spark Plugs To Go Bad?
Oil and carbon build-up are the two most common reasons why spark plugs go bad. And it’s impossible to avoid this as they will eventually accumulate on the spark plugs as the engine undergoes combustion. However, quality plugs are designed to last longer and so will not degrade quickly.
Overheating is another thing that can make spark plugs go bad. But in normal circumstances, spark plugs shouldn’t overheat, as overheating is usually due to an incorrect fuel-to-air ratio. If you notice spark plugs going bad faster than usual, then it’s likely they are overheating.
Poor fuel quality can also damage your spark plugs. Generally, poor-quality fuel isn’t good for your engine. A bad fuel filter can also make spark plugs degrade faster, as impurities can get through the filter. A loose wire is another reason for malfunctioning spark plugs.
