testing spark plug wires

[ewoo]

so i have ngk blue wires in my gsr. i bought them used because i needed a quick fix, and also figured that ngk blues wouldnt be too bad. i noticed that after awhile, misfire codes for cylinders 1-4 and a random multiple misfire came up. now, i figured i could test the wires by seeing if its sparking. so from the distributor, i unplugged each wire, one at a time, off and held it at a distance away from the dizzy to see if it would spark. all four sparked well. constant and consistent spark. but whenever i'd test the other end of the plug wire, where it actually connects to the plug, it was different. usually, one would hold the spark plug end of the wire to a ground bolt and see if it'll spark. the problem was, three of the wires wouldnt spark strong at all. i'd have to hold the wires really close to the bolt to even see it spark. just seemed weak.

you think this is a definitive sign of bad wires? i just changed out my coil pack and rotor and cap and also have good plugs in.


thanks for any and all advice!

 

[jdmjim]

i think you answered your own question. you can measure the resistance in the wires and tell which ones are bad,but if your problem started after you put the wires on chances are their bad.try pulling the boots off and checking the terminals.

 

[mteg]

Putting used wires in your car is like using a used condom-generally a bad idea. They might work but why take the risk.

 

[ewoo]

^^i think thats sig worthy. haha

thanks guys!