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running cooler with new plug wires

Discussion in '308/328' started by Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007.

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  1. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #1 Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007
    So I just installed these new ignition wires. My car had a bit of a miss at idle, and now that is gone for the most part, and the feels like it has a bit more poke. The part of this project I still can't get over is how much cooler the car is running now. I would say the water temp is 10-15 degrees cooler now. I just sat in Las Vegas rush hour traffic for literally an hour and 20 minutes (80 degrees outisde) and the engine never went even close to the half way mark, when before, it always went a little over. I do have high flow fans installed in the car that I put in some time ago. So this is a note for anyone thinking about replacing their ignition wires who may also have a heat problem. They seem to be related.
     
  2. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

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    #2 Perfusion, May 4, 2007
    I don't have a heat problem, but I am curious about which wires you used and how the installation went!
     
  3. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #3 Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007
    Accel 4040R off ebay for $18! I will post photos when I get home later today. The car immediately idled higher right when I started the car. I do think I have an intermittent coil or just a couple bad old coils. They still work, but I am sure they are tired.
     
  4. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

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    #4 Perfusion, May 4, 2007
    Yeah, it'd be worth replacing them just for the hell of it - do the ballast resistors at the same time, as well, unless you run electronic ignition and don't need them.
     
  5. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #5 Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007
    I am getting a strong 10.8 volts at both coils while running. Just out of curiosity, why would a ballast resistor need to be replaced?
     
  6. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

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    #6 Perfusion, May 4, 2007
    ...um....'cause somebody once told me they can go bad? That, and the fact that they're ~$10, it can't hurt.
     
  7. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

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    #7 M.James, May 4, 2007
    I would LOVE to hear a more technical explanation for this phenomenon. I don't doubt your readings, I just can't see the connection between engine cooling and plug wires...unless your radiator fans are in series with your ignition system.
     
  8. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #8 GrigioGuy, May 4, 2007

    Maybe this -- intermittent misses == fuel in the exhaust system/burning in cats == hotter engine bay as a whole? Just a thought.
     
  9. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #9 Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007
    No cats on my car. I kid you not though, my car is running cooler now. I have no idea why. I just got to work after sitting in an hour and 20 minutes of traffic in 80 degree heat with the ac on. The needle did not go to the halfway mark. It used to. It makes no sense to me either. Maybe the new wires are somehow causing my coolant sending unit to read differently.

    Maybe the headers are staying cooler as a result of a more complete burn in the combustion chamber allowing for lower temps.
     
  10. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #10 WaltP, May 4, 2007
    I've been wrong many times here before but I can't see how this could make your car run that much cooler. The thermostst will open and close to keep the temps in range. If your car is running cooler now I think you either knocked a wire loose or made a wire make better connection to give this new reading.
     
  11. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    #11 Ferraripilot, May 4, 2007
    It is total nonsense to me too. I think it has to be a connection issue.
     

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