Spark plug wires

[murphsubaru]

Is it likely that I would need to replace plugs or wires after 50,000 miles? The car runs rough when first started after it rains. I spritzed the wires with water and saw some minute sparks in a few spots. This car has 153.000 miles. The wires are subaru wires. I did not see any arching on the distributor.

[1-3-2-4]

Sparks in what spots?

[murphsubaru]

where the wire bends.

[1-3-2-4]

Hmmm interesting... never heard of cracks in the wires and at 50,000 miles.

[wtdash]

What year and model/engine?

 

The EJ22 stock plug should be replaced, but the EJ25's platinum should be OK to 60K, which is good since they are a PITA to replace.

 

The wires should be replaced if sparking. I'd double-check how they're routed to ensure they're not in harm's way.

 

Td

Edited August 25, 2010 by wtdash

[ronemus]

I use NGK copper wires that I bought at Sparkplugs.com. They're inductively wound to eliminate radio noise, and use silicone insulation. They're MUCH better than stock Subaru carbon-string wires, and not very expensive. I've had them 8 years and they still look like new.

[murphsubaru]

What year and model/engine?

 

The EJ22 stock plug should be replaced, but the EJ25's platinum should be OK to 60K, which is good since they are a PITA to replace.

 

The wires should be replaced if sparking. I'd double-check how they're routed to ensure they're not in harm's way.

 

Td

 

99 forester 2.5

[idosubaru]

the arcing doesn't sound good at all, i'd think they need replacing. i've never heard if there's an "acceptable" amount of arcing or not.

 

i normally recommend OEM Subaru, that's usually the best fit for most people.

 

i use magnecors, great quality and service for the price and last the life of the vehicle, or if you're a subaru freak like me they'll last the life of a few Subaru's! don't buy from magnecor, shops/online vendors have them much cheaper than magnecor itself.

 

50,000 is relatively short, i would assume something happened to them...overheated or compromised in some way. how old are they? did they ever sit for a long period of time? wonder if age is getting to them?

[Rooster2]

If you have any wire arcing, then your wires are bad. Subie OEM wires are good, but not impossible to have them go bad. I use Bosch wires on my OBW. They have been on the car for 4 years, and still performing well. I bought them at an auto parts store, which is a lot closer to where I live, compared to going to the Subie dealer.

 

Avoid the cheapie wires at the parts stores, they just don't hold up.