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Author Topic: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?  (Read 9521 times)

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Offline dergs713

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Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« on: February 13, 2012, 08:51:02 PM »
Hey guy looking at putting a old bsa tank on my 1975 honda 550f.  Pretty random I know, but after a little "modding" the thing will look good.  The problem is, the tank will not sit flush due to hitting the coils and wires.  I was thinking a simple fix would be extend the wires ,and place the coil under the seat.  Is this able to be done... or should I not push my luck.  Also if it is able to be done, how do I go by replacing the "fixed" spark plug wires due to them being non-replaceable?  Anyone have an idea?

Matt
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2012, 09:16:02 PM »
I'd classify adding 3 ft of length to each High tension wire as a bad idea.
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Offline steam-powered man

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2012, 04:49:17 AM »
NGK makes an inexpensive, solid and waterproof splice kit for plug wires, and if it were my project i'd give the extension idea a shot.  with new wiring, fresh caps and plugs i reckon you'd be fine.  yes, yes i know:  added resistance for the splices and added wiring.     
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2012, 04:54:53 AM »
I spliced mine over twenty years ago and have never had a problem. I replaced the original concrete ones with Hotwires silicones.
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Offline lrutt

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2012, 05:35:58 AM »
I extended the wires on a chopper I built back in 1980 with no problems. The good thing is that they are wire core so you can get a good splice there. just have to insulate it well. I used a plastic tubing that I slid over the wire splice after I soldered the wires together, then I injected silicone in the area to make it permanent. Self made but worked great.
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Offline dergs713

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2012, 10:16:25 AM »
Thanks guys, I'm gonna try it. I heard you can do the NGK thing, and other options is go get some 8mm wire and plugs from an automotive store.  Im just worried about the soldering and insulation.. I heard there a crimp method too.. Ill hafta do some research.
Thanks
Matt
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Offline steam-powered man

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2012, 02:25:06 PM »
when i got my latest project it had zero spark.  2 wires needed caps (replaced all 4) and 2 wires needed NGK splices.  got all at my local ma/pa bike shop.  good luck on your rebuild ........     
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Offline dergs713

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2012, 02:58:16 PM »
Thanks! I'm going to give it a go later next week.
Matt
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Offline Xnavylfr

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Re: Extending spark plug wires..? Bad idea?
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2012, 04:46:14 PM »
The way us chopper guys extend those wires ,we will cut about 2" from the coils and take a small finishing nail, about 1" and sharpen a point on each end, stick the nail into the wire ( coil Side) slide some heat shrink over it then stick the nail into the new wire section, slide the 2 together and heat shrink them!!.
I've done this fix MANY times and never had a problem!!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)
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