Topic: How hard is it to replace Coil leads?

[Jore]

Hi all,

Just as the tittle says, how hard is it to replace coil leads? I've read a few tutorials and posts and seen everything from a brad nail inside, to cutting the coil and splicing a new wire in, and the ngk splice connectors.

Well first up, I'm in Mexico, so getting things like the NGK stuff is kind of complicated and if found over priced.

My current leads are in a sad state, this one's the worst:



I came across  set of coil leads for a Type 1 VW, they're copper cored and the caps seem to be non resistive (just a strand of copper crimped on both sides).







I haven't measured them yet, but from the looks of it, I think i'll have to use resistive spark plugs. I'm also guessing that my best bet if I want to use these cables is to cut up the coil and splice them in.

Can you guys help me out, with tips and tricks, info and what not.

Also, should I do t or just leave them alone, I'm fairly competent with soldering so I don't think that should be an issue.

Thanks!

[Lars]

If only the caps are bad, that is an easy fix. Screw them out, cut the lead end about 6-7 mm and stew new ones in. No need to replace the leads if they are ok.

To replace the leads, I would rather advice you to buy a used set. To replace the lead, you will have to do it the way you suggest. I have managed to pull and twist the wires out. Tried to push new ones in, but it is hard to have them all the way in to enter the connection unit. Dreml the coil as shown in thread would work.

[Jore]

Didn't know I could unscrew the old caps, I'll see if I can find just the caps.

On a side note, one of the leads feels looser then other 3 leads, this on the side next to the coil.

[Stev-o]

Yes, the caps screw off.  Not sure on the 400, but the 550 has two different types, the angle is slightly different. They are only about $3-6 here in the States.


http://www.partsnmore.com/parts/honda/cb400/?filters%5Bcategory%5D=electrical&filters%5Bmodel%5D=cb400t&filters%5Bpage%5D=4&filters%5Bper_page%5D=25

[Rigid]

No ebay in Mexico?  I have a box full of ends stripped from old rebuilds in case i need one.  Just the kind of thing that is very handy to have a box of laying around. 

[Jore]

We have a crappy ebay clone but you can get only junk and led lights.

I'll hit the part stores and see what I can find, if not then, i'm chopping the coils.

[Stev-o]

Can't you order from US?

[Smoke Detector]

As it happens, I just did this today using NGK splicers and new wire, and it's simple. The old wire was original and the interior at the plug end had turned to goo, to the point where I couldn't get the plug cap to hold, and there wasn't enough extra length to trim back.
If your wires are still in good shape, you can just buy new plug caps and trim the wire back a bit, then screw them in and you'll be good to go.

[Jore]

I can, but I also have to pay import duties so I rather not.

How much should I snip before changing the caps?

[Stev-o]

How much should I snip before changing the caps?

About 1/4", and you should see clean copper strands. 

[Jore]

Thanks mate!

[tlbranth]

I can, but I also have to pay import duties so I rather not.

How much should I snip before changing the caps?

Import duties. WTF was NAFTA for then?

[Jore]

I have the same question.

Heck sometimes you have to send a copy of your aeroplane tickets (to proof you've been state side recently) just so customs con let your stuff go through.

Anyway, I'll stop since this isn't a political thread.