Protecting the spark plugs / leads from manifold heat

[biggiles]

(I've searched through the forums but there aren't any definite answers to this).

I have arcing between a lead/plug and the exhaust manifold.

The rubber surround on no.7 has perished in the heat.

According to my local expert, the plug itself is fine, as is the lead - so I just need some new protectors.

Some options seem to be:
a) New rubber surrounds. Which will perish in time.
b) Go the Magnecor route - don't think this will really help the core problem.
c) wrap the exhaust in heat-insulating tape. Expensive and v fiddly!
d) Some sort of heat shield to stop it happening again
e) some heat-resistance insulating tape, wrapped around the plug/lead where it matters.

I'm tending towards e) at the moment- but I'm sure others have had this problem?!

Thanks!

[V8 GRF]

You don't mention if you have the plug extenders fitted, if not you definitly need a set of those and if you do then I'd suggest you replace the extenders.

[biggiles]

V8 GRF said:

You don't mention if you have the plug extenders fitted, if not you definitly need a set of those and if you do then I'd suggest you replace the extenders.

You're right, I didn't. I'm not sure if I have them or not (nor how I would tell?).

I'm also away from the car at the moment so cannot check.

The HT leads and plugs were replaced during a service at Austec, but I don't recall if extenders were invoiced. Would Austec fit them as a matter of course?

[V8 GRF]

I'd have thought they'd be fitted as a matter of course. They're exactly what they sound like and fitted between the plug and the lead to move the leads away from the heat of the block and the manifolds.

Link to pictures here

[griffter]

Demon Tweeks sell plug lead shields suitable for 'e', but you shouldn't need them if you've got extenders fitted.