HT lead problems

[monaghaj]

One of my HT leads is badly cracked, probably caused by the lead working itself loose and arcing to earth via the engine. I am now only running on 7 cylinders!!

I want to replace all the leads, possibly with better spec. ones. I have heard that the magnecor ones are good. Are there any cheaper alternatives? Are they worth the money? Will I notice a difference when compared with the original old ones? Which are the best ones to go for?

Also, do you have to remove the heat shielding from the old leads when putting the new ones on?

Thanks for your help,

Jamie.

[Hut49]

There's several types of Magnecor HT leads - unless you're into competition the standard 8mm ones are what you're looking for - they seem to be superior to the standard fit. I'm not sure whether your existing spark plu extensions will fit with these 8mm leads - otherwise it's an extra £3 each plus VAT

www.askchoc.com/act/images/magnecor-leads.jpg

Hutch

[kenny Chim 4]

On Monday I noticed that an offside HT lead was not properly sitting on the plug & on further inspection, saw that it had burned/fused from inside where the lead meets the extension cap (there was a light-brownish fuzz half way down the rubber overcoat- there's a solinoid in there methinks). Though all the existing leads are 7mm, got an 8mm lead & fitted the existant cap. I only bought the car a couple of weeks ago from an indie dealer but I don't know how long the Chim's been running on 7 cyls (must admit, didn't notice any performance/noise difference once new HT was fitted- let alone fuel consumption!). I'm concerned though, with fuel having gone straight thru the exhaust, I may fail the emmision test on the next MOT-really don't wanna have to replace the cat! Something to ponder- or am I worried about nothing?
PS- Incorigable, take your point- I would be a bit nervy about removing trim from the Chim door- would take some putting together again.

[Marshy]

I think you're worried for nothing :-)

Mine went on 7 briefly when one of the plug extenders went south. Trust me - you'll notice when it really is running on 7, as it'll vibrate quite a lot when pulling away.

Last emission check, post 7 cylinder operation, was clean as a whistle - considerably more so than my catalysed 1.4 Fiat Teapot.

I was in a hurry, and noticing that a couple of other leads were dying, I bought 8 leads from Halfords. Boy racer silicon jobbies, 3 to 4 quid apiece, bright orange.

While I expected them to die in short order and need replacing with something decent, they've been fine ever since. They won't stand up to being taken on and off repeatedly (I knackered one when I went to replace the plug extender underneath), but seem fine if left alone.

[monaghaj]

Can anyone suggest the best place to order these leads from?

[spnracing]

I put Magnecor on my Chimaera and they're on my race Golf.

To be honest they give no performance advantage whatsoever, if I were doing it again I'd just buy any 8mm ignition lead from a motor factor and fit them for half the cost.

[simon.b]

This is just a coincidence as I’m looking through a catalogue for a company called Vehicle Wiring Products phone no 0115 9305454 in Derbyshire. It’s full of switches relays connectors etc. all the sort of stuff you need to keep your TVR on the road including 8mm yellow silicon HT leads at £3.00 max. I don’t know if any of the stuff is any good but they maybe worth a try.

Cheers,

Simon.

[M@H]

Am I a sad git in that I'd shop around for a blue set of leads to match the car..?

[Hut49]

Why not get them from ACT direct?

www.askchoc.com/act/ignition.html

[qube]

quote:
Can anyone suggest the best place to order these leads from?

Try a set of bosch supers 8 mm from Halfords for a range rover engine cost around £24.99, i think they are B231's or B213's ,I've had them on the car for about a year now with no problems.

[SwanJack]

I believe the Magnecours are guaranteed for five (or might even be ten) years.

>> Edited by SwanJack on Thursday 10th October 18:28