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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Shielded Spark Plug Wires?

Anybody have a source for shielded silicon spark plug wires? My engine was hesitating and sputtering, I thought it was fuel starvation, but I tracked it down to bad wires. I installed a new set from LBCarCo (same as Moss) and the problem cleared up immediately BUT since their wires are unshielded with hard plastic caps now I get lots of static on the radio. So I guess I need shielded wires...where can I get 'em? Thanks in advance.
Jim Paul

Hi, Jim - I was a two-way radio technician for almost 30 years, and have spent quite a bit of time tracking and correcting radio interference. Shielded plug wires by themselves are generally a bad idea. The full package consists of wires, a metal 'cap' that goes over the existing radiator cap, and individual metal caps that go over each spark plug and ground to the block. When all connected, and with additional suppression capacitors sprinkled liberally around the ignition circuits, it can be very effective, but it is UGLY, UGLY, UGLY, not to mention very hard to work on! Not too bad for a gasoline powered electric generator, but really unattractive for a car.

Have you used resistor wires, and resistor plugs? Almost as effective (though not as efficient), and virtually undetectble from stock. I don't have a Haynes on the MGA, but the one for the midget has a really good discussion at the end of the electrical section regarding noise suppression.

Best of luck - - Alec
Alec Darnall

Jim,

I use the magnecor brand of ignition leads. These are suppressed for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). I find them particularly good in reducing interference (EMI) with computer controlled engine management systems on modern cars.
There is lots of information on their website.

http://www.magnecor.com

Mick
Mick Anderson

I am using bumble bee wires with lucus plug ends which are suppressor type. I have no noise except the noise I want from the radio.
JEFF BECKER

This thread was discussed on 03/09/2005

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