MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 TD TF 1500 - Spark Plug Wires More Important than I thought

I had been experiencing an intermittent 4,000 RPM miss
when the engine warmed up, that often went away after a while.

First I suspected the condenser, so I replaced the points and condensor. As it was intermittent, it took a while to be sure it was gone. It wasn't.

I was ready to put in the previous coil that I saved thinking it might be the coil, when I decided that even though the spark plug wires didn't have a carbon core that is subject to break down, they are cheap, of unknown age and may as well be replaced.

It has been a couple of weeks now, and some unseasonably hot weather and the problem hasn't shown up. I guess spark plug wires can cause symptoms that I would normally attribute to a more 'active' component. I can only imagine that the insulation broke down and there was arcing going on to a ground or another wire. It would occasionally backfire, and the miss went away at higher RPM if you could get there.

Just thought I would pass it on for others, and to see if anyone knows more about this subject...
L Ayres

Larry,
I do hope you repalced with lucas "Bumble Bee" or other premium wire. If not this may be a problem that comes right back in short order...(as it did for me!)
IMHO ..I am not a big fan the "made in Tiwan" kit that has been sold in the past for these cars having gone through 3 of them in 1 season. Frankly ...I use better wire than that on my lawn mower!
(Much in the archives about this!)
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

I actually bought some wire at the local NAPA store. If it doesn't hold up I will switch to the Bumblebee wire, which
seems expensive at the local supplier.

Larry
L Ayres

operative words..."or other premium wire".
FYI you might want to check:

http://www.triple-c.com/Triple_C_Motor_Accessories___MINI_Cooper__MINI_Cooper_S__MG__Triumph_etc_.cfm

Their prices for Lucas is fairly decent as I recall.

Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Larry,
Check the fuel pump thread also!
David
David Sheward

Find an auto supply house that sell Bosch replacement plug wires...you can get a set for the MGB.
They work just fine and are much less expensive the BB
wires. I think I paid about $16.00 for them.
Colin Stafford

Opps! thought I was on the "B" site. Sorry 'bout that.
Colin Stafford

FYI: Bumble-Bee wire:
Moss: $3.25 per foot.
CCC: $1.25 per foot.
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2007 and 10/05/2007

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.