spark plug boots

[wwilkins]

I changed my old delco wires for new delco wires. Now the number 5 and 6 plug boots are burnt through. No, I don't have the shields anymore and I have seen several cars without the shielding on them and they didn't have this problem either. Any ideas out there?

Bill

 

[1979toy]

Are you running your engine lean? Is the timing not advanced enough?

 

[JohnZ]

Are they burned through from the inside or the outside? If you have stock cast iron manifolds, you need the curved sheet metal heat shields to avoid frying the boots - they're there for a reason, especially if your ignition shielding is in place (reduces airflow around the plugs).

 

[wwilkins]

The heat shields are on the list of things to come I just haven't bought them yet. The same manifolds are on the car. My old wires were in good shape at the ends just ugly, no burn marks on them. I installed new plugs and wires then set the timing according to the manual and now the plug boots are burning. I was wondering if the new wires are built a little cheaper. It's just wierd.

 

[mvftw]

I'm going to change the plugs on my '78 L82, do I have to remove the heat shields? If so, do they come off ez or is it common to break bolts off, mine look rusty...

 

[SwaveDave]

Wait till it gets dark, then, idle your motor as you look at the exhaust manifolds. Are they glowing redish ?? If so, your timing is not advanced enough .

If you want some good hi temp boot protectors...look in Jegs and get a package of 8. I got these and installed them on my BB with headers. A couple of the protectors are actually touching the header, and they dont burn thru.

S.D.

 

[JohnZ]

I'm going to change the plugs on my '78 L82, do I have to remove the heat shields? If so, do they come off ez or is it common to break bolts off, mine look rusty...

Nope, you don't have to remove the curved heat shields that fit inside the curvature of the manifolds - just the ignition shielding, so you can get to the plugs.