Hi jb!
I don't remember seeing this in the owners manual...
I have about 60,000 miles on my 2k Outback. I replaced the spark
plugs many miles ago, but still have the factory wires. Does anyone
know when they should be replaced?
I wouldn't worry about them unless you're having ignition-related
problems; loss of power at hi RPMs, poor performance on rainy days, hi
HC on emissions tests, etc. Modern plug wires (plugs too, FWIW)
usually last a long time, and the degradation of the wires insulation
is more of a time X temperature thing than mileage anyway. Don't know
if your OB has a distributor or not, but you'll probably go thru a
couple sets of cap/rotor on the same wires as long as you don't pull
an end off or something.
Two easy tests for bad wires:
Find a nice dark place and start the engine. Open the hood and look
for corona discharge (a blue "glow") around the coil, dist. cap, and
along the wires. If you see any at all, replace the component(s).
Or start the engine, and run your finger around the "towers" of the
coil and cap, and along the wires. If the insulation is good you
shouldn't feel anything. If you get "bit", replace the component(s).
This takes a bit of courage, but unless you grab an uninsulated wire
or something, any shock delivered thru a failing dielectric will be
fairly mild; more of a pinching sensation than anything. But you
_will_ feel it; prepare yourself so that you don't jump and wack your
head on the hood if it happens
Also what brands would you recommend. My experience with these things
ends many years ago with Blue Streak on Ford small blocks.
OEM or Bosch. Plan on spending a bit more for the good stuff; probably
$30 - $50 for a set. Whatever, don't waste your time with the $9.95
set from Bubbas Discount Auto Parts; this is one place where you
really _do_ get what you pay for.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
