Page 1 of 2

Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 11:17 am
by Jim Becker
Has anyone measured the length of the original ignition wires? In the past when I have made up a set, I just removed and duplicated each wire one at a time. I would now like to make up a whole set then install it. The wires currently on the tractor appear to be semi-random lengths, not useful patterns.

The only thing I know on the lengths is that #1 and #4 were origianlly the same (same part number).

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 11:57 am
by Rudi
Jim:

I think I kept the original set from Granny. Will go down later this afternoon and see, if I do, I will take pics and measurements. The boots were interesting - ribbed :o

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 12:43 pm
by Jim Becker
The originals did not have boots on the spark plug end, just a 90 degree metal connector.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:08 pm
by John *.?-!.* cub owner
I was just going to mention, that if you were putting on boots it would be tough to get them through the loop that holds them in place on the top of the head.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:34 pm
by cub47
Jim, I have purchased many sets of these reproductions from Tom and have noticed there are different lengths in the set.

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/6293fp.htm

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:50 pm
by Jim Becker
Yeah, #1 amd #4 should be identical. I think #2 and #3 should be different from each other and both shorter than #1 and #4. The length of the center wire is another question.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 7:20 pm
by Jim Becker
I looked around here until I found a set on a tractor that looked fairly original and seemed to fit well. They measured:
1- 17
2 - 14 1/2
3 - 15
4 - 17
When 1 and 4 came up the same length, it was a little more confirmation that this set was the original length. The fifth (center) wire with these was an obvious substitute, so no help. Checking a few others, I found wires that were 7, 8 and 9. I settled on making an 8.

I made the whole set using the leftovers from a previously used "universal" set, still have a 54" wire left over.

I'm going to stick with the above lengths until somebody gets good measurements off some known to be original wires.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 7:24 pm
by cub47
Jim, what two points on the wires are your dimensions taken from? I have a 51 original Cub that I will get the wire measurements from but want to make sure I am on the same page.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 7:28 pm
by tst
Hi Jim, I have a original set in the barn, will measure them tomorrow
Tim

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 7:34 pm
by Jim Becker
I measured them stretched out straight, measuring from the outside of the bend on the right angle end to the flat of the other end. The center wire is flat on each end, so I measured flat end to flat end.

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 5:51 pm
by tst
Hi Jim, I measured the set I have, they were off the tractor so I do not know which lenghts went to which cylinder, two were 17", one 15" and one 14.5", coil wire was gone
Tim

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:24 pm
by LARRY BALL
something i did on spark plug wires. its not orginal or showroom correct (for collectors and restoration). I bought a pair of old style sparkplug terminal
pliers. The local tool truck ordered them or me and I located the terminal ends (in brass) and boots both in 90 degree. The 90 degree boots and terminals on the distribtor cap made for a tight, organized, custom fit. It worked out so good that I used the 90 degree boots on the spark plugs too.
what it di ws take away the "big loop" in the plug wire to make the tight space at the distributor cap! The 90 degree boots on the spark plugs look better too!

somedays I get Brainsorms!..........and somedays I just get Rain!

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:24 am
by ScottyD'sdad
LARRY BALL wrote:something i did on spark plug wires. its not orginal or showroom correct (for collectors and restoration). I bought a pair of old style sparkplug terminal
pliers. The local tool truck ordered them or me and I located the terminal ends (in brass) and boots both in 90 degree. The 90 degree boots and terminals on the distribtor cap made for a tight, organized, custom fit. It worked out so good that I used the 90 degree boots on the spark plugs too.
what it di ws take away the "big loop" in the plug wire to make the tight space at the distributor cap! The 90 degree boots on the spark plugs look better too!

somedays I get Brainsorms!..........and somedays I just get Rain!

Where did you get the terminal ends and boots? Ed

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:31 am
by Rudi
Ed:

Napa

Re: Spark Plug Wire Length

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:17 pm
by LARRY BALL
Ed, Rudi hit the nail on the head. I had my local Napa store order the 90 degree terminals, spark plug boots and distributor 90degree
terminals and boots. But, with out the correct crimping pliers its nearly useless. I found a older man that had one of those tool
ttrucks. The crimping tool is very well made. I think it was Matco. I will try to find the model number and post it.