Why would an automotive plug wire not work on an ATV coil?

[LonesomeTriZ]

The ATC 110 I have been working on had an Accel 8MM plug wire on it. Some one at some point in time cut the ends off and used it on this trike. It “appears” as though it was done correctly. However, I did nto get any spark. I thought the coil was bad. I just recently got another 110 that did have spark. I took just the plug wire off of that one and replaced the 8MM wire. Now, I have spark. Other than the wire being damaged, are there any other reasons a standard automotive plug wire would not work? A few people told me that plug wire would not do the job. Why?

[thestud25]

Your standard automotive wire does not have a copper wire running through it like ATC. ATC, motorcylce, etc coils do. The majority of Automotive wires use some sort of a carbon filament. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[LonesomeTriZ]

But does it not carry a spark as well? Why would that make a difference?

[manbearpig]

Pretty sure stroberts22 used an automotive plug WIRE on either his 360 or 300 build. I can't remember if he used a Honda cap, but if you look around here his threads aren't too hard to find...

[El Camexican]

I think most ATV type coils use a screw that protrudes into the center of the wire core cable on most of our plug wires whereas the automotive type wires have a core that you fold 180 degrees so it makes contact with the metallic “cup” it is pushed into. Or more simply put most automotive distributor caps use a female fitting and most ATV coils use a male screw. I don’t know about conductivity, or resistance differences between the cored wire and the radio friendly automotive radio style wires, but I’m guessing it would be possible to miss, or have very little contact with the male pin of your ATV coil when you attempt to screw in the automotive wire. In fact you may even shred the core of the automotive wire when you are screwing it in as they seem pretty delicate. If your wanting to use automotive wire for some reason you might want to contact Dyna or Andrews (if they still exist) and see if you can’t match up your coil to a “female” style street bike coil as the Dyna coils on my street bike are made to use 8mm automotive style wires.

[Flyingw]

Automotive plug wires have a silicone core. The one you need is a solid copper core wire. You may find a parts store with solid core wire perhaps NAPA but I have tried using silicone core and it dosnt work. You can find solid core wire on Ebay. The reason silicone core wire doesn't work is because when you screw the plug cap on to the wire, it tears up the silicone. Solid core wire is the way to go.

[LonesomeTriZ]

I see, now I understand. I was hoping to use some old plug wires I have had sitting on a shelf.

[big specht]

They will work I have done it BUT It might not be the right way but it worked . I just screwed the auto wire in the coil like the stock one and screwed the cap on the other end like stock HELL we have even but connected the stock wire to a automotive type wire when the wire was to short. What are you out if you have them laying around :)

[LonesomeTriZ]

I was hoping fo a time and cost saving option that did not sacrifice quality work and reliability.

[El Camexican]

This link should explain everything

http://www.onedirt.com/tech-stories/efi-electronics/getting-wired-spark-plug-wires-101/

[LonesomeTriZ]

Very cool learning tool there.

[Flyingw]

Excellant article. Thanks for sharing that...

[LonesomeTriZ]

I agree with that.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I think most ATV type coils use a screw that protrudes into the center of the wire core cable on most of our plug wires whereas the automotive type wires have a core that you fold 180 degrees so it makes contact with the metallic “cup” it is pushed into. Or more simply put most automotive distributor caps use a female fitting and most ATV coils use a male screw. I don’t know about conductivity, or resistance differences between the cored wire and the radio friendly automotive radio style wires, but I’m guessing it would be possible to miss, or have very little contact with the male pin of your ATV coil when you attempt to screw in the automotive wire. In fact you may even shred the core of the automotive wire when you are screwing it in as they seem pretty delicate. If your wanting to use automotive wire for some reason you might want to contact Dyna or Andrews (if they still exist) and see if you can’t match up your coil to a “female” style street bike coil as the Dyna coils on my street bike are made to use 8mm automotive style wires.

Right on the money!!

[LonesomeTriZ]

i never realized there was such a difference.