Have 1.6 16v Ecotec that is 5 years old and done 105,000 miles with no problems. Starts and runs fine but I'm wondering if I should replace the H T leads. How long do they last?
I can remember the subject coming up here many moons ago and advice being given on measuring the resistance of each lead. Do they gradually deteriorate over time, so that you don't notice a loss of performance?
If they should be replaced, then what with? Looking in Halfords today. Choice there is Lemark Hotwires £28, Halfords £30 or Bosch £35. Would probably go for Bosch seeing there is little difference in the price. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Edited by Pugugly on 28/02/2008 at 19:44
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Starts and runs fine you say. So why change them?
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I would reccommend going to the dealer for new leads.
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To quote from the Car-by-Car Breakdown:
"Plug leads deteriorate and are ridiculously expensive to replace."
I don't consider £28 - £35 to be particularly expensive. How much are the dealer ones?
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Chris,
With the efficiency of modern engines good leads are more important than years ago.
Yours have done well and I would change as a routine replacement soon.
Personal thing...
Hotwires..no
Halfords..good
Bosch..good+
David
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I'd agree with David. Componenets like leads etc can let you down unexpectedly and, usually, at a very inconvenient time! Returning from Malaysia after the millennium new year (credit-card bashing hol!) got to the car (MB190, approx 170,000 miles) at Heathrow and it wouldn't start. First time ever! Been in damp conditions for 10 days, and moisture had affected the (worn) distributor cap according to the AA. Cleaned and dried and off we went
Got home without further problems, but next day I changed the cap, all leads (inc LT) and the rotor arm as preventative maintenance. Total cost was about £80, but well worth it to know these vital components are all new. The car has now done 202,000 miles and I'll probably do the same again at about 220,000 miles. If the car makes it that far!
Regards
Pat
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Starts and runs fine you say so why change them?
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Being a maintenance electrician unless the insulation resistance of the ht leads has deteriorated or the inside of the distributor has tracked (if fitted), then given that the leads look free of damage and perform there function , what is the point in changing them?
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Whilst I can see the logic behind 'if it ain't broke - don't fix it', I also believe 'prevention is better than cure'.
I suppose I'm concerned that:
a) a misfire could kill the Cat. - more expensive than new leads.
b) I don't want to be let down - As far as I'm concerned a car should start first time, every time. If it starts to let me down, it's time for a change.
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I've had readers quoted over £100, hence the comment. But perhaps the comment has forced GM to cut the price to Ford level which is about £30.
HJ
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Recently had a very noticeable R.P.M 'DIP' on tickover at normal idling temp and popping sound at exhaust.(Rover 416) A specialist tuning garage who really know what they are doing and have the right electronics to help them, traced it to the breakdown of insulation on the plug leads. Cost for full replacement (4)- £25. type - Bosch. They use and believe in Bosch parts, supplied and delivered from a local factor within 2hrs.
This was in the North of England and so might be more keenly priced.
I generally err towards the ...'don't fix it ' philosophy but your mileage is high I guess.
Chris.
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If you expect to keep the car for quite a while fit the best you can afford. Original leads on many cars are quite poor.
I've got Magnacor KV85s from Demon Tweeks. £65 a set of four, but the car runs much better on these than it did the originals. I expect to keep the car 5yrs + though, so I will get a long term benefit.
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