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Spark plug wires - marine vs auto?

B

bob-the-boater

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Hello!

I'd like to change the spark plug wires on my 4 cyl inboard boat engine. And I was thinking - instead of ordering the oem replacement, I could just go to my local auto performance shop and pick up a generic set of performance wires that match the lengths reasonably well. It's electricity, moving at the speed of light. Small differences in length isn't going to change anything.

BUT - lots of marine parts are 'special'. How about spark plug wires? I've read that the connector at the distributor end is sometimes different. But very different? If I take my original with me and the boots/connectors look the same, am I going to find out there's some subtle difference not easily seen visually that makes them not work?

Any wisdom anyone would care to impart will be much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
No difference.............

Only issue is with the V6, V8 models are the marine wires are much longer......
 
What is the difference ?

I have looked at many Quality wire sets and see no difference other than the lengths needed for marine.

Not arguing but actually interested in knowing.

Good quality wire use high quality crimp on terminals, they are both silicon based outer core wires, they both have the same inner core material and end caps.
 
kghost said:
What is the difference ?

I have looked at many Quality wire sets and see no difference other than the lengths needed for marine.

Not arguing but actually interested in knowing.

Good quality wire use high quality crimp on terminals, they are both silicon based outer core wires, they both have the same inner core material and end caps.
Click to expand...
^^^^ I'm curious here as well.
 
Stainless steel spark plug terminals for a positive corrosion-proof connection and pure silicone boots for heat protection on the marine grade wires.

Automotive wires will not be the right length to fit around the manifolds properly.

Sierra wires have an SS core.

Auto wires will break down and start leaking after a year or so.

Last but not least. If you use Auto wires in your boat and have a fire/explosion, your insurance company will deny your claim.

So spend the extra $25 dollars and do it right.

 
Lenth I knew about. Solid silicon boots, good quality wires will have those.
Stainkess steel connections for tbIV and V I actually was not aware.

I never checked older 4 cylinder point wires... thought they used copper ends.

Not sure i would want SS core for average boat. Very noisy feed back through radio...

I know outboards use the solid core... not sure i have seen them used on standard I/O' s.


Good to know..thanks for sharing.
 
I have purchased Belden marine wire from Napa for my boat and a few friends over the years

Great quality but have not purchased any in years....

When I work on someone else boat I purchase OEM only..........
 
Docksidemarineservices said:
Stainless steel spark plug terminals for a positive corrosion-proof connection and pure silicone boots for heat protection on the marine grade wires.

Automotive wires will not be the right length to fit around the manifolds properly.

Sierra wires have an SS core.

Auto wires will break down and start leaking after a year or so.

Last but not least. If you use Auto wires in your boat and have a fire/explosion, your insurance company will deny your claim.

So spend the extra $25 dollars and do it right.
Click to expand...
^^^^^This is good to know...Thanks!
 
I rebuilt my VP AQ131 last year and put in bosch plug wires and it runs just fine but after reading this thread I found a good set of marine plugs for reasonable. Will give them a go.
 
Plug wires matter! They carry the magic to where it happens. Marine Plug Wire Standards & Certification is Governed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and U.S. Coast Guard standards.
  • Core Material: Utilizes heavily tinned copper conductors. The tin coating is essential to stop the wire from oxidizing and corroding in salt air or high-moisture environments. [1, 2]
  • Insulation: Heavily insulated with highly flexible, waterproof silicone or synthetic rubber. This prevents electrical shorting in damp bilges and resists degradation from engine oil, fuel, and acid. [1, 2]
  • Terminals: Sealed with heavy rubber boots (often silicone) at the distributor and spark plug to prevent water intrusion. [1]
Marine wires demand corrosion prevention and waterproofing. Aviation wires prioritize extreme fire safety and RF shielding. Automotive wires are optimized for mass production, heat resistance, and electronic noise suppression in varying budgets.
 
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