packard plug wires

[okiecub51]

I am going to do a tune up on my '51 F Cub. It has Packard plug wires on it, are these a good brand of plug wire? They are what come on it, they seem to do good. I don't know how long they have been on there. I am thinking of putting that brand back on there if they still make em. Doe anyone recommend a brand that they like?

[Barnyard]

I understand that Packard is a top brand. If your wires are good and you have no trouble with them I would leave them be. Of course I don't know what situation you have there.

[Bob McCarty]

You just want to make sure they are solid copper core and not carbon core.

Bob

[okiecub51]

It seems fine when its running, but it takes several tries to start it,even in warm weather! I thought maybe a tune up, the distributer cap has a IH logo on it. I don't know how old that is or if you can even still buy them like that. I have a new 6volt battery, I also thought about cleaning up the carb. And checking it out.

[Bob McCarty]

TM Tractor sells a tune up kit: http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/5672-2fp.htm Probably available at your local auto supply too (although not IH).

Bob

[okiecub51]

Thanks guys, I done some research and think I will leave those plug wires on!

[havoc1482]

You just want to make sure they are solid copper core and not carbon core.

Bob

What is the difference? I hear that some engines it will cause problems if its not the right kind

[tinnerjohn]

I'm no expert, but IMO Packard or Belden wires are probably some of best out there. Of course, living in the same county as the former Delphi (Packard Electric ) Warren plants and having a BIL and many friends/neighbors who worked there may bias my opinion. As far as carbon vs. copper, I was always told that the carbon wires were developed to eliminate TV/Radio interference from the ignition, but was not durable in high vibration (tractor/machinery) applications. This should open a can of worms, kind of like the "what brand oil" debate! John

[havoc1482]

I did some research. Carbon wires burn out quickly but supress EM emission that will make a car with a highly integrated computer system (basically all modern cars) go bonkers. Manufacturer know that sparkplugs are a routine replacement item, so longevity is never a problem. There is also a difference in resistance which can effect timing. Solid core wires are best used on older carbureted engines where EM emissions wont effect anything and where spark timing is mechanically driven rather than computer controlled