How to Protect Head Spark Plug Wires
If you’re a car enthusiast, then you know how important it is to protect your spark plug wires from your heads. Headers are designed to provide better airflow to the engine and can produce immense amounts of heat that can damage spark plug wires. So what can you do to make sure your spark plug wires are secure?
Some of the most common ways to protect header spark plug wires are heat boots, heat shields, and heat reflective tape. You can also use zip ties and perform regular maintenance to make sure the spark plug wires aren’t too close to the heads.
Why it is important to protect spark plug wires
Spark plug wires are essential components of your vehicle, carrying current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Without them, the engine will not run properly, which can lead to a variety of problems, including misfiring, rough idling, poor acceleration, and more.
That is why it is so important to keep them protected from heat sources such as heads. Click here for more information on the symptoms of bad spark plug wires.
8 Ways to Protect Spark Plug Wires
1. Insulating sleeves
One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to protect spark plug wires is to use insulating sleeves. These sleeves fit snugly over the cable and act as a barrier between heat from the head and the cable itself, reducing the chance of damage.
When purchasing an insulating boot, make sure it is the correct size for the spark plug wire and is made of a material that is resistant to high temperatures; this will ensure maximum protection against excessive heat.
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2. Heat shields
Another way to keep spark plug wires safe from head heat is to install heat shields around them. Heat shields are designed to reflect heat away from sensitive areas of the engine, such as spark plugs and wiring harnesses; Plus, they provide extra protection from dirt, dust, and other debris that could cause more problems down the road.
When installing a heat shield, make sure it fits securely around all sides of each individual cable so it won’t slip out of place when exposed to high temperatures or vibrations caused by normal handling conditions.
3. Heat reflective tape
Heat reflective tape can also be wrapped around each spark plug wire for added protection from header exhaust heat. This tape reflects radiant energy away from its surface while allowing air to flow through it so excess moisture does not accumulate within the cable’s insulation.
Be sure to purchase a high-quality tape specifically designed for extreme temperatures so it won’t peel off when exposed to intense engine vibrations or hot exhaust fumes.
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4. Insulation boots
The easiest and cheapest way to protect your spark plugs is with insulating boots. Insul boots are made from a heat resistant material that will keep your spark plug wires away from the hot metal of your head.
These insulation boots are available in rubber and silicone varieties, so you can choose which one best suits your needs. You can also find boots in different sizes and shapes, so you can get one that fits snugly around your spark plug wire.
5.HP Boots
HP boots, or heat protection boots, are almost the same as insulation boots; however, they are made of a different material. HP boots are made of ceramic insulation and stainless steel parts that are designed to be highly resistant to heat and absorb heat minimally.
These boots are also designed to repel dirt, dust, and other debris that could get onto the spark plug wire when exposed to high temperatures or vibrations during normal driving conditions.
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6. Fiberglass socks
Fiberglass socks are another great solution for protecting header spark plug wires, as they provide additional flexibility and heat resistance.
These socks are typically made of a woven fiberglass material that helps deflect and dissipate heat from the spark plug wires, preventing damage from high temperatures.
Fiberglass socks are also fairly simple to install, making them an ideal solution if you’re looking for quick and easy head heat protection.
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Prices and availability of products are exact as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any pricing and availability information displayed on [relevant website(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will be used in the purchase of this product.
7. Periodic maintenance
It’s also important to keep your spark plug wires up to date with regular maintenance, such as inspecting them periodically for any damage or deterioration. This includes checking for cracks or frayed spots that could make it even more vulnerable to head heat.
Having the wires inspected by a professional and replacing them if necessary can prevent potential engine problems in the long run.
8. America’s Brides
One of the more homemade options to protect spark plug wires from head heat is to use zip ties. This simple fix can be effective in keeping your spark plug wires in place and away from excessive heat, as you can tighten the zip ties tightly around the wires. Just make sure not to overtighten them as this could damage the wiring.
How to install spark plug wire insulation sleeves
The “installation”, if you can call it that, of a spark plug insulation boot is a very simple process.
The first step is to locate the spark plug wires and then begin to separate them from the distributor cap so you can access where the spark plug connects to the cylinder head.
Once you’ve separated the wires, you can measure the length of the insulation sleeve you need and cut it to length.
From there, slide the boot over each spark plug wire and position it in place so that it covers all the places where heat can affect the wiring.
Finally, secure the sleeve with zip ties or a similar device to ensure it stays in place and you’re done.
What is a header?
A header is a component found in the exhaust system of most internal combustion engines. It consists of two parts: the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe. The exhaust manifold collects all the exhaust gases from each cylinder of the engine and directs them to a tube that leads to the catalytic converter or muffler.
The header helps reduce back pressure in the exhaust system, which improves engine efficiency by allowing more air to flow through the cylinders.
How does a header work?
The header works by increasing airflow through your vehicle’s intake and exhaust systems. This improved airflow helps reduce back pressure in the cylinders, allowing them to produce more power during fueling. Since lower back pressure means less heat generated in the cylinders, this can help improve fuel economy and also reduce your vehicle’s tailpipe emissions.
Heads are essential for performance engines because they help improve the horsepower and torque output of your engines. Since they are thinner than regular mufflers, they also help produce more noise but produce additional heat, which can be a potential problem for your spark plug wires.
