117K neon se 2003

I need to replace my wireset. I can hear arcing feeding back through my radio which is consistent with engine idle and accel/deccel. Also my gas mileage is dropping. I was getting a 21-22, but the last 6 weeks it has slowly drop to 17-18.

The last time I had them replaced was about 2 years ago, I think it was around 75k, I can't remember.
Plugs haven't been replaced since then either. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Figured I do a tune up, and see if that resolves my issue if not, I'll try a fuel filter and an O2 sensor.

Getting Champions RC9YC plugs.

But I don't know what to get for wires?
Recommendations?

This is what's available locally
Autolite?
Denso?
Napa brand wires???
Duralast


Or should I just order some online and what?

 

I went with Duralast when I did mine earlier in the month. So far my car has been running smooth, knock on wood (aside from the motor mounts). The high performance wires just aren't my cup of tea right now. I'm on a budget, so the OEM had to do. May try them in the future, but the Duralast work well right now, I could really feel a difference after I changed plugs and wires.

 

Wires should be replaced every 60,000 miles, or, every other plug change. Unless your engine is modified and would need the performance wires, regular replacement wires will work just fine. Brand...pick whichever one you like best. I have whatever Kragen/O'Reilly had and they've been fine.

 

i just did Bosch wires and Bosch Copper Super + plugs and they work just fine and brought my mpg back where it should be. I'm pretty sure the wires have a lifetime warranty and I figured I would just match up the plugs and wires.

 

So any brand will work, there's not a crap brand or a good brand?

Anyways I was driving home tonight and listening on the AM band of the radio and noticed that the arcing noise wasn't there. I got something to eat and pulled off to a side street and ate. I was thinking "hmm maybe I should visually inspect the wires since it's dark out."

I got out, open the hood, and started checking from left to right. I push down slightly on rubber seal and wire, got to number 2. I saw a slight arc and OW! ****! Checked 3 and 4 noticed a tapping type vibration, it feels direct, but I don't hear it. Not sure if it's the gap on the spark plugs or stretched valves.

What do you guys think?

 

I think you are thinking into this too much. If the wires are old, change them. Done.

 

I agree with Darth, $30 for plugs and wires, ten minutes to change everything out. Problems should be solved.

 

So much for changing out the plugs and wireset.

I pull one wire plug out noticed oil on the end. I look down in the hole and sure enough 1/2" of oil sitting. I need new tube seals and valve cover gasket. I don't think I'm gonna have time to do this.

 

it really doesn't take long to do the valve cover gasket on these cars. when i did mine it took me around 30 mins to pull it off, change the seals, put it on, and do the plugs and wires. here's what to do:
Pull the wires off the plugs
Use a 10mm socket to remove the coil pack
Pull the PCV tube off the valve cover (towards the firewall)
Pull the other tube on the driver's side off (don't remember what it's called)
Use a 10mm socket to remove the valve cover
Replace the tube seals and gasket
Put back together.

 

can probably get away with just tapping the tubes back down. if not its a EZ job to change