Can I Use A Steel-Core Spark-Plug Wire

KCTractors

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Location
Central Wi
This is probably a stupid question, but here it goes! Can I use a length of steel-core spark-plug wire to use for a coil wire?
I have a Ford 8N side distributor and I am not getting any spark through the cap to the plugs. I have replaced everything with NAPA parts. I cleaned the distributor, weights and plate nice and shiny. New points, condenser, rotor and cap and the clip holding the rotor down. I have a good spark at the points when I open and close them. New coil from Napa also. The only thing I don't have is a new coil wire. My ohm meter says the coil wire isn't broken.
 
Yes, but if the original has conductivity, it is fine. Steel wire is not usually found. It might be tin coated copper wire, steel rusts and has much higher resistance than copper. I have never seen steel spark wires. A hefty spark at the points could be a bad condenser. Jim
 
Easy test for the coil wire, hold it near a ground, spark the points, see if makes as good a spark as you get straight out of the coil.

You can also use the coil wire to check the rotor. With the rotor on the distributor, spark the points with the coil wire near the rotor. It should NOT draw a spark. If it does, the rotor is burned through to the shaft.

If you get good spark to the distributor cap, but not to the plugs, look the rotor/cap relationship over closely. Be sure the rotor is the correct height, length, the button is in contact with the rotor tang, and the rotor is in the right position when the points open.

Keep in mind, all ignition components are aftermarket. Compare the new to the old carefully, anything is possible.
 
(quoted from post at 22:04:46 03/13/18) Yes, but if the original has conductivity, it is fine. Steel wire is not usually found. It might be tin coated copper wire, steel rusts and has much higher resistance than copper. I have never seen steel spark wires. A hefty spark at the points could be a bad condenser. Jim

Jim, I'm NOT sure what type of wires the OP was talking about, but there's all sorts of spiral-wound magnetic suppression wires out there that use fine SS wire.
 
Yes, they all work if in good condition........even the much beat upon, often maligned carbon impregnated resistance wires!
 
Try cranking the engine over in the dark. If the coil wire is bad, you'll see sparks. It is possible, but unlikely, that the coil wire is your problem.

I recently spent a ridiculous amount of time troubleshooting a problem caused by a new TSC condenser that was defective.
 
Was the tractor running before everything was replaced or did it quit causing you to replace? Are you sure the points are opening when the rotor is pointing at a plug lobe on the cap. I once had a ford where the 4 sided cam on the distributor shaft that opened the points moved causing it to fire between the plug lobes.
 

Many years ago when I was still a kid, dad left the Farmall H setting in the cattle feed lot. One of the young steers, being curious I guess, decided to see what that tractor tasted like. When we got back to the tractor, it would not start. A quick inspection revealed the coil wire was missing. Apparently swallowed by that curious steer. Dad found some baling wire, cut it to length, bent the ends into loops, and "made" a coil wire. It worked just fine and got us back home.
 
(quoted from post at 11:03:08 03/14/18)
Many years ago when I was still a kid, dad left the Farmall H setting in the cattle feed lot. One of the young steers, being curious I guess, decided to see what that tractor tasted like. When we got back to the tractor, it would not start. A quick inspection revealed the coil wire was missing. Apparently swallowed by that curious steer. Dad found some baling wire, cut it to length, bent the ends into loops, and "made" a coil wire. It worked just fine and got us back home.

I was just about to tell a similar tale. I had an animal chew a coil wire up into several pieces in a field where I ran out of gas, likely a porcupine. I found some old rusty 18 gauge electric fence wire in the tool box and made a coil wire. It ran surprising good!
 
Can remember backing the speader and the 460 into the cow yard under the elivator. Loaded up the spreader and was all ready to go when I looked out to see a half dozen heifers very busy beside the tractor. They had licked every spot of oil and grease off of the right side of the tractor. Had removed about half of the ignition system too. Had to go steal some spark wires from another tractor so I could go spread the load. Had to make a run to NAPA for a new set of wires. Pain in the neck !
 
A piece of electrical wire will work take you pick of what you have laying around,,,, as far as that goes a coat hanger will work...
 

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