Spark Plug Wires

juggernaut1

juggernaut1

Well-Known Member
Apr 19, 2015
1,152
Perth, Western Australia
Boat Info
Boatless - sold Searay 38 Sundancer
Engines
8.1’s
I am currently in the process of replacing my spark plug wires. Whilst I've posted this in my "transmission issues" thread I've also posted it again here under its own title (mods please delete if this is not appropriate).

I got a quote from my local mercruiser tech today and it came in at AU$825.00 per set!!! I rang around and my usual mercruiser tech was actually the cheapest!!!

Whilst I do prefer OEM those prices are a joke. I'm sure gold is cheaper per ounce. The AU$5.99 for the single auto plug lead got me home with no problems.

So I've found these alternatives - including the OEM from the US.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Mercury-...-/261528026734

http://www.raylarengineering.com/spark-plug-wires.html

http://www.amarket.com/imwo808.htm

http://www.cpperformance.com/p-26868...-standard.aspx

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor...nid=299&jpid=0

Any comments on the above or any other alternatives?
 
Subscribed to this one as I think I may have the same issue and tune up is in order. Is there a difference with auto vs marine plug wires?
 
You have newer boat than me. My wires cost $55 a set from after market dealer. I tried auto wires first but they were too short.
No idea what sort of supply system you have but perhaps it would be more cost effective for you to order them from the US and have them shipped to you. I have used Rockauto for parts. Last parts were shipped from England for the generator.
I looked up your wires and they were 114CDN https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?a=www.bing.com+&blanktemplate=true
 
The wires for my 4.3 are definitely less expensive - but still I would look at the aftermarket wires vs the OEM - all of those prices are kinda nuts, but the OEM price is off the chart! I replaced mine with NAPA wires, fit fine and look like a better wire than OEM. So for you I would look at NAPA (napaonline) they are pretty good about crossing over marine parts to theirs - looks like their wire for your motor is $129US. Another option is Sierra, I have never used their wires, but have used other ignition components, pumps and outdrive parts with no issue - usually about 20% below OEM. My personal preference is the blue vs black wires - I know that's just anthetics, but I think they look better. The good news is if you buy a quality wire they should last a long time.
 
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I purchased two sets of the Rockauto wires this year. They did the job for me. A couple of the wires are short like mentioned in earlier post but they did all fit.
 
Got new set(s) back in June for my plug and wire change from michiganmotorz.com. Paid about $65USD per set as I recall.
 
There is a difference between auto and marine, as a spec exists that marine plug wires must meet. Now, maybe some auto wires meet the spec, but you should ask.

Rockauto sells marine wires, at about 1/6 OEM prices that I have used. Quality was good, fit right, and they met the marine spec.
 
paulswagelock said:
There is a difference between auto and marine, as a spec exists that marine plug wires must meet. Now, maybe some auto wires meet the spec, but you should ask.

Rockauto sells marine wires, at about 1/6 OEM prices that I have used. Quality was good, fit right, and they met the marine spec.
Click to expand...

I don't think there's much special about them - one of mine had split in two places and was arcing across to the exhaust manifold just like your average lead would have in similar circumstances. If I had fuel vapors present I can only imagine what would have happened. I only discovered this during a recent 70 klm trip when I went to return to planing speed and one of the motors would only rev to 3500 rpm and made the tranny sound like it had blown (see my separate thread on the matter). Thankfully it wasn't the tranny but the spark plug lead.
 
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juggernaut1 said:
I don't think there's much special about them - one of mine had split in two places and was arcing across to the exhaust manifold just like your average lead would have in similar circumstances. If I had fuel vapors present I can only imagine what would have happened. I only discovered this during a recent 70 klm trip when I went to return to planing speed and one of the motors would only rev to 3500 rpm and made the tranny sound like it had blown (see my separate thread on the matter). Thankfully it wasn't the tranny but the spark plug lead.
Click to expand...

I think the spec calls for spiral wound wire, silicone boots, and stainless steel high compression end clips on the plug side. Maybe not special, but not met by bottom of the line automotive wires.
 
Pierpressure,

Yes that part number is correct as I see after market lists this part number in conjuction with the mercruiser equivalent so they are clearly interchangeable.

Can I just doubly confirm that the plug boots are 45 degrees and the coil boots are 90 degrees as the picture in the link suggests that are straight boots.

Thanks in advance
 
juggernaut1 said:
Pierpressure,

Yes that part number is correct as I see after market lists this part number in conjuction with the mercruiser equivalent so they are clearly interchangeable.

Can I just doubly confirm that the plug boots are 45 degrees and the coil boots are 90 degrees as the picture in the link suggests that are straight boots.

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
c


The plug boots are 45 degrees and the coil boots are 90. I think the two motors are the same including the ignition system. Not sure why Mercruiser feels they can take advantage of their customers. My guess is there are more parts that will work on our motors at a much better value if we can figure out part numbers.
 
Cheers for that.

I also wouldn't be surprised if they are made by the same supplier.

Re part numbers I think the easiest way is to go to the aftermarket part and note the OEM part numbers listed that it replaces and google those part numbers to see which ones are the Volvo equivalent and go from there.

I can actually get the Volvo ignition wires for locally for AUD$148 a set which is what I also got quoted for a single plug wire from my mercruiser tech!
 
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Speaking about being made by the same suppliers, the United Marine wires also seem to be the same as the Mallory Marine wires if you look at the wire and read the literature on each.

United Marine Wires

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3881043&cc=10001436&jnid=413&jpid=1

VS Mallory Marine Wires (please disregard the part number on the box as it is not correct for the 8.1 - but just showing the uncanny resemblance)
 

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Just chiming back in to say that I went with the Volvo Penta spark plug wires which I was able to get locally and at AUD$148 per set (part number 3861295) they are a fraction of the price of the Mercruiser equivalents for that OEM look.......even if there is some cross breeding going on :grin:.

If the "Volvo Penta USA" lettering doesn't do it for you it comes off fairly easily. Box says assembled in Mexico. I will install at the next available chance.
 

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Just chiming back to advise I changed the plug wires over the weekend and fitted perfectly - which is more than I can say about myself when in the engine bay/bilge fitting them :grin:.
 
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I'd like to resurrect this thread. I want to purchase the Volvo Penta wire kits 3861295 but I see images online of both plug wires with straight boots and those with 45degree boots. The image shown from the link provided by Pierpressure 1 now shows a straight boot plug wire in the bag but the part number is the same.

Do you think the images ares just wrong?
 
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