Replacing Spark Plug Wires

R

Ralph vaughn

Member
Nov 14, 2018
259
Atlanta Ga
Boat Info
2007 Sea Ray 290 radar & GPS, triple axle trailer. 2006 Sea Ray 280 radar & GPS & triple axle tlr
Engines
5.0 MPI closed cooling Sea Core engines & Bravo III outdrives
4.3 MPI with alpha outdrives
I’m replacing the plug wires on my SR 290 with 5.0 engines. I was at the boat this afternoon and accessing and removing the plug wires seems daunting. Does anyone have any tips for removing the plug wires?

Thanks in advance Ralph
 
Are you having a running problem? I honestly wouldn't change the if everything is OK. But... if you're going to do it, you should do the cap/rotor/plugs, too.

As far as tips... you'll be doing a lot of this by feel only - it's just something you have to get used to when working on boats. Especially smaller boats with twin engines. Use a sharpie marker to label each plug and/or do one at a time so you don't misplace them if you aren't familiar with the firing order.
 
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I’m replacing distributor cap and rotor also. No running problems. Thanks for the advise.

Ralph
 
Since access is tight, use some dielectric grease on the boots so pressing the wires on is easier. And get a spark wire pulling tool to help with removal as those old ones might be fused on there. If pulling the wires, when were the plugs last changed? Might suggest tackling that since you are going to get sore and bloody knuckles anyhow....
 
Spark plug wires should be changed every 3-4 years, per my service manager. I know most won’t do it that often. Look at one of the wires. It will be labeled with the year and quarter it was manufactured. Example (2015 Q1)
 
As said above. If you are going to do the wires Do the plugs at the same time.
You only will want to do this one time. Lots of bloody knuckles.
Lots will say dont change them as they dont need it like on cars however I think it gives good peace of mind knowing cap, rotor, wires, plugs are done.
 
Joint Custody said:
As said above. If you are going to do the wires Do the plugs at the same time.
You only will want to do this one time. Lots of bloody knuckles.
Lots will say dont change them as they dont need it like on cars however I think it gives good peace of mind knowing cap, rotor, wires, plugs are done.
Click to expand...
Had the plugs replaced when I bought the boat in Feb 2020. Ordered new plug wires, distributor and rotor cap and now have the time to replace.
 
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