dumb question on 1984 ignition coils, merc

[Quinten]

I have often thought about replacing the plug wires, but frankly, I don't know if they are supposed to come apart from the coil. I have tugged on them gently, but the last thing I want to do is have them break off inside the coil. I don't suspect they are giving me trouble necessarily, but man, since 1984, they have to be less than new. 2.4 V200.

[XstreamVking]

If they pass a spark check. I would use them. Mine are the originals on my 84 200EFI mariner that I run. Still good after all these years. Now, if you want to have some new purty ones, then what the heck replace them. Pull them and check for corrosion and clean the brass parts, apply di-electric grease to them, and plug em back in.

[Quinten]

I thought I was the only one running 30 year old plug wires. I feel a little better now I have read briefly in my manual about the spark test. I am assuming that involves a spark gap tester and some sort of plug grounding apparatus? Some more tools to buy? Not that I'm immune to buying the right tools, but after the dough I have spent on the Vking project, I was hoping for a recovery period. Either way, my question has been answered. Thanks a bunch!

[XstreamVking]

They sell cheap one wire at a time ones, or 6-8 wires at a time ones. I got a 6 wire tester off e bay for 50 bucks a while back. It's adjustable for gap size to check the sparks strength. Good spark will jump a 1/2''+ gap easily. Be careful with the coil wires when they are sparking , they bite hard.

[Motv18]

Good ohm meter something like 10k max on a 2.5 something like 3-5kohms a foot.

Biggest thing will be insulation breakdown and leaking voltage. Ground a test light run it near the wire it glows or you see a jump the shield or insulation went caput. Free floating voltage can brother things alitle.

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

The first year for a efi merc v6,1987,220 hp...

[Glasstream15]

Makes me almost feel like I have new wires. Mine are only from 1986.

[capnzee]

The wires are probably good! Uncowl the engine at night or in a very dark garage and run it. If the spark plug wire coming out of the coil is bad, it will usually light up as it discharges against the nearest ground. Pull each of the wires off the plug, using an insulated pliers and notice a drop in rpm's when you pull the plug wire and a gain when you put the plug wire back on. This may be the way a "back yard" guy might approach the problem but it has worked for me. I would assume that you have already checked the plug cap and wires for cracks and corrosion.