72 plug wire shielding.

[Gary S.]

On a 72 LT1 does the starter need to be removed to remove the lower right shielding, that piece that looks like a boomarang (V shape)? I am replacing my plug wires with new Delco wires and the darn boomarang won't move around enough to be able to be removed. I was able to get the wires out but it will be a bear to reinstall the new wires with the shielding in place.

This is my first venture into new wires on a Shark but it sure seems like a PITA.

Thanks,
Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 plug wire shielding.

Gary------

You pretty much need to remove the starter to remove the lower ignition shields ("v" shaped). If for no other reason, you need to make ABSOLUTELY SURE that the shield is installed AND POSITIONED exactly correctly. If it's not, one of the solenoid terminals can contact the shield and cause a shorting problem. My advice is to check this out very carefully and apply some electrical tape or other insulating material to the shield at the point where it could contact the solenoid terminal. That's because even if you get it installed just right, some later slight dislocation of the shield could cause contact.

And, yes, installing new spark plug wires on a C3 small block is a MAJOR PAIN. Big blocks are comparatively easy, though.

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 plug wire shielding.

Thanks Joe. Now I understand why so many ignition shields get thrown away. First, I have a battery disconnect that is ALWAYS off when the car is parked. In addition, one of the spark plug wires was pinched under the shielding to the point that the outer silicone (rubber?) insulation was cut and exposed the inner core. Thus the reason for the wire change,. Well, that and the poor idle quality and partial throttle running. The bad part is that these are dated wires that now require an attempt to repair the cut insulation.
Gary