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MG MGF Technical - Magnecor leads

Quick question please.

I have just received a set of new Magnecor leads for my VVC and not being mechanically minded I note that each lead is numbered, which makes sense.

When fitting will the old leads as well, presumably I could do some damage if not done correctly.

Any advise welcome.

Thank you


Timothy

Assume you have an F rather than a TF as Magnecor do not yet have th eleads available for the TF - which only requires 2 short leads.

The leads are of differing lengths and follow a set route from the coils to the spark plugs. Numbering the leads ensures that you get the firing order correct and use the correct length lead so it reaches.
So if you just remove lead from plug and not coil, the numbered lead allows you to refit correctly as you can't see the coil easily.

Hope that makes some sense.

I wrote some instructions on how to change the leads which are on the MGF FAQ at
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dotcomoff/
or have a look at Rob Bell's web site.
David M

Sorry Tim, I don't understand the question?

The leads are numbered - but really this isn't strictly necessary as each is of a different length. Trying to fit lead one to cylinder 4 spark plug is impossible: it'd be too short.

Effectively there is, more or less, just one way to get all the leads connected up. Chances of damage due to incorrect fitting is remote. Worse case is a car that won't start.

Hope this helps

BTW fitted a set of magnecore leads to my 1.8i a few years back - and their performance can't be faulted :o) Fitting directions here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DIY/maintenance/ignition/replace_sparkplugs.htm
Rob Bell

LOL - nice one David - beaten to the type! :o)
Rob Bell

>for the TF - which only requires 2 short leads

...and he KV6 only requires 3 leads! I leave you to work that one out...

Ralph
Ralph

Ok guys, how about this.
I was reading on one site about power loss and idle problems being down to a faulty distributor cap and rotor arm. Having bought the proper parts and opened up the engine bay guard I discover that my x plate Sept 2000 1.8i is 200 cars into the wasted spark type ignition system. oo err... tried fitting the distributor cap by sellotaping it to the same place on the engine but to no avail. The rotor arm i bought just rattles about inside the cap and then fell out when the sellotape lost grip!

Seriously, if you read the Power loss - poor tick over thread I wonder if you've got any ideas about the poor idle problems on this type of ignition? or should it be fine and have I got another prob i'm not aware of?
Simon Knight

The dizzy is certainly a common cause of this problem on pre-2001 cars, but since yours is EU3 this doesn't apply.

What you may find helpful is to track down a service centre with a Testbook diagnostic computer. This should help you track down an electronic fault - which in this case it could be.

Sensors that I'd be particularly interested in are the crank position sensor and the cam position sensor.

It may be sensible to replace the cheap and easy ignition service items anyway - the HT leads and the spark plugs (supposedly they have a 60k mile life span, but many find it prudent to replace at 20k anyway). But these items are not likely to cause a higher idle.

One other area to consider is the condition of the ECU temperature sensor and its loom - if that is making intermittent contact, then it is conceivable that this could cause the problems you've noted.

Finally, check out the idle air control valve. These are known to fail or clog up with oil-debris - and are essential for the control of idle and may cause problems with normal running too.

Hope this helps
Rob Bell

Cheers Rob,
Interesting ideas. When she comes back from the garage we'll see what they've done and carry on from there! Thank God i got 3 months warranty on the car when I bought it!
Simon

What the current best place/price for buying these for a 1998 1.8i?
Steve Ratledge

Best price I've found online is DCDezign

http://www.dcdezign.com/shop-by-car.asp?model=237&pr_man_ref=64&title=Mg-f-magnecor-engine+Tuning
Al

Hmm 8mm High Performance or 8.5mm Competition leads ?
Steve Ratledge

8mm - the larger ones are difficult to fit in the existing cable guides in the cam cover.
Rob Bell

But not impossible and the colour looks better in the negine bay......
PA Beet

Cheers Rob is that what you and Dave fitted?
Steve Ratledge

PAB

When did Anne tell you that?
John Ponting

Steve,

Yes, I'm on the 8mm (blue if I remember correctly).

Dave
Dave Livingstone

Gents

Sorry to be an ignorant ar*e but what benefits do the magnecore leads bring? Presumably just better starting?
marc h

Marc,

Yes, just rock solid starting. First three years of my '98 VVCs life I got through several sets of oem leads (poor damp starting). Since then just the one set of Magnecore and no problems :-)
Dave Livingstone

Ordered 8mm today from B&G.
Steve Ratledge

Steve, a bit late in responding, but yes :o)
Rob Bell

Fitted the leads at the weekend and so far good although it has not been that wet since so will wait to see. The thing is it was only a problem when there was drizzle if that makes sense.

Fitting was a lot harder than I thought; trying to reach in to the engine was very difficult but got there in the end. Also was not able to place the leads in all I think there were 2 or 3 spacers due to the awkward placement however I trust that if they do touch it will not be to much of a problem will it?
Timothy

The spacers are just there for tidyness, and as you know, you can't see them!
Will Munns

This thread was discussed between 24/11/2005 and 29/11/2005

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