For a '51 Pontiac straight 8, do I HAVE to install the old type spark plug wires? Those were basically insulated single or stranded wire. Or, will the modern types of wiring work just as well? New wires (that I recently purchased) consists of a semiconductor center core, used on high energy ignitions and for noise suppression (radio interference). I installed the new type wiring, and cannot keep the engine running. Spark looks weak and yellow as opposed to bright and white. Floods easily, thereby suggesting that the weak spark isn't sufficient to ignite.
When I had a points car, I changed points, plugs, condenser and wires, all at one time. You're already under the hood. Get all of it done in one shot.
check to make sure you have the right ends on the coil wire and that it is properly seated. Poor coil wire contacts will give you a week spark on all plugs.
The Jalopy Journal
