Posted: 9/19/2009 8:16:32 AM EDT
I got Motorcraft replacement plugs for my Crown vic and was replacing them one at a time like I have done on every vehicle. I matched up one wire at a time by size and am almost done. Two of the three wires I have left are way to long for where they go Looks like the replacement set is longer than the original.. What do I do now?
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Cut them down...If you think you must...you don't have to, but it does look nicer.
You did not mention what was wrong with "one of the three" wires you have left??? Too short? You can also buy individual wires from NAPA. Be glad you didn't get a set that is too short. 
If you want to use the ones you already have...do this: Inside the wire jacket is a stranded core of some type of carbon/graphite. Cut the length of your new wire to about an inch longer than your old wire. BE CAREFUL OF WHICH END YOU CUT, AS THERE MIGHT BE DIFFERENT BOOTS ON EACH END!!!! Ok, pull off the boot on the short piece you just cut off, then carefully uncrimp the metal piece that was inside it. Take some soapy water, and use it as lube...install the boot [you just removed] onto the wire that is now 1" longer than the original. CAERFULLY remove 3/4" of ONLY the jacket from your new wire...Do not cut-off the core wire. Wrap the core wire back over the wire jacket. Carefully crimp the metal retainer around the core wire and the wire jacket. Slide the boot back over the metal retainer...and install it on your car...then go to the next one! 
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| Even the Motorcraft wires aren't sized perfectly as the OEM wires. You should have a little extra wire hanging around for cylinders 2, 4, 5 and 6 (I think, going on memory). Just pull the excess up near the coil and kinda tuck it out of the way, it'll be alright. |