I've also got a post in engine regarding my growing pains...but, a friend told me to look at my distributor, wires and plugs in the dark with engine running.

I did this and to my suprise, I saw small "sparks" at the plugs. They seem to become more prevalent as the engine warmed up at idle. I'm sure this is probably not good but could someone explain what is happening and how I can possibly correct it? Thanks.

The boots on spark plug wires act as an insulator to keep the spark from going to ground,any current will take the shortest route to ground it can,either the plug wires are not on the plugs good or they are old,or you may have to go with a better spark plug wire to handle the current that is going through them. graemlins/waving.gif

Did you actually see sparks or just a halo around each plug as it fired?

It wasn't a halo, it was small arcing. It was not constant either. The only other way I can think to explain it was that it is like looking at small "lighting bolts" around where the boot, plug, and engine meet. Also, you really had to pay attention. Even in the dark, I'm talking these are very small and almost non noticeable to the untrained eye. It was happening at almost every plug. These are 8mm Moroso spiral core wires with r44ts ac plugs Accel HEI. Thanks for replies smile.gif

If your plug wires are fairly new and in good shape, I've seen this from cracked insulators on the plugs themselves... The can be damaged just by being hit with a wrench or socket when installing them. If you've ever dropped one don't even think of using it at that point.

Dennis, I think what you are seeing is the static build up from the insulation dischargeing(eddy current). If it was a spark leak it would miss fire.
Turn the radio on with the hood open and you may also hear it.
You going to the Bowtie Bash Sat?
Bob J.

Hi Bob, When I saw sparks off the plug it was just one and I did have a miss. It was the #7 plug and I remember having the wrench slip and wacking it when I installed it. Had just installed a new dist, wires and coil and didn't notice the miss too bad driving around. The first tank of gas went faster than a big block was the real indicator. I isolated the bad plug because of the spark in the dark and the idle smoother out and the next tank was back to snuff.

Haven't decided on the bash. How much room do they have at the A&W ?