shortening plug wires...

Just wanted to make sure someone has done this and it's ok to do. The plug wires on the Fiat are waaaaaaaay too long (hang all over the place). I need to shorten them but just wanted to make sure this isn't a bad thing to do.

Thanks!

As long as you do it correctly it shouldn't be a problem. No different than using one of the DIY universal, cut to length plug wire kits.

I do it all the time, I hate plug wires too long...they usually end up chaffing or burning on something when they're too long anyway. It takes a little finesse, especially with used wires, to keep from tearing the silicone wire jacket when you're moving the boot around. Getting the crimps loosened up enough to re-insert the proper length wire is also a little tricky...I find that really small sidecutters/dikes work best to dig in and pry up until you can get a small flat blade or similar in there. Otherwise, it's pretty straight forward.

Remember, it's easy to shorten a wire, but it's really hard to stretch one!

Bryce

I make most of my own plug wires. As with most things, the right set of tools makes it much easier. There are crimping pliers made just for plug wires. I usually wind up using WD-40 or something similar to make moving/removing the boots a touch easier. If you have an ohmmeter handy, it's not a bad idea to check the wires before and after to make sure they still have good connections.

Thanks guys, luckily these wires are pretty 'loose' from the factory and are new, I pulled the boots back from all 4 plug ends and yanked one of the plugs off by hand. I just wanted to make sure I didn't need some fancy tools to make these things. I can't wait to cut them down and reduce the chance of burning/chaffing which is exactly what concerns me!

Now I feel spoiled. The only time I've made/modified plug wires is on motorcycles, and pretty much any plug boot just screws down into the wire. It's a nice system.

it's easy to do- i've done it with only a set of pliers and a utility knife. you can reuse the terminals if you're careful- but if you want to do it "right", go to NAPA and buy however many new terminals you think you'll need, plus a couple of extras just because. they should have them in a box somewhere- the box will probably be faded and covered with a layer of dust and only the oldest of old timers that works there will know where to find it, but it should be there..