Plug Leads / Fils d'allumage PRV

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 27 Sep 2011, 07:38

I have the Bougicord ones; they appear original to the car (distributor cap certainly is, and is worn out!) - only the coil lead shows any continuity.

By this, I mean there is not measurable continuity at any ohms range for the other six leads - not even M?. Surely this means the leads are stuffed, too?

Thanks, Adam.

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 27 Sep 2011, 10:07

There should be continuity, even with resistive leads.

I'd actually expect a lowish reading say 50 to 100 ohms resistance, at a max say about 1000 for a resistive lead type (I think these aren't fitted to PSA stuff though)

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 27 Sep 2011, 12:01

That was my feeling; continuity ought be found even with a resistance lead.

It was nigh on impossible to find XM/605 V6 data; all the PRV comments seemed to be Vulvo based and I don't know their ignition setup.

Despite the disappointment of finding a 17 year old ignition setup is worn out at 70K miles, I am pleased - reckon this is a good chunk of my 13MPG nightmare exposed.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 27 Sep 2011, 12:28

Yes, as Andy says, there certainly should be some continuity.. If the Boogiechords are made in the traditional way then the 'conductors' will be string (not wet) dipped in carbon...

Resistive plug caps of donkey's years ago were quite high as I recall, between 5 and 10 K.

A resistance over a whole lead might be possibly as high as a meg or so but if they really are open-circuit then they are a bit shot...

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 27 Sep 2011, 19:06

I was just thinking, if you have infinite resistance when checked with a multimeter, its possible for the lead still to work, think about this:

Lets say you have a tiny 1mm break in the lead or maybe a little less than that. As far as the small test voltage on the meter is concerned is open circuit / infinite resistance. When the coil output voltage is applied, its quite high enough to jump that gap in the lead itself, maybe without a "night time fireworks" display but the actual spark at the plug end will be much reduced in power as some of its energy has been lost due to that 'other' gap.

If you have an assistant / extra hands / croc clips etc then you could meter the leads off the vehicle and try a wiggle test with them to see if the resistance changes, can be useful to determine if you have a break or something

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 28 Sep 2011, 09:01

Exactly; the car still runs but is thirsty and sluggish - signs "back in the day" of points closing up...

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 28 Sep 2011, 12:19

addo wrote:Exactly; the car still runs but is thirsty and sluggish - signs "back in the day" of points closing up...

Or even a duff rotor arm

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 29 Sep 2011, 09:40

Bosch cap and rotor for $100 (£63); not too bad.

Shame the leads are out of stock nationally. Well, at sane prices anyhow. Peugeot want $604.32 for the set. That's £379.

(Citroën "only" want £364...)

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 29 Sep 2011, 10:05

Are there not good quality (being the word here) aftermarket ones available ? Bosch maybe ?

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 29 Sep 2011, 11:04

Yes, it looks like Bosch will be the ticket - one Fleabay seller will post direct for 13 squid on top.