Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Spark Plug Wires

Is there a difference between carbon core and graphite core? I've searched around and cannot find any info. I see listings for one or the other, but not both.

Not sure .... but graphite is a form of carbon so maybe they're the same thing

K

I was thinking the same as K - either wire or carbon/graphite I think.

Yes, just two types: copper wire, often tinned to minimise corrosion; or graphite, sometimes referred to as carbon. Carbon is a bit of a generalisation as it comes in several forms, e.g. diamond is a form of carbon. But graphite is the only form of carbon that will conduct electricity, so that is a more fitting name for the plug leads. It is also good at withstanding heat..
The reason for graphite over copper is to introduce some electrical resistance to quench some of the spark energy, in order to reduce radio frequency interference. That can have a marked effect on electrical equipment in the car and also on domestic tv and radio reception. If you cut one open, the core looks like a slippery black, stringy material. It is in fact fibre glass impregnated with graphite powder.

Thanks for the info. You learn something new every day.

Don't pull on the carbon wire, this is not copper and it breaks inside very easily. Pull only by the plug cap.