Spark plug wires shocking me

[ingmire]

Pulled my first plug wire with the engine running and was getting shocked by the plug wire. Is this normal? Or indicator of an issue?

[timsrv]

It's an indicator that you're able to make a path to ground. Congratulations! Perhaps a diesel vehicle would be more your speed :LOL2:

[Flecker]

:LOLabv:

Oh. Snap.

[timsrv]

FYI, if you're using your bare hands to remove plug wires on a running vehicle, getting shocked is part of the experience. This is why most mechanics use insulated spark plug wire pliers while doing the job. Tim

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52990-Spark-Plug-Pliers/dp/B001PN88NC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_469_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NPKG2F18PNCT7RYDSCDK

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a23/timsrv/whatever/dc049f1f-3d47-4ed7-834a-20a12a02ca8b_zps29vwkgxe.jpg

[yodavan]

a lesson i learned long ago

[ingmire]

I learn the hard way. Thanks!

[originalkwyjibo]

I used to use a pair of pliers with the handles slid into a folded piece of heater hose. I used a folded piece of hose after the spark jumped off the end of the handle one time and got me.

[zak99b5]

I was about 19-20 (mid-late 1980s) and my MGB was running rough. So I popped the hood and pressed on the spark plug wires to make sure they were on solidly. When I did so, it felt like my arm was in a fan: bam bam bam bam. It knocked my arm away. I realized it was the electricity, and I'm glad it was an older points type ignition rather than the more potent electronic ignition. Ironically, I did reset the plug wire, and the car was running fine again.

[timsrv]

I have fond memories of my dad working on small engines when I was a child. He would say "Tim, come here and tell me if this engine has spark". Then he would tell me to touch the top of the spark plug while he pulled the cord. I was very young (about 5 or 6) and when I jumped away he would laugh. Then he would say "just to be sure, lets check again" and I would eagerly put my finger back on the spark plug. He would never pull it a 2nd time, but he would laugh that I was brave enough (or stupid enough) to do it again. :lol: