So I just did the firefly test and I am seeing sparks when I mist the spark plug caps with water. I have to look very close but I can see sparks at all of my wire caps. This is abnormal right? It was really dark so I'm not actually sure exactly where the sparks were (i.e. what was arcing to what). I'm not just seeing the normal spark plugs firing right? I can't see how I could see past the caps but then I'm not sure what I'm seeing arcing so...

I can also see sparks when I look at the distributor--this could be normal right? Just the normal arcing that's supposed to happen when the distributor goes around? Or shouldn't I be able to see anything there either?

Thanks for any help,
Dan

P.S. If it is abnormal and I'm seeing sparks at all my caps I'm guessing my solution is some new Beru wires?

 

if the cap is on the distributor then no, you shouldn't see any sparks there. You should buy a new wire set. Look at your cap/rotor too to see if they are in good shape. The inside of the cap should be clean, and the electrodes shouldn't look burned or pitted.

 

You should not see sparks anywhere when doing this test. If you already have Beru wires, and the arcs are not coming from the wire ends(e.g. they are coming from the wire itself) then you can re-use the ends and just buy the wires. That would save you quite a few bucks.

 

Those sparks can induce large voltages into your engine wiring harness and zap your LH ECU !!

 

Thanks everyone:

Yup, the cap is on--I thought maybe there's a small gap btw the cap and the body that allows you to see the sparks from inside but I guess not. I'll take apart the caps and rotors next weekend and see what they look like.

No Beru's yet--looks like I'll be getting some though. I'm bummed about the $$ but excited that my car will probably run a lot better when I'm done installing new wires

It always comes back to the LH with you doesn't it John! Anyway, thanks for the warning--I'll stop misting now.

Anyway, I always hate to have to spend the money but it really does feel good to give the car something it needs to feel better.

Thanks to everyone for chiming in.

Dan