Author Topic: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring  (Read 3586 times)

Offline IdahoMan

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Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« on: May 12, 2015, 04:05:01 pm »
Referring to this earlier thread: Brown/white stripe wire...

HXL and SXL identify the insulation specifications for the respective wire.  Generally, the insulation is cross-linked polyethylene and has higher temperature and o-zone tolerance than standard PVC insulation.

I guess I ordered the wrong wiring for my distributor then (it's GPT "Primary Wire" from Del-City(PVC)).  :(
« Last Edit: May 13, 2015, 06:21:09 pm by bd »

Offline bd

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Re: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2015, 04:50:21 pm »
GPT will work fine.  Just route it to avoid really high heat, like the exhaust.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline IdahoMan

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Re: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2015, 05:02:21 pm »
GPT will work fine.  Just route it to avoid really high heat, like the exhaust.

I don't know what kind of wire was used OEM on the distributor originally (1981). I can only put the new wire in where the original was before I think: Running down the left side of the distributor down...somewhere. I'm on all fours on top the engine trying to see where it goes, can't see.

Thanks for the heads up.

Offline bd

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Re: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2015, 05:27:41 pm »
BTW - GPT is an acronym for General Purpose Thermoplastic.  SXL was the original build spec wiring.

IIRC - The distributor ignition feed should run from the firewall bulkhead connector, over the top of the brake booster, directly to the distributor.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline IdahoMan

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Re: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2015, 04:25:21 am »
SXL was the original build spec wiring.

Been searching a lot of these wire sources (wirebarn/awc/delcty/termnlsupply/etc) and SXL seems to be harder to find in the sizes I want. Is GXL being used more now?

I found three sources of SXL in 12ga size. For a length of 100ft:

Source 1: $46.92
Source 2: $29.61
Source 3: $78.00

Should I be suspicious due to the difference in prices? Quite a large variation for what should be the same product. (don't want to miss something and order the wrong thing)


Sincerely,
IM


Offline bd

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Re: Help with Distributor Feed Wiring
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2015, 05:43:11 pm »
You can sub GXL for SXL; both are jacketed in cross-linked polyethylene insulation (the 'XL' suffix of the designation).  Essentially, SXL has subtly improved heat tolerance and abrasion resistance over GXL.  There is no difference in the conductive strands between the two.  Occasionally, you will see TXL sold as well.  The insulation characteristics of TXL and SXL are similar, but TXL has a thinner jacket (lower abrasion resistance) and used for applications with restricted available space and/or where increased flexibility is important.  In high abrasion or high ozone environments (such as in the engine compartment or routing in the vicinity of sharp metal edges), opt for SXL/GXL.  Regardless of the wire insulation class used, wrap wiring in high temp convoluted loom or expandable braid loom as needed to manage multiple strand runs or to protect wires from anticipated abrasion.

As for price, shop the cheapest.  But, don't forget to factor in S&H and availability of color choice, if that is important to you.  Terminal Supply has the greatest color selection in a broad range of wire gauges that I've found thus far, although I'm sure there are other sources to be discovered.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)