What Diameter Plug Wire

[K-Log]

Hey all! Need to draw on your wisdom this morning.... Want to change the plug wires on my stock coils this weekend, but haven't had the chance to measure the diameter of the wire or length.. I'm replacing the caps with the NGK style..
Bike is a 1981 GS850G would anyone know what diameter wire and the length I would need to replace all 4 plug wires??

[hikermikem]

The plug wires on the stock coils are bonded directed to the coils outputs.

Some members here carefully "dig" out the epoxy to be able to remove/replace the wires, but it seems to be a very tricky & risky exercise.

I would offer that you will most likely only need to replace the caps, a much easier & worthwhile endeavor...

Simply unscrew the stock caps off the wires, snip the wire back about a 1/4" to expose fresh clean copper, and then screw on your new NGK caps.

Also, you will want to check the resistance thru the coils to make sure they are healthy, do this on the static coil with the power off:
Primary side (power plug) - 3-5 ohm

Secondary side (plug wire to plug wire) - approx. 35,000 ohm with stock caps

Secondary side (plug wire to plug wire) - approx. 20,000 ohm with NGK caps
Good idea to check the voltage at the coils as well - if less than 10V you may want to consider the coil relay mod.

Search this forum for all kinds of useful info regarding electrical issues, such as:

Stator papers
charging issues
coil relay
wire harness cleanup

Good luck,

mike

[K-Log]

Thanks for the information Mike, I have searched and read some of the info on the topic. I was hoping someone would respond that has done the mod and remembers the particulars. I'll try the caps first. Having a hard time finding bulk non-resistive cable here in town anyhow.. Not sure if the hole in the coils are 8mm or 7mm. Just trying to save myself some time and get the bike going again without multiple trips..

[Nessism]

7 mm. 8 mm wires are an aftermarket invention based on the "bigger is better" mentality.

[K-Log]

Thanks Ed, I'll look for the 7mm cable, Think 4' is enough?

[hikermikem]

Thanks Ed, I'll look for the 7mm cable, Think 4' is enough?

I think that might be a bit tight - go with 5'