Changing leads....please help

[TXXC]

Hi,
I want to change the leads on my car as it has been misfiring under load. I know to do one at a time, but they have like a plastic tube surrounding all the leads (I hope you know what I mean). So my question is, how do I change one lead at a time with the plastic tubing there ? Can I take it off without taking the alternator off, and can I also change the leads without taking the alternator off ?

Also, one of the heat shields is quite loose, does this matter ?

With thanks in advance

[acarmody]

I have personally taken the flexi-pipe tube out of my car, its just for looks I assume.

You should easily be able to get the leads out one at a time, getting them back in the tube might be difficult without taking the tube out, putting the leads in the tube and then putting them back in, in one piece.

I wouldn't worry about putting the heat-shields on your new leads, unless they come with some, in which case just change it over with one of the old heat-shields.

[beavis84]

i just pulled the plastic tube off and havent had any problems with out it

[sweefu]

Remove the leads with the split loom tubing, replace the 3 leads at once and put the split loom tubing back around the leads, re-install split loom tubing with the new leads inside.

[m1lky]

If its the alloytec engine I took my alternator out. Easy as and made the leads way easier to do

[TXXC]

Thanks for all of your help. Husband and I will give it a go on the weekend. One more thing, if I have to take the alternator out or loosen it, is it hard to do??...worried about the belt ??

Thanks

[AUSFITTER]

Its not hard at all. There is only one or two bolts that you need to undo and take out so you can move the alternator. As for the belt, take a pic on your phone or draw something up on paper so you know which way it goes back on.

[edals]

If removing the Alternator FIRST disconnect the battery. I only made that mistake once lol

[som]

Very easy to remove the alternator.As far as the plastic tubing goes it is there for a reason.I'm not a sparky but you'll notice that the tubing will help to keep the leads cool on the hot side of the engine.To me that has to be beneficial.Have you seen the size of the spark plug gap,you could park a truck in there,so the better protection your leads have from the heat the better the current flow which may also mean that your coils aren't working as hard to supply a good spark. Again this is all supposition on my part but can you imagine GMH spending $1 more than they had to and that insulation has been there from new.Buy good leads,I recommend genuine GMH and there pretty competitively priced.

[one_and_only2004]

You don't have to remove the alternator - the whole idea is crazy to me...
All I did was take them out one lead at a time then I just replaced them doing the same thing. It's split conduit so you can push it on afterwards.

[TXXC]

Thank goodness. I just realised removing the alternator means I will need the radio PIN which I don't have. One lead at a time sounds like the go. Don't have the alloytec engine BTW.
Thanks again guys.

[FstStig]

Nar no need to remove the Alternator, just unplug all leads running through it and pull it through...
Leads on the passenger side Bank will be (front to back)1,3,5
Leads on drivers side bank will be (front to back) 2,4,6

[m1lky]

I meant ecotec sorry.

If your careful with the cable you dont have to disconnect the battery, just insulate it before you let it go. I didn't when I swapped my alternator since I don't have my code either.

Definitely use the plastic to help protect the leads from heat

[acarmody]

I would of thought that plastic tubing would melt to slag long before any damage to the leads occurs.

[TXXC]

Thanks again for all your help. Will be tackling it next weekend

[VYMAD]

I agree with both methods. I changed my leads one at a time with the alternator in place. Next time I did it I removed the alternator, heaps easier. I didn't disconnect my battery, though, should I have?
I will be leaving my conduit in place, as it's there for a reason, not only the heat, but to stop the leads rubbing on the hot engine and POTENTIALLY wearing through.
Disconnected my battery heaps of times and have never had to put the radio code in. Pretty sure even the pre set channels stay there too. Just re-sets the LP/Hundred etc.

[rockie]

if your worried about your radio security code go to a holden dealer give them the details about your car and they will find the code
you will need this if you disconect your battery our have a fault elsewhere plus when reselling the car the buyer may ask for it and may not buy it if you dont have it they charge about 20 dollars
for you to get a print out witch you can use i had to do this when i bought my car an it was well worth it ok

[VYMAD]

if your worried about your radio security code go to a holden dealer give them the details about your car and they will find the code
you will need this if you disconect your battery our have a fault elsewhere plus when reselling the car the buyer may ask for it and may not buy it if you dont have it they charge about 20 dollars
for you to get a print out witch you can use i had to do this when i bought my car an it was well worth it ok

You don't need the code if you disconnect the battery. Unless it is disconnected for a few hours at least.

[one_and_only2004]

If its the stereo that came with the car you're fine, it interlinks with the BCM somehow - its only when you put it in another car do you need the code, or if the engine fuse is blown.

[edals]

VYMAD.

The last time i removed a alternator i shorted it out against something else and sparks flew lol lucky did not damage anything. Just a safety thing, its one extra nut to remove the negative terminal and avoid damage.

[VYMAD]

VYMAD.

The last time i removed a alternator i shorted it out against something else and sparks flew lol lucky did not damage anything. Just a safety thing, its one extra nut to remove the negative terminal and avoid damage.

Ok, thanks Edals, I might do this next time I need to remove the alternator.