So i just got a 91 vert and it is running real ruff when i accelerate , so i thought i would check the timing. well when i go to pull the plug wire it shocks the hell out of me... so i put different wires and im still getting shocked. Are both sets of wires bad or is there something else going on?

 

Hands off the plug wires when the car is running, son! Put the timing light on the L1 wire (with the car off), then start the car and check timing.

 

But it shouldn't be shocking me should it??

 

Just because there's rubber/silicone on the wires, it doesn't mean it isnt going to shock you. Theres like 20000 (or some other large... in the KV range) volts going through that wire! WOOD will conduct electricity if you pump enough juice into it!

 

no it should not shock you... replace your wires/

 

What the hell does touching your plug wires have to do with checking your timing, anyway? Put the clamp on, and start the car!

 

^THIS^

You should never remove plug wires while the car is running, and there's no reason to remove them to check the timing unless you suspect that they're installed improperly, but that's again, for when the car is off...

The wires are probably fine.. Electricity will follow along the outside of the wire to get to you if that's the easiest route to ground..

 

It isn't safe to pull the plug wires while the car is running. But if you pull them from the coils while the engine is running... Don't yank them out or even pull them out too far. Slowly pull and twist the insulating boot so that they continue to arc with the coil.

This is only IF you are going to do this while the engine is running. It is not advised, though.

 

I have a old school timing light with the spring --- not the clamp

 

simple...dont touch the body of ther car when doing that :P

 

That is what I was thinking, but that is the second set of wires.... 3rd times the charm?

 

Nah... Just inspect your wires. There is no need to keep spending money on things you already have. As long as the wires are good, they shouldn't shock you... But only if you are properly performing this procedure.

Wait... Are they shocking you before you are even able to get your hands on them? Or even when your hands are only touching them, not pulling on them? Are you pulling them out too far to the point that they arc to you!?