There are too many issues here that are being dealt with simultaneously and it's getting difficult to use the multiple quotes without getting mixed up. So here's a simplified response to your observations:

1. I didn't (and don't) disagree that it's possible to induce a voltage in the heat shielding shells through induction. But this is only because the shields are highly conductive and in the correct orientation with respect to the EMF (they share the same (or parallel) axis as the wires). This induced voltage can build up and discharge by arcing only if the shells aren't installed correctly, ie they aren't making direct contact with the heads. The simple cure is reseating the shields;

2. There can be arcing between the wire and the shields through voltage leakage if the insulation is compromised, or if the resistance of the wires exceeds a certain value. This arc will also jump between the shields and the heads if the shields aren't correctly installed (ie grounded), but this in no way is attributable to inductive charging;

3. With uncompromised spark plug wires, you're not going to get shocked by touching either them or the distributor. If you do, it's due to voltage leakage, and it's time to regap your plugs because the gap is wider than it should be, or it's time to replace the wires due to excessive resistance. Although I could be proven wrong, you're not going to be shocked by voltage created through induction on a spark plug wire, because the conditions don't exist for it to happen.

I haven't seen anything that states the metal shell is supposed to be slid down so it touches the head. Can you enlighten me?

I cannot pinpoint the location of the sparks. It was observed in very dark conditions but I could tell it was from that area. I am pretty sure that the shells were pushed up as far as they would go away from the spark plug. I did have multiple sparks. At least two. I still had pretty decent performance and had no trouble with hesitation off the line or in lower gears. I could still spin the tires when I goosed the throttle. I wanted to pull the plugs which were installed new last year but it was too cold and it was too late at night. I don't think I had any non-firing cylinders but only a plug check would let me know for certain.

As for turning the distributor. I have set my timing and in doing so, I adjusted and checked it several times. I didn't attempt to grasp it in any particular way so I can't verify if I had it by the top or the sides but I would say maybe a combination of the two. I just held it where it was comfortable.

I felt no spark or shock when I did this. Keep in mind that I did that last year when the old wires were in place.

Jonathan

quote Originally posted by phonedawgz: I haven't seen anything that states the metal shell is supposed to be slid down so it touches the head. Can you enlighten me?

Now you're being fecetious. The fact that you just spent several hours defending that an inductive charge can build up on the shields leaves me wondering why you don't think they would need to be grounded. Forget about the entire charge dissipation issue for the moment; if the fact that they're a round peg that fits in a round hole doesn't fire the sparks in your synapses, then I'm wasting my time. Good debate, but it's time to move on.

[This message has been edited by Bloozberry (edited 01-14-2011).]

No I'm not.

I don't see any issue if there are small sparks from the shields to the head or not. I think most Fiero's have them and no one notices it in the daylight.

Mine are not slid down. Mine have been like this as long as I have owned Fieros. Unless it affects engine operation, I don't see it as a problem.