tick-tick radio interference

[perk]

Not on AM at all, only FM, and it is not on all stations. Unfortunately its on most of the ones I like down at the bottom of the dial. A couple of these are local stations that normally come in well. They did prior to the tune up. I'm going to try the one at a time wire test. I just purchased an inexpensive multimeter. Anyone got a quick run down on what setting to use and what readings are good/bad?

Thanks for the help
Perk

By the way Doug...nice one with the tranny recall, your post sounding very convincing, glad you didn't let us swing in the wind for too long

 

[ogsuv]

I think you are just checking continuity. Different on all meters, but if you can find a setting where it beeps when the two probes touch is the easiest. Otherwise, ohms and closest to zero is best, hopefully one spark plug wire will stand out from the others to guide you.

 

[IdahoDoug]

There's actually a spec for acceptable plug wire resistance range. It's in the FSM or someone could post, or you could search here as it's been discussed a couple times. Let me know what you find. I think it's interesting you're not getting it on AM (or don't you use AM and might not notice??). Hmm

DougM

 

[perk]

The maximum resistance is 25 ohms. Figured out the mulitimeter and started testing. First I did wire 1 (7.5 ohms), then took another close look at the distributor connections and wouldn't ya know wire 4 wasn't fully seated (you guys are good, you knew it was a wire problem all along). And yes, the ticking is gone I missed this bad connection the first time around. Resistance on wire 4 is at 13.7 ohms and the end appeared a little discolored. Did the bad connection cause extra wear? I didn't have time to test the other wires. It will be interesting to see the resistance of the others.

Thanks to all who helped solve this little annoyance
Perk

 

[sixsracing]

Glad you finally found your problem. In answer to your question, yes. An ignition wire that has been arcing can be compromsed. As long as there is no skipping and the truck is ok in wet weather I wouldn't worry about it.