T,
Yes I would have to say that arching of the wires is bad.
Since noone has really touched on your "computer" question, I would like to touch on that.
Today, alot of people think that just because a mechanic says "it needs to be put on the computer" that this means a scan tool. This is not always the case. They are most likely talking about a good old fashioned engine analyzer. These things cost serious money, so you have to pay even to hook-up to one and 50 bucks is about right. Most of the time, a tech will scan for codes stored in memory, take that information and if nothing very obvious is found they plug your car up to an analyzer which can give more detailed information such as emissions, timing, visiually see the spark curve, etc... Compile all the information and make specific checks of certian items or circuits.
I hope this clears things up a little. There really is no way to get someone to understand fully what goes on in shop (a good one anyway) and when I was a mechanic I tried to involve the customer as much a possible so that they might get a better picture. Sometimes though, it is better to leave well enough alone and find a shop that you know you can trust and fill comfortable with.
As for shelling out another 100 smackers for another tune-up? DON'T! All you need is the plug wires. Since you say that you don't know your way around the engine bay and need to save money, ask a friend that does to assist you in changeing the wires yourself. You will find that it is fairly rewarding.
Last edited by unisys12; 11/16/02 01:05 AM.
