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GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 16:27
by CovKid
What is it with GSF? I keep going back and forth to get the correct HT leads and every set they dig out is too short. Has anyone any idea which of their lead sets will actually fit a bog standard 1.9 DG? I'm beginning to lose the will to live. They all appear to be about 3-4" too short to reach pots on the right.

I had exactly the same problem two years ago when I replaced them. Theres nothing unique about my engine.

I should add, there are quite a few online sites, let alone local retailers that don't even list the length of the leads in these packs, making it all the more harder for buyers to judge whether they will actually reach or not.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 17:52
by pionte
Ihad the same trouble from my local motor factor's .... managed to stretch them to just fit ! I have since re fitted the ones that came with the van when I bought it, they are perfect and work fine so might as well use them untill they give up.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 18:00
by CovKid
Thats the prob, mine have given up. I remember struggling with this problem the last time i bought leads from GSF but they seem to list 4 sets that are supposed to fit, and so far, 3 sets do not - not even close. Its the longer ones that pose the problem and my dizzy is in such a position that those two leads are as short a run as they could be.

Worth adding that this was the final piece in a puzzling problem of bogged down acceleration (bad hesitation) which i've had for three days, making hills or pulling away in 1st a very difficult and unpredictable exercise. Its definately leads - just wish they'd give me the right ones. :evil:

Once I know the correct number, I'll post it. In hindsight, this is prob a tech post so if a mod wishes to move it, please do.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 18:18
by jamesandtheopenroad
Had the same problem with eurocarparts. Think I got them from status in the end.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 19:10
by voodoopenguin
I might be missing something here but years ago when I used to tinker with petrol engines we would go to the local car spares place and buy individual leads at the length we needed, usually take along the old ones to check. Leads are leads aren't they?

Paul

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 19:44
by Plasticman
leads are leads within reason... we dont suffer them with diesel :D :wink:
mm

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 20:42
by CovKid
As you say voodoopenguin - years ago. You could also readily get things like gasket paper (which I hang on to like my life depended on it). These days parts consist of 'units' and the whole supply chain is geared around this approach - including 'carb kits' where you only want three bits from the whole kit but they want close to £40 for the whole lot. Gone are the days when you could source 'elements'. More profit in selling big lumps than tiny screws. Not so many local places left now - its all big outlets plonked on industrial units.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 20:45
by Plasticman
gasket paper on a roll and alloid is it called etc i got a load from rodley motors (usa stuff) in bradford, still readily available. can price some next time im over there if you wissh and also they stock a full range of ht leads in variouse configurations and types copper/graphite etc
but do agree with you , you just have to seek new sources
mm

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 20:50
by CovKid
Talking about gasket paper - I'd love these!!! :D

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/9-Pc-HOLLOW-P ... 2ec8b13693" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 20:54
by Plasticman
i have them from 3/16 up to 2", real old ones cost from a fiver each, some eclipse some presto and a few others. one of the most usefull items is a ball from a cv joint, :lol:
mm

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 21:08
by ronsrecord
I know you might not like it Ralph - Brickwrecks ones are right every time. Brickwrecks - I like that!

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 21:19
by AdrianC
ronsrecord wrote:I know you might not like it Ralph - Brickwrecks ones are right every time. Brickwrecks - I like that!

Seconded. Proper specialist first, good-old-fashioned local factor (if they still exist near you) second, THEN the boxshifters like GSF/ECP.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 21:29
by CovKid
All very well Ron, but as you know, I can't order online so Brickwerks not an option. Besides, if you want something the same day, you need it that day. Personally I'd NEVER buy leads on line. Its bad enough with a local outlet without all the hassles of returning stuff. OK, if its a job you're planning to do, but not ideal if you have a breakdown or need the job done immediately.

Brickwerks don't specify lead lengths either by the way.

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 21:36
by ronsrecord
It's cost you more faffing about with gsf! I'll help with Brickwrecks online if needs must. They'll fit!

Re: GSF ignition lead nightmare

Posted: 10 Aug 2013, 21:39
by AdrianC
CovKid wrote:OK, if its a job you're planning to do, but not ideal if you have a breakdown or need the job done immediately.

You're a T3/T25-trader? Surely you'd just keep a set on the shelf, together with other consumables/common bits...?