arcing from plug shroud

[met]

have just (three weeks ago)bought a 95 chimaera 4.0hc it feels like one of the most "right" things i have ever done (no post handing over the dosh) stress disorder,if anyone is on the verge of buying but is not quite sure do it.anyway,have one slight problem in that i noticed the plug shroud on the plug at the back (drivers side) was arcing onto the manifold.does this indicate that the whole lead is knackered or can i rectify it somehow???? thanks for any feedback
met and 400hc (black)

[trefor]

There are 2 parts - the lead itself and a metal wotsit which the lead attaches to, this itself fits onto the plug (it is a kind of extender as the plugs are recessed quite deeply).

If you have an arcing lead I would replace the whole lot (i.e. all 8 + king lead) - unless you know they've all been changed recently then after 5-6 years they're probably all breaking down anyway. Best get a set from a TVR dealer or independent to get the right lengths/thickness.

If the wotsit is bust then I believe they are Vauxhall parts - take one into your local dealership and they'll relieve you of £7ish for one.

[macca]

Swap the metal shroud with another. Does the arcing move with the shroud? That should give you the answer as to whether it is the shroud or the lead.

[zippy500]

I recently got a full set from my dealer, 53 quid i think. I dont think you can get theem individually from them. The metal ugamaflid is a heatshield. Unlikely this is to blame. However its worth swapping it for another one, they are all the same. Just the leads are different lengths.

[Marshy]

The extender/heatshield things can break down - there's a rubber washer near the top that perishes.

They're £8 quid each these days from Vauxhall.

Even plugs leads from Halfords for Rangie's work in a Chim - although I'm after magnecors at some point soon, so they're a temp solutionm.

[met]

thanks for the advice.i'll start with the cheapest option and then if that doesnt work i'll sub some MORE money off the wife!!(i had to use up all my birthdays and xmas's till 2035 to buy the thing)