Is it bad to see sparks jumping out of wires at night?

[Timbers]

My 97 TA, in the dark I can see sparks jumping from the body of my coil, to that thick metal frame that goes around it. Plus, along the routes of some of my 8mm wires, I see sparks jumping out the sides of them.

I would assume any spark I see is not making it to a spark plug, and thus causing a misfire. Which isn't good right?

I should see no sparks correct?

I just bought a over the valve cover wire loom and wire set I plan on putting on, hoping this will help the problem, I guess maybe I have the wires routed too tight?

What would cause the coil to shoot sparks out the side?

Thanks for your help guys!

...Tim

[RangerBob]

Coil? Where is your coil?

[Timbers]

Above the Opti

Its above the Optispark, about 2 o'clock above it. The wire goes from the coil pack to the Opti and is distributed from there.

[ConElite]

Im guessing he is talking about the Coil in front of the engine on the side of the water pump. yeah if its arcing then you have issues. Might need a new coil.

[Joe 1320]

Arcing is bad. You'll eventually burn though enough to cause huge misfires.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Bad...yes. But awfully pretty, huh?

[Timbers]

So the arcing from the coil body is a bad coil probably? Is it possible its arcing through there because it couldn't find a spark plug to send the spark to, because of wire related issues?

[FTA1995]

Its probably a bad coil, wires. The only spark you want is in the cylinder head.

[Wild Willy]

The spark is always going to take the easiest route to ground- if that isn't the plug, you have problems. Could be bad wires- could be plugs are gapped too big- but, yeah, you have a misfire-

[FroSSty]

I had this happen on my lt1 as well. It turned out to be a really bad coil. I replaced the plugs and wires while I was at it.