What scan tool for a medium duty truck

[Jonny Rotten]

1998 GMC C6500 gas 366 engine. My car scanner won't read it. The heavy duty ones seem like they are for diesel. Around $100 best bang for the buck would be great. Something that can tell me spark if that's possible. This engine burns up spark plug wires like it's going out of style. It runs but always seems like it's lacking power. After new wires cap and rotor it seems like it runs better. How the check engine light doesnt come on is beyond me. I've owned it for almost 20 years and never put a scanner on it. It's beyond time. Amazon would helpful...thanks

 

[AA/FC]

I can not help you with a scan tool for that truck. However, I can add...

We had an older (early 90's) Chevy 6500 with the 366 and it was a dog even when it was running perfectly. I wouldn't expect much power from that engine. As for spark plug wires.... the GM 366 is a big block and Chevy big blocks are NOTORIOUS for killing spark plug wires. Be extremely careful when routing the spark plug wires to make sure they're not touching the exhaust manifolds. Also, you could try....

The old metal big block Chevy spark plug heat shields:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098BR8CXN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jonny Rotten]

I can not help you with a scan tool for that truck. However, I can add...

We had an older (early 90's) Chevy 6500 with the 366 and it was a dog even when it was running perfectly. I wouldn't expect much power from that engine. As for spark plug wires.... the GM 366 is a big block and Chevy big blocks are NOTORIOUS for killing spark plug wires. Be extremely careful when routing the spark plug wires to make sure they're not touching the exhaust manifolds. Also, you could try....

The old metal big block Chevy spark plug heat shields:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098BR8CXN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or soft flexible heat shields like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HMAGPMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the metal shields on the plugs and they still burn up the wires. I was thinking about going with the slip on ones that are rated for like 2000 deg. I'm thinking the metal just gets hot and transfers to the plug boots. They burn up where the boot meets the wire. It's in a dump truck. Not looking to win any races but I need it running strong as I load it with a lot of weight (roofing)Your second link is a Laptop LOL

 

[AA/FC]

I have the metal shields on the plugs and they still burn up the wires. I was thinking about going with the slip on ones that are rated for like 2000 deg. I'm thinking the metal just gets hot and transfers to the plug boots. They burn up where the boot meets the wire. It's in a dump truck. Not looking to win any races but I need it running strong as I load it with a lot of weight (roofing)Your second link is a Laptop LOL

When I click the second link it brings me to the soft heat sleeves like you mentioned. I just tried it again and it still brings me to the heat sleeves. Oh well, whatever.... (I will delete the link)

You could try something like this from Jegs:

JEGS 40290: 8mm Hi-Temp Sleeved Spark Plug Wire Set for Big Block Chevy 396, 402, & 454 w/HEI, Over Valve Cover w/Straight Boots [Black] - JEGS

Get the Best Performance with JEGS 8mm Hi-Temp Sleeved Spark Plug Wire Set for Big Block Chevy 396, 402, & 454 w/HEI, Over Valve Cover w/Straight Boots [Black] 40290 parts at JEGS. Shop Now at the Guaranteed Lowest Price!

www.jegs.com

Or something like this:

ACCEL 9013C Spark Plug Wire Set - Extreme 9000 Ceramic Boot - Chevy /GM Big Block 396-502 w/ HEI - Custom Fit

ACCEL now offers the cure for burnt spark plug boots with Extreme 9000 ceramic wire kits. The 8mm Ferro-Spiral core wire now has ceramic boots on the spark plug end of the wires. Ceramic boots withstand up to 2,000 degrees. Great for running headers with close tolerance, an engine bay with...

www.holley.com

Just make sure to order either straight or angle boots, whatever fits best with your manifolds.

Like I said.... this is a well know problem with big block Chevy engines. people have been fighting burnt plug wires on these engines since the big block was invented. It *****. I wish I had a better suggestion for you.