Spark Plug Wires

[RoGuE]

Well, I started today in hopes of doing my tune-up, but I was quickly stopped after I could not get any of the wires off the spark plugs. I searched for other threads and read to grab twist and pull, I tried that with no success. So right now I am at a loss and might just have to eventually bring it in somewhere. Are there any tricks I am missing here? I assume that those little heat shields are only wedged in between the wire and the spark plug, but I tried with all my strength and nothing would budge. And that was even the hard plug in the back.

 

Any help?

[michigansilver03]

I would try pulling the wire out of the boot, then take a utility knife and cut the boot in half lenght wise.

 

It's all or nothing, but must be the first time the boots have been off.

[RoGuE]

I would try pulling the wire out of the boot, then take a utility knife and cut the boot in half lenght wise.

 

It's all or nothing, but must be the first time the boots have been off.

 

Yep, all original at 81,000 miles. I suppose I could do that since I am replacing the wires anyway.

[michigansilver03]

They make a dielectric grease to prevent that when you put them back on. Good Luck

 

Make sure you have a soft place to land behind you when they come loose you will go flying backwards

[pm26]

Somebody makes ignition wire boot pliers that you can pull the boots off with without damaging them. Check with JC Whitney or local parts stores.

[C & A s Dad]

Just grab and yank em off after you given them a twist or two. They will come but you just have to pull on them. You are not reusing them anyway so don't worry about hurting them.

[rjirvine]

I would second the dielectric grease when you put the wires back on...not too much of course. You can find it at any auto store. Don't forget anti-sieze for the plug threads.

 

Here's a tip. If you have room, and an air compressor, you can shoot air under the wire boot (like by the ignition coils, or distributor). It will break the boot seal very easily. Unfortunately, you don't have that kind of room down by the spark plugs themselves.

[Impalacat]

When I did my 2000 the wires where a little tough but they all came off keep trying and like others have said your not going to reuse them so give em a tug like ya got a set and do as rjirvine said., about the dielectric grease and anti-sieze

[SinisterSS]

Since the wires are disposable, clamp onto the "big end" sticking out with a vise grip - twist back and forth as much as possible to break it loose rotationally and then pull (still twisting).

[2500HD 8.1]

They are very tough after being on for a while. Like other guys have said, don't worry about damaging them since you are putting on new ones. You really just have to rip them off. Twist, pull, use vices grips. It seems as once you get the first one off, the others will be easier since now you know what it takes to get them off. They should come off with a little muscle.