Removing The Plug Boots

[GoneYukon]

Changing the spark plugs was supposed to be a 20 minute job, and probably will be once I get the boots off. I assume they're just stuck on there since its been so long, but I wanted to check before I broke something.

 

There seems to be a boot shield or something that spins freely around the boot. There's about 1/2" of boot that extends beyond that shield. I tried twisting/yanking on that 1/2" of boot, but it wouldn't come off the plug. Does that sound right? Do I need to just pull a little harder?

 

Thanks!

[Zembonez]

Changing the spark plugs was supposed to be a 20 minute job, and probably will be once I get the boots off. I assume they're just stuck on there since its been so long, but I wanted to check before I broke something.

 

There seems to be a boot shield or something that spins freely around the boot. There's about 1/2" of boot that extends beyond that shield. I tried twisting/yanking on that 1/2" of boot, but it wouldn't come off the plug. Does that sound right? Do I need to just pull a little harder?

 

Thanks!

Yip... Twist and pull. There are tools for getting a grip from the bottom at most AP stores.

 

I've seen those boots practically welded to the plug. Sometimes all you can do is destroy the boot getting it off and replace the plug wires along with the plugs. I've seen many methods of removing them but if they are really stuck, new wires might be in your future.

[Schmids5.3l]

Sounds about right. When I switched to TR-6's, I completely destroyed 2 plug wires. Literally ripped the boot off one wire with the innards still attached to the plug. I used vice grips on the boot shield, it worked great until the #7 & 8 cylinders. Ended up buying a whole new set of OEM wires, cost around $40. Aggravating as hell.

[C & A s Dad]

Mike, we always recommend a new set of wires with the plugs, especially when the plugs and wires are OE. Even if you do get them off in one piece, they will likely be damaged internally.

 

Be sure and do the job with the engine cold, use a small amt of antiseize on the plug threads and dielectric grease inside the boots on the new plugs. This will really help the next time they are changed.

 

Also, the right rear plug is a little tight. I used a long handled 3/8" flex head ratchet with a 1" extension connected directly to the sp plug skt. Get you something to stand on and reach over in there. Some people use a long extension but I do not care for this method because you loose the "feel" of what you are doing.

 

Good luck.

 

PS I am sure you know this, but please do not buy cheap wires. You would regret it.

[pennzoil29]

Get mad with the sob, pull it off with what ever means it takes, and put new wires on it. I always change my wires when I change my plugs.

[Schmids5.3l]

Since I gotta change my plugs every 10k or so now, I think I'll switch wires every other change. I must have said every word in the book when I ripped the boot off and the innards were still attached to the plug. What was angering is I had changed plugs no more than 6 months prior, and I also took the plugs out this past winter during the cam swap, since I used an air compressor to plug into the spark plug threads to hold the valves up while swapping springs. Oh well. Since swapping to new wires is almost mandatory during plug changes I'll show them no mercy next time

[desrtrat]

Since I gotta change my plugs every 10k or so now, I think I'll switch wires every other change.

why do you need to change plugs every 10k for seems a wast of money for wires also

 

[Schmids5.3l]

why do you need to change plugs every 10k for seems a wast of money for wires also

 

 

I use Copper NGK TR6 plugs.

[99silverado1500]

I just do a firm wiggle and i never lost a wire yet.

[GoneYukon]

Thanks for all the replies guys. With my new found confidence of just rippin' the b*tches off I should have no problem.

 

Thank you C&A for the detailed break down.

[stlavsa]

Thanks for all the replies guys. With my new found confidence of just rippin' the b*tches off I should have no problem.

 

Thank you C&A for the detailed break down.

 

If you changing the plugs that often, then you will not need to change the wires that often. Maybe every 40,000. Just make sure you grease up the wires and becareful removing them. They shouldnt get stuck if your changing the plugs frequently.

 

If you do have to pull on them though, they are kinda easy to screw em up you will have to replace them then.