Changing Spark Plugs/wires

[cometb]

Sorry for such a rudimentary question but its been about 20 years since I've chnaged spark plugs. I have a 2004 Sierra Pickup with 100K miles. I have a shop flushing the coolant and changing the differential and transmission fluids but wanted to do the plugs/wires myself. First off, on the wires, there is a metal piece coming up from the plug end; when removing the wire, do I simply grab the wire part and gently pull? Should I replace the wires? Any other tips that would help? Is the job fairly easy? THANKS!!

[Draenor]

Do not grab the wire,but the boot. Give a slight twist while pulling. If you cannot get it them, they do make plug boot pullers. (Kind of look like BBQ tongs). Yes any time you replace the plugs, replace the wires. The #8 or rear passenger plug will be the hardest, other than that its cake.

[cometb]

Do not grab the wire,but the boot. Give a slight twist while pulling. If you cannot get it them, they do make plug boot pullers. (Kind of look like BBQ tongs). Yes any time you replace the plugs, replace the wires. The #8 or rear passenger plug will be the hardest, other than that its cake.

 

Thanks! how hard is #8 going to be? Can a guy with average to below average mechanical ability do it?

[Draenor]

Yes with the right tools.

A flex head ratchet with an extension would help. Its not hard to do, its just a pain. Kind of like when my wife wants something from me.

[VR021302]

Do not grab the wire,but the boot. Give a slight twist while pulling. If you cannot get it them, they do make plug boot pullers. (Kind of look like BBQ tongs). Yes any time you replace the plugs, replace the wires. The #8 or rear passenger plug will be the hardest, other than that its cake.

 

Y is this?

[cometb]

Yes with the right tools.

A flex head ratchet with an extension would help. Its not hard to do, its just a pain. Kind of like when my wife wants something from me.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Draenor]

Do not grab the wire,but the boot. Give a slight twist while pulling. If you cannot get it them, they do make plug boot pullers. (Kind of look like BBQ tongs). Yes any time you replace the plugs, replace the wires. The #8 or rear passenger plug will be the hardest, other than that its cake.

 

Y is this?

 

You can damage the wire when removing it. It may not be visually damaged, but internal. It sucks to button every thing up, get DTCs on misfires, have run back to the parts store to pick up of wires and then replace them anways.

Also , Its always nice to know the the plug and wires are new. Change everythying at one and get it out the way, its good insurance. It also sucks to replace the plugs on one time and then remember to go back and replace the wires another.

 

 

Its not a mandated thing, you should just treat your 'baby' right.

[VR021302]

Oh ok, i thought it was required, my bad

[Draenor]

Oh ok, i thought it was required, my bad

Nope,

 

 

I'm guilty of running old wires on new plugs and/or rotors.

[txab]

One thing, since we're able to run plugs 100k miles, the wires are pretty much in need of replacing anyway

[KBSIERRA]

I just replaced mine also. Way easier than I thought. Even the # 8. Short extention and standard ratchet worked for me. Also a tip I use from my old man,use a short piece of rubber tubing to slip on end of plug for reinstalling and starting the threads along with anti sieze stick on the threads.I also after removing each plug,use a vacuum arroung the thread opening to suck any thing that might have been resting arround there.

 

One thing, since we're able to run plugs 100k miles, the wires are pretty much in need of replacing anyway

[pennzoil29]

I just replaced mine also. Way easier than I thought. Even the # 8. Short extention and standard ratchet worked for me. Also a tip I use from my old man,use a short piece of rubber tubing to slip on end of plug for reinstalling and starting the threads along with anti sieze stick on the threads.I also after removing each plug,use a vacuum arroung the thread opening to suck any thing that might have been resting arround there.

 

One thing, since we're able to run plugs 100k miles, the wires are pretty much in need of replacing anyway

 

 

A wise old man indeed.

[superjim]

I just replaced mine also. Way easier than I thought. Even the # 8. Short extention and standard ratchet worked for me. Also a tip I use from my old man,use a short piece of rubber tubing to slip on end of plug for reinstalling and starting the threads along with anti sieze stick on the threads.

I also after removing each plug,use a vacuum arroung the thread opening to suck any thing that might have been resting arround there.

 

 

The only thing I do differently is, after breaking the plug loose..

THEN I vacuum around it to remove any dirt / crud that was dislodged.

THEN I take the plug out.

That way anything that is around the plug gets vacuumed up BEFORE the plug is removed, and can't fall into the hole when you remove the plug.

[C & A s Dad]

I agree with what has been said here but will add a couple of tips.

 

I use shop air to blow any dirt from around the plugs before I start.

 

You will not be able to gently pull on the wires. You have to snatch them off in most cases. Hold the boot and twist it like draenor said and pull like crazy.

 

Make sure the engine is stone cold. Hot alum heads can cause the threads to come out with the plug. Not a good thing. If it is cold, you will have no problems.

 

# 8 plug. I used a long handle flex head 3/8 ratchet with a 5/8 plug socket directly on it. If you are not a tall guy, you will want a crate to stand on so you can get over in there with it. If you do not have a flex head ratchet, a std 3/8 ratchet and a 1" ext will do fine.

 

You will want to put a small amt of antisieze on the new plug threads. It does not take much. Permatex makes this in single use packets and it sells for about $1.00.

 

You will also want to use dielectric grease in the boots. It keeps them from sticking and provides a better seal and contact. Permatex also makes this in single use packets.

 

Last but not least. Be sure you buy a real good quality set of wires. No retail store economy wires.

[Z71kris]

I've been thinking about replacing my plugs and wires, great explanations here! If you use the the high end high performance will I get any thing extra from it, even seat of the pants noticeable?