[Z06] Spark plug removal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Spark plug removal
I now have almost 89K miles on my Z06. Probably time to change the plugs (LOL), even though the car runs fine.
I have fat hands and cannot reach around the metal protector for the plugs. And, I know if I simply pull on the wire, it will simply pull out of its holder.
Is there a special tool to remove these types of plugs ???
Any help is appreciated.
I have fat hands and cannot reach around the metal protector for the plugs. And, I know if I simply pull on the wire, it will simply pull out of its holder.
Is there a special tool to remove these types of plugs ???
Any help is appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: New Baltimore Michigan
AT 89k i would change the wires also 
i have put piers on the thick rubber boot and pulled in a circular motion its still a bitch if its the first time the wires have been removed
Steve
i have put piers on the thick rubber boot and pulled in a circular motion its still a bitch if its the first time the wires have been removed
Steve
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
Get the plugs wires too... I can guarantee you will pull At least one apart. I tore 3 wires up changing the plugs out... The plug wire boots melt around the plug after years and years, plus the wire gets really brittle too.. Its like trying to pull a tooth out of an elephant with pliars. Some of the boots came off fairly easy.. Every car will be a little different.. Have the proper tools also.. a plug wire boot puller and a swivel head socket make the job MUCH MUCH easier.. The number 7 plug is a real PIA... Gene Culley has the Red GM Hotwires for around 67 dollars... Best deal out there on a great set of wires....... You mentioned you have big hands... You will tear them up on # 7 I have small hands and they got all tore up, even after removing the air tube ... Wear some latex gloves at the very least
here is a good link to read http://www.c5forum.com/diy/sparkplugs.php
here is a good link to read http://www.c5forum.com/diy/sparkplugs.php
Last edited by David426; Nov 21, 2010 at 03:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
Careful with pulling the spark plug boots off with pliers. I had one on so tight that I had to pull so hard it began to rip/tear the boot.
As others mentioned- plan on replacing the plug wires and have them on hand.
Changing the plugs using the Snap-On triple jointed swivel socket was a piece of cake ( even the driver's side rear). It was the plug wires that at only 33K miles were a PITA.
As others mentioned- plan on replacing the plug wires and have them on hand.
Changing the plugs using the Snap-On triple jointed swivel socket was a piece of cake ( even the driver's side rear). It was the plug wires that at only 33K miles were a PITA.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I have an 02 Z with 41k on the clock. I see advertisments for plugs that suppose to give extra horsepower. Does it really matter what kind of plug you replace the delco's with or just stick with Gm plugs? Since plug removal is the topic I thought I'd just toss it out there.
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Springfield VA
I don't think anyone's ever gained HP from a spark plug/wire change. Recovered some of what might have been lost? Yes. Actual gains? No sir. I read a while back (when I was changing my plugs while doing my LT header install) that most, if not all, of the plugs that claim gains have been proven to be selling a whole bunch of 
What you want is a reliable plug that you ideally won't have to check for another 50k miles.
What you want is a reliable plug that you ideally won't have to check for another 50k miles.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
Not true on any of the LS based motors.. Each plug has its own coil pack and every wire is the same size.. None of the wires cross each other and are not long enough to go from the designated coil pack to a different plug... Its pretty much dummy proof all the way... Not like the old days when we had a distributor to deal with and different sized wires.. Thats when you had to do one wire at a time..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
Not true on any of the LS based motors.. Each plug has its own coil pack and every wire is the same size.. None of the wires cross each other and are not long enough to go from the designated coil pack to a different plug... Its pretty much dummy proof all the way... Not like the old days when we had a distributor to deal with and different sized wires.. Thats when you had to do one wire at a time..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
I have an 02 Z with 41k on the clock. I see advertisments for plugs that suppose to give extra horsepower. Does it really matter what kind of plug you replace the delco's with or just stick with Gm plugs? Since plug removal is the topic I thought I'd just toss it out there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
Hate to be critical- but seems like a lot of super general questions are being asked about the most basic of maintenance items. Maybe better to take your car to an experienced mechanic if you aren't sure how to do the job. But heck-I've been a back yard mechanic since age 16 .
:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Spark plug removal
Hey guys, thanks for all the input. I replaced both the plugs and wires yesterday. I didn't use a plug wire puller. Old plugs looks almost brand new. I can't notice any difference in the performance.
