When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I have been having an intermittent misfire (no codes) so figured I’d change the plugs and wires. The boots are stuck on the plugs and now I’ve broken two of the wires with the boot still stuck. I’ve had the same issue on my Jeep and it was a pain in the rumpus. Any suggestions for an easier removal? I already sprayed them with some PB Blaster and they are soaking now.
I guess it was good timing to replace this stuff. Plugs didn’t look bad but most of the wires were so brittle they just broke. Hopefully that is the source of my misfire.
There are some nice plug wire boot pliers for sale at most parts stores that work really well. They also have cheap plastic ones which I would avoid at all costs
There are some nice plug wire boot pliers for sale at most parts stores that work really well. They also have cheap plastic ones which I would avoid at all costs
Agreed. I bought a pair of steel ones on a whim several years ago and they were extremely handy the two times I've changed plugs in my C5. I can't imagine pulling boots without them.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I agree with the above - get a decent plug wire removal tool and that will make the job so much easier. As for the plug wires, I would suggest a set of GMPP red wires.
I wound up buying a set at the local parts house. Got the boots off. Changed the plugs and wires got it all buttoned up and running. Seems like the misfire is cured.
However I freaked myself out when I had the engine running as it was coming up to temp I started seeing some smoke. Turned it off, began to investigate and realized it was the PB Blaster I sprayed trying to get the wires off.
You probably know that PB Blaster isnt kind to many plastic/rubber items. Wont hurt junk wires, but dont use it on your new ones. As for pliers-The key factor here is get a GOOD pair. I have some steel ones that are marginal, at best. When I changed wires and plugs on my old 3.8 V6 Buick LeSabre, it actually bent the steel jaws from 90° to maybe 45°! So just getting steel pliers isn't a guarantee that they're GOOD steel pliers. Mine must be a cheaper brand. I bought the car used, and will say those plug wires must've been on there since the car was new! Use some dielectric grease on the boots, and plug bodies on your new stuff, to ensure they won't come off so hard next time. I think you have found the problem if the wires were that bad.......
The PB Blaster was to get the old ones off. I used anti-seize on the plugs and dylectic grease on the boots (both ends). As to the wires, yes clearly bad. Several of the wires just broke when I went to grab the boot. Only 3 of 8 came off fully intact.
I replaced my plugs and wires about 4K miles ago on my '06 C6 and thought that I bought a good spark plug wire removal tool this time after bending up the last pair changing the plugs and wires on my '99 C5 during a header install.
Well, that set of pliers is now trash as well. The boots seem to weld themselves on.
At least you solved your misfire.
And patience does not seem to help in getting some of the plug wires off.
Plug wires
