Spark plug removal Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: McKinney Texas
Spark plug removal Question
Does anyone know how important it is to have this silver shield on the spark plugwire? I am in the process of installing some MSD wires and when I pulled on the OEM wire this came off with it.
Do I have to put this back on? I figure I mine as well put new plugs in too while Im doing this so Im off to the parts store.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
David
Do I have to put this back on? I figure I mine as well put new plugs in too while Im doing this so Im off to the parts store.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
David
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,798
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg MS
Don't know how important it is to put it back on, but I did replace wires and plugs this past weekend and did put the heat shields back on. Looks like your wires came off much easier than mine did. 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Coconut Creek FL
When I changed my original plugs & wires @ 50k miles to NGK TR55 plugs and MSD wires, I did not reuse the metal heat shields. I had no ill effects; there was plenty of clearance. When I recently did heads and cam, I installed headers, so I added Thermo Tec plug wire sleeves for extra protection, but probably would have still been fine without 'em.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 885
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From: The Woodlands Texas
I just completed a stage II heads / cam installation and with my SLP long tube headers decided to retain the OEM heat shields (silver tubes) and then installed Koolsox over the entire plug wire and heat shield for extra protection.
Keep the shields as a minimum.
By the way, I also installed after market plug wires and they were crap - lot's of misfires, etc. I now run only the OEM wires and have no problems.
Keep the shields as a minimum.
By the way, I also installed after market plug wires and they were crap - lot's of misfires, etc. I now run only the OEM wires and have no problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
A tool like this is very handy for removing the spark plug boots without damaging them...
It will also save your fingers!
They are available at all good auto parts stores. Look for the rack of K-D (or similar) tools at your favorite auto parts store. They're very inexpensive, come in a couple of different varieties to reach into the most difficult places and you'll feel like a pro...
Good luck... GUSTO
It will also save your fingers!
They are available at all good auto parts stores. Look for the rack of K-D (or similar) tools at your favorite auto parts store. They're very inexpensive, come in a couple of different varieties to reach into the most difficult places and you'll feel like a pro...
Good luck... GUSTO
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Geneva, IL Bring back the Chief!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'13-'14,'19-'20-'21-'22
I've asked myself this question a number of times.
Installed LG headers a year ago. They leave a lot more clearance than the stock manifolds.
Just did H/C swap. Installed new plug wires and looked over clearances again. Decided that I'd try without the shield. At this point, I've got about 700 miles with no issues.
I wouldn't call this a scientific proof, just a "data point".
btw, I've always had a hard time getting the wires off the plugs. With the shield on the wires, I'd grab with a channel locks and use a big screw driver to pry off. If done carefully, no marks.
Installed LG headers a year ago. They leave a lot more clearance than the stock manifolds.
Just did H/C swap. Installed new plug wires and looked over clearances again. Decided that I'd try without the shield. At this point, I've got about 700 miles with no issues.
I wouldn't call this a scientific proof, just a "data point".
btw, I've always had a hard time getting the wires off the plugs. With the shield on the wires, I'd grab with a channel locks and use a big screw driver to pry off. If done carefully, no marks.
Last edited by bennettrp; Dec 29, 2006 at 04:54 PM.
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A tool like this is very handy for removing the spark plug boots without damaging them...
It will also save your fingers!
They are available at all good auto parts stores. Look for the rack of K-D (or similar) tools at your favorite auto parts store. They're very inexpensive, come in a couple of different varieties to reach into the most difficult places and you'll feel like a pro...
It will also save your fingers!
They are available at all good auto parts stores. Look for the rack of K-D (or similar) tools at your favorite auto parts store. They're very inexpensive, come in a couple of different varieties to reach into the most difficult places and you'll feel like a pro...
A tool like that has saved me a lot of frustration in the past.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
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From: Jensen Beach FL
