Spark plug wire removal hell
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Spark plug wire removal hell
I've read lots of posts, tried recommended techniques and tools (bought different boot puller "pliers" including the adjustable angle one) but still cannot budge any of the wires. Tried twisting the rubber ends above the shield to break any "stiction" to hopefully ease pulling but could not get any to turn at all. Would cut the boots with a razor knife, then buy new wires, but the metal shields prevent that. My car only has 6000 miles on it and has always been garaged. I don't want to get too aggressive at this point, also don't want to damage the metal shields as I understand new wires don't come with the shields.
Obviously, with 6000 miles I don't need to do anything at this point, but the car is almost 7 years old and I would like to at least get the plugs out and renew the anti-seize compound.
Any tips or comments on the above? Thanks, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina
Obviously, with 6000 miles I don't need to do anything at this point, but the car is almost 7 years old and I would like to at least get the plugs out and renew the anti-seize compound.
Any tips or comments on the above? Thanks, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Why worry about the metal shields......don't most folks leave them off with aftermarket wires ?
Be sure to use some silicone grease inside the boots when you replace the wires and you will never have this issue again.
Be sure to use some silicone grease inside the boots when you replace the wires and you will never have this issue again.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
WHY are you worring about plugs and wires at this mileage. 
Leave it be and save your bucks and nerves for something worth while.
Seriously,,,,,,there fine. New fancy high dollar Plugs and wires DO NOT make HP/TQ. PERIOD! If it were me, I would NOT worry about them.
Leave it be and save your bucks and nerves for something worth while.
Seriously,,,,,,there fine. New fancy high dollar Plugs and wires DO NOT make HP/TQ. PERIOD! If it were me, I would NOT worry about them.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I've wondered about the same thing... my '02 has 13K miles and I wonder if I should just leave the plugs alone. Does anyone know if Cool Socks are a viable replacement for the OEM metal heat shields?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The heat shielsd work well. As long as the wires, boots or shields dont touch the manifolds (stock configuration they wont) your fine.
Unless you see physical damage on the wires,,,,,there most likely fine.
BC
Unless you see physical damage on the wires,,,,,there most likely fine.
BC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Depending on what you put the wires through already chances are you did it harm pulling and twisting on it. I gave up and bought a new set of GMPP red wires from Gene then replaced the plugs when the wires came. Trust me you will destroy several wires trying to remove them. The metal shields didn't suffer any harm. My knuckles did. If you do decide to change them remove the A.I.R. tube/check valve on the drivers side and the brake assist line I think to get a bit more room.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Only way to get to mine.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
I gave up EVER trying to save them... I changed plugs 3 times and changed wires 3 times.. Not worth the aggravation taking your time and getting 7 wires and then fecking up the last one.. 
Just yank em and have a new set standing by..
Just yank em and have a new set standing by..
