Need some advice- I got in my ac delco iridium plugs and they seem to be gapped at about .035 so I was changing to .040 as per some folks advice. also I tried to get a plug out but I was afraid to break one off so I decided to wait and ask this- should I shot some wd-40 down by the plugs and maybe it will loosen them up some overnight??

thanks

 

If you think it's seized up, then yes spay some type of penetrating oil to get the threads loosened up. How much force are you using?

 

Not a whole lot, had a hard time getting the darn plug wires off. Have new ones coming wednesday so not a big deal that I destroyed them. Just so afraid that I may break one off...also do I put the metal sleeves back on also??

 

WD-40 is not really good at loosening parts. Use Aero-Kroil, Seafoam Deep Creep or PB Blaster, which are all made to loosen parts.

 

I dont think you're supposed to gap irridium plugs. Are you sure you are going in the right direction?

 

I was able to get mine out without any solvent but if I was to use some I would try PB Blaster. Put it on the plug and wait several hours.
My Iridiums were misgapped also. The Iridium coating is very thin.
Can regap them but do it GENTLY so as not to get the Iridium off the electrodes.
I also used some antisieze and a piece of rubber hose to start the plugs in so as not to cross thread them.
Bought the RED GM plug wires and did replace the metal RF shields.
Worked fine.

Have fun. #8 next to the firewall by the brake booster required a $5 Autozone swivel socket and an extension. Other plugs just needed a straight plug socket and different length socket extensions.

 

Thanks guys-- went and got some pb blaster and sprayed the base of the plugs I could see, still havent gotten all the plug wires off- I think I will need to get some new guards for each plug also.
With the rain down here all week after work each day I will try to get a little accomplished each day--

replacing plugs and wires
K and N air filter
new gator serpintine belt-checking all pulleys.

sounds like fun!!!!

 

When you do the wires, try to twist the plug first to pop it loose, not just try to pull it off.
Worked on mine anyway.

 

Thanks- also I am putting on high performance livewires that say they have built in heat shields up to 1400 degrees. Can I eliminate the metal heat shields ???

 

are you running headers?

 

Just changed all of mine. I have NGK with MSD wires so I was not afraid to yank on the wire itself. Patience, a few smaller sockets, and a long pry bar. Trust me....

The passenger side went well in about 45 minutes. Yanked on the plug wire as well as the actual boot. A pair of small, adjustable pliers also help. The pry bar was used once i KNEW ABSOLUTELY that I had the plug socket firmly on the plug. I turned it very slowly and they all loosened. I think it was the first time that they were changed, ever! 60k miles on an 01. The drivers side rear was the toughest. Take the air injection hose off and the power steering booster hose as well. Then you have a good access. Drivers side, about an hour. Only because I was fiddling too much with just the right combination of extensions, etc. I always use a 1/4 ratchet so as to not put too much torque on anything. I also put all the plugs in by hand and spun them until hand tight so as to not cross thread!

Word of advice here.... when you put the new wires on, do it slowly and *feel* the snap as it seats on the top of the plug. Then, as you push the other end into the coil pack, listed / feel for the same type of positive *snap*. Then you know you are good.

My gap was over .55 on the old plugs, but they looked nice and chocolate brown.

Enjoy!

 

Sounds about like my situation. 01 with 79,000 miles in showroom condition and totally stock, I think only regular services were done so I am sure the plugs and wires have not been touched since rolled out of bowling green!!!
Sent off the abs module for repair, putting in the new plugs and wires, gatorback serpentine belt, and checking all pulleys!!!

 

No all totally stock!!

 

Wanted to say thanks to everybody who has responded to my many questions. I am trying to learn to do alot of stuff myself because I actually enjoy tinkering on my cars!!! I put the pb blaster like suggested and I just finished replacing all the plugs and waiting on my new plug wires to come in tomorrow!! My plugs were Denso brand and gapped at .055 like someone else said theirs were, I gapped mine at .040. Are these factory plugs??? The guy I bought it from is someone I know and has had the car for the mileage from 15,000 to 79,000 and said he never replaced the plugs?? Did someone replace before 15,000 miles or did it come with them???
Getting my abs module back friday with fingers crossed it fixes the c1214 code!!!

If any of you guys come thru Columbus Georgia I owe you a cool refreshing alcoholic beverage!!
Thanks again everybody!!!

 

I had Denso's in mine as well. Just FYI.

 

That makes me feel better...nothing funky going on!!!

 

Ha! I thought the same thing. I think that they were standard. I do know that they are gapped very large (.55) and the new recommendation is .44 to .45. I used NGK's and it kicks-a$$ !!

But just may be my state-of-mind when I get in to the Vette!

 

I hearya!!!!