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Can't get plug wires off

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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 09:11 PM
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Default Can't get plug wires off

Hi all! Haven't had a vette for a while. What I have is a 2001 black and tan 1SC vert with 62000 miles. I don't know if previous owner changed plugs but at 16 yrs I figured I have to do it. Problem is grabbing about 1/2 " of exposed plug boot. There's a heat shield around the boot and I don't know if it comes off with the plug end of the wire of if remains on the head. Any help would be appreciated........I know, it ain't real without pictures but this is my 3rd post in 15 years. I'm working on it. TIA
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by GroundFlyer
Hi all! Haven't had a vette for a while. What I have is a 2001 black and tan 1SC vert with 62000 miles. I don't know if previous owner changed plugs but at 16 yrs I figured I have to do it. Problem is grabbing about 1/2 " of exposed plug boot. There's a heat shield around the boot and I don't know if it comes off with the plug end of the wire of if remains on the head. Any help would be appreciated........I know, it ain't real without pictures but this is my 3rd post in 15 years. I'm working on it. TIA
They can be a b!tc# to remove. Just grab on with your Channelocks, etc. and yank 'em off.
You need to get new plug wires. Trust me. Just bite the bullet and buy a new set of good plug wires.
Check with Gene Culley (forum vendor) at Cultrag. He will be able to help you.
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 09:20 PM
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It's a heat shield and should come off with the wires. You may be able to push them towards the block, get a hold of the spark plug boot and try twisting it both ways. Once you can move it, then try and pull and twist the boot.
Chris
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 07:15 AM
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Couldn't get mine off either when I went to change my plugs. Bit the bullet and bought new wires along with the plugs just in case I ruined them. Well I only got a few off without ruining them so said the heck with it and used anything I could find to pull off the rest. Didn't reuse the metal covers, bought some red sleeves and put them on instead.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Sam Handwich
They can be a b!tc# to remove. Just grab on with your Channelocks, etc. and yank 'em off.
You need to get new plug wires. Trust me. Just bite the bullet and buy a new set of good plug wires.
Check with Gene Culley (forum vendor) at Cultrag. He will be able to help you.
Probably OEM wires...put a little/dab of Dielectric tune-up grease on BOTH ends of the new wires.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by runner140*
Probably OEM wires...put a little/dab of Dielectric tune-up grease on BOTH ends of the new wires.
Thanks for the replies. I always tried not to be "ham-fisted" while working on my vettes but I guess "ham" it is. I'll go with the iridium plugs and GMPP reds. Thanks everyone...
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 10:44 AM
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Good choice going with the AC iridiums and GMPP red wires.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by GroundFlyer
Thanks for the replies. I always tried not to be "ham-fisted" while working on my vettes but I guess "ham" it is. I'll go with the iridium plugs and GMPP reds. Thanks everyone...
Like was said, use some grease for sure. They'll go on so much easier.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by GroundFlyer
Thanks for the replies. I always tried not to be "ham-fisted" while working on my vettes but I guess "ham" it is. I'll go with the iridium plugs and GMPP reds. Thanks everyone...
That's what I used in my setup.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 03:54 PM
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Don't forget to 'grease' the spark plug threads with anti-seize compound.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 04:21 PM
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These tools come in handy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O39H3CM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O39H3CM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DTX4G40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DTX4G40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

dan k.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 04:57 PM
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a
Originally Posted by Sam Handwich
They can be a b!tc# to remove. Just grab on with your Channelocks, etc. and yank 'em off.
You need to get new plug wires. Trust me. Just bite the bullet and buy a new set of good plug wires.
Check with Gene Culley (forum vendor) at Cultrag. He will be able to help you.
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 08:10 PM
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Thanks for the replies. That's what makes this site great!
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