Spark Plug Change

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Sep 16, 2011 | 11:33 PM

DonEL

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Joined: Jan 2009

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Spark Plug Change

Is there a safe way to disconnect spark plugs wires at the spark plug end? Pulling, with considerable force, on the plug end connector of my LS2 moved nothing. I need to change plugs but have never before found plug wires welded to the plugs. Any suggestions? I'd also appreciate any other tips related to plug change on an 05. Thanks for any help.

DonEL

Sep 18, 2011 | 08:35 AM

REVAK

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,276

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From: Ambler Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonEL

A slight twist with a sharp pull usually does the trick. The boots seal themselves to the porcelain on the plug. If you have a cotter pin puller, sometimes you can gently slid the tool between the boot and the plug to break the seal.

Sep 18, 2011 | 09:29 AM

Snake.Oiler

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: F'burg VA

St. Jude Donor '13 thru '20,'22,'24 thru '26

Yes, a quarter turn will usually break the boot free.

Sep 18, 2011 | 09:53 AM

BowTieBlood

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Texas

Mine were pretty hard to pull off as well; just keep at it.

Sep 18, 2011 | 01:45 PM

torquetube

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: West coast CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonEL

It's a PITA because the tubular heat shields prevent you gripping the boots at the base, nearest the plug. So most of your twisting and pulling just gets absorbed by wind-up in the rubber boot, rather than the electrical socket inside, which is what's stuck.

If you pull hard enough, they _will_ come off, but you may occasionally destroy a wire in the process. I would have at least one spare wire on hand so you don't end up stranded (I actually keep a new one in the trunk).

Last edited by torquetube; Sep 18, 2011 at 01:48 PM.

Sep 18, 2011 | 05:36 PM

beaversstonehaven

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 2,633

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From: San Marcos, Texas

I had an extremely difficult time pulling mine off on my '06 LS2. After I completed the job someone suggested that starting the car up and warming the engine makes the job easier. I don't know if that is true but if I have such a problem the next time I am going to try this. My hands were a mess for a while after that job.

Another suggestion I got was to purchase a tool that you can use to pull them off. I assume they are available at car parts stores.