Spark Plug Removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Spark Plug Removal
I have an '05 with 60k miles. I've never removed nor even checked the plugs but recently I have been wondering given I seem to be getting worse than expected gas mileage. I went to check the plugs this weekend, but found it very difficult to pull the rubber shroud off and I was concerned I might break something. Is there a trick to this? I just want to check them for now to see if they are filthy and need replacement. I am not sure they do.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,526
Likes: 16
From: Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania
At 60,000 miles a fresh set of plugs would be a most worthwhile investment. Air filter & fuel filter would also be good to check/replace. Cleaning your MAF sensor too.
There is no trick I know of to pulling the plug wire boots off the plugs . . . Good Luck
There is no trick I know of to pulling the plug wire boots off the plugs . . . Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 255
Likes: 41
From: Lake Charles LA
Just tug gently and the boots/shields will come off easily. I've found spark plug changes in the C5 are easier than many other vehicles. You may have to remove the power brake boostser rubber hose for easier access to the #7 plug. That's easily done.
Remember the heads are aluminum, so keep that in consideration. When you change plugs, a good idea is to also change the wires.
Remember the heads are aluminum, so keep that in consideration. When you change plugs, a good idea is to also change the wires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Woodland Hills California
Key is to twist while pulling on the boot. Do not pull on the wire. That can damage the connection. Of course, if you are going to replace the spark plug wires, then you don't need to worry about damaging the old ones when you remove them.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 34
I have an '05 with 60k miles. I've never removed nor even checked the plugs but recently I have been wondering given I seem to be getting worse than expected gas mileage. I went to check the plugs this weekend, but found it very difficult to pull the rubber shroud off and I was concerned I might break something. Is there a trick to this? I just want to check them for now to see if they are filthy and need replacement. I am not sure they do.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I found it more helpful, prior to pull boot, gently (without breaking the wire core)twist it one way then the other, then back and forth a few times, without pulling to break the adhesion.
Before re-installation, apply dielectric grease on id of boot to keep it from sticking to the plug and make future removal easier!
HTH!
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I always give a twist first.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Needham Massachusetts
If you are going to go through all that work, just put new plugs in at that mileage! Pays to have an extra one on hand in case you break one too.
I found a little tool a long time ago for pulling the boots, just a small metal piece with a curved hook on one end for your finger, and a "L" shape end with a round notch to go around plug and under the boot.
I found a little tool a long time ago for pulling the boots, just a small metal piece with a curved hook on one end for your finger, and a "L" shape end with a round notch to go around plug and under the boot.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Long Island New York
spark plug removal
The black rubber boot appears to fit inside the tubular shield. Does the boot separate from the shield, or does the boot AND shield pull off?? I made an attempt just yesterday, and discovered the shield turns. Hence my question. I was under the impression just the boot comes off and don't want to damage anything.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,954
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
The shield slide over top of the boot. The whole thing should slide off with a twisting pulling motion.
I 2nd the wire replacement. If you don't damage a wire getting them off, you might consider buying lottery tickets.
Elmer
I 2nd the wire replacement. If you don't damage a wire getting them off, you might consider buying lottery tickets.
Elmer
With my luck, that's why I don't gamble.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 68
From: Carrollton GA
W. GA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
Just google "Spark Plug Puller tool" and you will see there are all kinds of cheap tools to do the job from $2-$10. I'm sure if you check your local auto parts store you can find what your looking for.
I was in Harbor Freight this weekend and picked up a $2 tool. Have not tried it yet, but I'm fixiing to change my wires and plugs.
Just purchased a set of MSD wires for my LS2/2005 C6, part number 32819 and a set of ACDelco 41-101 Professional Iridium Plugs.
You can find them here from CF vendors or search other sites...these are common items. FWIW I found a rebate for $2 per plug ($16) on the ACDelco Plugs. I have attached the rebate form.
I was in Harbor Freight this weekend and picked up a $2 tool. Have not tried it yet, but I'm fixiing to change my wires and plugs.
Just purchased a set of MSD wires for my LS2/2005 C6, part number 32819 and a set of ACDelco 41-101 Professional Iridium Plugs.
You can find them here from CF vendors or search other sites...these are common items. FWIW I found a rebate for $2 per plug ($16) on the ACDelco Plugs. I have attached the rebate form.
