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I’m into my 3rd corvette. A 93 C4, 01 C5, and my present 06 C6. My problem with all 3 cars is getting the plug wires off the spark plugs. I’ve bought several pliers made for pulling plug wires. They are all useless. My latest purchase is a long needle nose pliers with a circle that closes around the plug wires. I still can’t get the wires on the plug to let go. I’m thinking nobody greases the plug wire socket. Do I just need to cut them off? Can I get a slender blade between the plug boots and the heat shield. I have a bad random misfire and I need these off.
I have been searching this subject a little bit. I have not done this job yet but I am looking for a good quality set of plug wire pullers like in the video below. You can skip to the 4min mark, It looks like you need to grab the metal insulator and pull the crap out of them.
I usually have good luck with twisting the boot back and forth a couple of times, first to break them free. Then as I’m pulling, I rotate the pliers in a circular fashion which somewhat walks the boot off the plug.
Mine were tough to get off. I first rotated them almost 180 degrees back and forth a few times. Then, at the same time, pulled and rotated them with no tool needed. I used anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the plug body when reinstalling. I didn't touch the shields.
Mine were tough to get off. I first rotated them almost 180 degrees back and forth a few times. Then, at the same time, pulled and rotated them with no tool needed. I used anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the plug body when reinstalling. I didn't touch the shields.
Wiggle them around a bit and they will come off in tact.
I got 2 off today! I gave up and will go back at it tomorrow. I did the twist and pull. I’m gonna put plenty of dielectric grease on the new ones. Thanks guy!
I usually have good luck with twisting the boot back and forth a couple of times, first to break them free. Then as I’m pulling, I rotate the pliers in a circular fashion which somewhat walks the boot off the plug.
and then for install use Dielectric grease on the inside of the boot.
I have the red handle one like he has and still they won’t come out. I got the needle nose pliers with the loop on the end. Harbor Freight
I have the above and ones simliar to this.
The pic above shows them extended but they can bew angled up to 45deg to get better leverage.
Pull the heat shields back and grab the boot and twist back and forth.
I just pulled my original 08 wires and plugs and broke none of them doing it. Just have to be patient. Good luck.
Originally Posted by Warren Seale;[url=tel:1609267120
1609267120[/url]]Mine were tough to get off. I first rotated them almost 180 degrees back and forth a few times. Then, at the same time, pulled and rotated them with no tool needed. I used anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the plug body when reinstalling. I didn't touch the shields.
If you’re using OEM style iridium plugs you should not use any anti seize on them. It’s already there as a plating on the threads.
I'm gonna be honest, you guys are over complicating this. Grab them and pull them off. Use your big boy hands and go e them a good tug.
I say this as someone who has tried, and failed, to find a decent tool for this.
Wires are cheap. Buy a new set, cut\rip\etc. the old ones off if they are causing issues removing by hand and replace. You replace plugs and wires a couple of times during the life of a vehicle (unless you're like me and have OCD).
I used this
none of them pulled straight off, and rotating the pliers back and forth seemed to help. No evidence of any dielectric grease inside the boots at either end, so the new wires got a very thin smear. Dinged up a couple of the aluminum shields too, but everything went back together. As long as none of them pop off, I doubt I’ll be touching them again.
Remove plug wires
and then for install use Dielectric grease on the inside of the boot.
