Spark plug problem

[Coach James]

I started changing the plugs on my 2002 Grand Prix and I can't get some of the plug wires off the plugs. Any tricks beyond pulling harder? Since I'm going to replace the wires, can I use pliers on the rubber boot on the plug?
Thanks.
Coach

 

[PAToyota]

I've had luck putting my thumb down at the bottom edge of the boot and "rolling" the edge up a bit to get them to release. It's almost like they are "sucked" on their and once you "burp" them they come off.

 

[the intimidator]

If they are really bad cut them off or take some steel plyers and yank them off of the plug you are replacing them anyways rite.

 

[kartracer55]

Boot protector. little green single use packet for .99$ at pepboys hanging up on the display rack by checkout. I think its just dielectric grease but Im not sure. It seems to work, Never had problems with it. Well, for when you do get them off anyway.

As for getting them off, I always pull harder. The only time I REALLY had a problem was on the back passenger side plug on a jeep libery because I didnt have any room to work(******** coolant reservior). I just twisted and pulled twisted and pulled. If your replacing the wires and you have the room (never done plugs in your car) you can MAYBE slit the side with a razor to release them?

 

[JohnZ]

I've had a plug boot puller in my tune-up drawer for decades - it's made from tough stainless steel, and you just hook the forked end behind the end of the plug boot and pull on the other end and they pop right off. I always use dielectric grease (MSD "Spark-Guard") on a Q-Tip on the inside of the boots before I plug them back on to ease future removal.

 

[eschoendorff]

DON'T JUST PULL!!!! You can damage the wires that way (ask me how I know...). Twist the boot on the plug and then pull the wire. They should wiggle free fairly easily, but they will not want to move unless you twist first.

 

[70BOWTIE]

john z hit it right on invest it a boot puller they are only a few bucks

 

[justinmc]

john z hit it right on invest it a boot puller they are only a few bucks

Yup.. I've got two sets in my box from SK. One standard/straight setup and one angled set.

 

[drbill]

GM plugs always seem to need a twist before they will come loose.
One other tip is to tilt the engine forward to gain some room for the rear plugs. If your car has the upper dog bone mounts unbolt them from one side then tilt the engine over and slide a bolt back in to the extra hole on the mount.

 

[eschoendorff]

GM plugs always seem to need a twist before they will come loose.
One other tip is to tilt the engine forward to gain some room for the rear plugs. If your car has the upper dog bone mounts unbolt them from one side then tilt the engine over and slide a bolt back in to the extra hole on the mount.

I've done this and it works like a charm!

 

[DIGGER_DAVE]

I've had a plug boot puller in my tune-up drawer for decades - it's made from tough stainless steel, and you just hook the forked end behind the end of the plug boot and pull on the other end and they pop right off. I always use dielectric grease (MSD "Spark-Guard") on a Q-Tip on the inside of the boots before I plug them back on to ease future removal.

And the winner is ... JohnZ!
ONLY WAY!!
Especially the dielectric grease!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I always use dielectric grease (MSD "Spark-Guard") on a Q-Tip on the inside of the boots before I plug them back on to ease future removal.

Dow Corning #4 (DC4) is a silicone based di-electric grease that works well for this.

Charles