How do you get the spark plug boot off!!!

[sne43]

:frustrate

First time in 100K miles that the plugs were going to be changed. Also planned to change out the wires for new. Everything looked so promsing. I even combed over this forum trying to get all the tips I could.

I tried for the last hour and a half to disconnect the spark plug cap off of the spark plug. I have a 97 XLT SOHC and it is that @#$@#@!* on the back of the engine on the passenger side. I went through the wheel well to get to it and felt I had plenty of leverage to get it off. Even use a locking plier around the end where you grip it and got more leverage.... NOTHING. Tried spraying it with silicone spay... NOTHING. Is there a tool or trick or technique that someone knows that can help (short of taking it to a shop that will want to dismantel the engine to get to it and charge me a grand)???

I tried some of the other caps just to see if it was just this ONE and had no problem getting them to pop off. Started with this one figuring that the rest would seem like a sinch after that. I did not complete the job and am now sitting here with a drink and contemplating

HELP.

Thanks

 

[sne43]

Will cutting the plug boot off work??

Just a thought. Is it a bad one. My thinking is to cut the wire and then use a utility knive to cut away the boot from the plug. Then remove the plug. Bad idea?

 

[fixxxer]

If you can get to it, try twisting it back and forth, like you were unscrewing it and/or rocking the cap back and forth and side to side. The spark-plug boots get baked onto the plug's insulator. If those are the original wires, you should probably replace them. you may end up having to replace at least that wire anyway if the wire pulls out of the boot or the boot gets torn up from being stuck to the insulator. They do make a special tool to pull the boots off the plug and they are not expensive. Or you can make your own.

 

[fixxxer]

http://www.harborfreight.com/?Itemnumber=95961

 

[sne43]

Thanks. I tried to twist the boot but got nowhere. I also tried to use the locking pliers and they had good purchase on the rubber. I will go to the store and buy a pair of pullers and try that. I think you are right in that these are the original wires. I purchased the plugs and wires to replace all today so have the replacement set already. If twisting more and the tool does not work, what do you think about my chances using a destructive method?

 

[fixxxer]

Pretty good chance of getting them off, just try to not crack or break the ceramic insulator. A good yank on the wire will pull it free from the boot, but you need to get most, if not all of the boot off afterwards so you can get the spark plug socket on there. Grab the boot with the plug boot tool and with a twisting motion, pull it straight off the plug. That tool I posted is $2.99 at Harbor Freight, Sears will also have those tools as well as the regular auto-parts stores. They can get expensive though, Snap-On's is about $100.00

 

[fixxxer]

I just read your post #2. If you can get in there with a utility knife, that will work very well especially since you have new wires to install.

 

[loaderopp]

I just read your post #2. If you can get in there with a utility knife, that will work very well especially since you have new wires to install.

x4 on that!!! and get some di-electric grease for the new install

 

[sne43]

This morning I cut that wire and went at it with a utility knife. I jacked the car up and removed the tire and the wheel well cover to get more access.

Cut the boot along its length and then grabed it with the locking plier. The whole boot poped off and was able to get a deep 5/8th over the plug and get it out! Replaced the plug and wire and presto! After that went at the "easier" drivers side. Got the back two out and wires replaced. The front drivers is sticking along with the other two on the passenger side. Halfway home!

Headed now to Nappa to get a boot puller. Cutting the boot did the trick. It was easy to do compared to pulling forever.

 

[jlsparky7]

Spray some PB blaster on them and they will slide right out.

 

[sne43]

In follow up, I am still only half done, but wanted to let you guys know that I purchased two tools to try them with the other three remaining boots. I did not have success with either types. The plugs are rusted extremely badly , the boots are welded on there and won't budge. Tried some PBB as well as sparky suggested.

I just finished my add-a-leaf and shocks replacement project this afternoon. Going to get back at the boots again in the morning. I think that the way to go is to cut them off as described above. Will post the final results (and tips) after I am either successful with the last three or create a disaster!

 

[sne43]

Completed

I completed the tune up. Complete write up at the following "how to":

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245561

 

[Howard G]

Thanks for the write-up.

Thanks for taking time to spell that all out. I'm inspired to attemt to change my plugs.