Spark Plug removal

[01STrunner]

I'm trying to do some routine maintenance on my car (Not my ST but I'd like to pick the minds on here). It's a fwd v6. I can't get the 3 rear wire boots off. I've tried right angle pliers and couldn't get enough leverage to pull them off. Any of you guys have any suggestions? Once I get my truck back (damn steering parts) from the SAS/SOA it'll be getting new plugs and wires too.

 

[swshawaii]

The best $10 you can spend for the task, your hands and fingers will thank you.
Don't forget a thin coat dielectric grease on the boots if there's ever a next time.

www.sears.com/craftsman-spark-plug-pliers/p-00947315000P

 

[DoraThe_Explorer]

I'll second the spark plug pliers. Super helpful!

 

[01STrunner]

I saw those online somewhere but when I went to advance autoparts in town they didn't have it. I wasn't sure if they were any good. Thanks for the tip though as my hands are already chewed up from trying to get them off yesterday.

 

[05dakotatrac]

depending on the motor disconnect the front engine mount and come along the motor fwd to get room i had to do this on my old 93 lumina

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Take the hood off so you can lay on top of the car by the windshield and get the good angle for leverage. This has worked and saved alot of time and blood over the years on multiple vehicles I've worked on.

 

[JohnnyO]

Just rip the old wires off and buy new ones.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I agree with JohnnyO, if you're replacing them anyway cut them and use pliers to get them off the spark plugs. With the old plugs if its hard to get the socket on them I'll just break the tailshaft off the plug and it makes it easy to get the socket on them, can't do this with the new plugs but it helps in removal.

 

[JohnnyO]

I agree with JohnnyO, if you're replacing them anyway cut them and use pliers to get them off the spark plugs. With the old plugs if its hard to get the socket on them I'll just break the tailshaft off the plug and it makes it easy to get the socket on them, can't do this with the new plugs but it helps in removal.

Point being that if they are that stuck then you're probably going to break them anyway even if you're being careful. No point fighting it. Not worth the time. If you can get in there with a utility knife and slice the boots to get them off, go for it.

 

[01STrunner]

I like the cutting idea. Problem is the boots have metal jackets that keep me from cutting them. It's a 2003 Monte Carlo SS with the Vortec 3800 if that helps. I'll probably be cutting the boots off with my ST but not sure how to get these.

 

[mustang6878]

Get that bowtie crap off this page...this is a site for REAL vehicles!

 

[01STrunner]

Haha my ST is in here too

 

[05dakotatrac]

give him some credit at least its gm which is more american than chrysler. hell chrysler sold out to a french company. only good thing france has is.... wait thats right nothing.

honesly i had a 3800 supercharged motor in my bonneville and never had issues getting to the plugs.

 

[JohnnyO]

give him some credit at least its gm which is more american than chrysler. hell chrysler sold out to a french company. only good thing france has is.... wait thats right nothing.

Fiat is an Italian company. I spent two weeks in Italy last year. The food is wonderful and all the women are stunning. Just sayin'.

 

[05dakotatrac]

huh, well still france isnt that great... LOL now italy is amesome ferrari and lambo

 

[mustang6878]

give him some credit at least its gm which is more american than chrysler. hell chrysler sold out to a french company. only good thing france has is.... wait thats right nothing.

honesly i had a 3800 supercharged motor in my bonneville and never had issues getting to the plugs.

My Dad was a Korean War vet. He spent 28 months in combat, and when asked about the other countries army's that he fought along side, he gave this reply-

"Well, the Turks, they just LOVED to fight: The Aussies, they loved to drink and fight, the South Koreans, well, they wouldn't fight anybody.....and the Frenchies...the Frenchies were terrible, they couldn't knock a sick ***** off a piss pot!
"

Dad did have a love affair with the English language!

 

[01STrunner]

The best $10 you can spend for the task, your hands and fingers will thank you.
Don't forget a thin coat dielectric grease on the boots if there's ever a next time.

www.sears.com/craftsman-spark-plug-pliers/p-00947315000P

I'll be picking one of these pliers up this weekend and try again on the rear plugs. Damn FWD car, shoulda kept the RWD/V8 combo from the late 80s. Other than that I love my car too, its just not my baby. That spot is reserved for my ST.