C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What is the best way to remove spark plug boots ??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-25-2012, 12:05 PM
  #1  
happiedazs
Pro
Support Corvetteforum!
Thread Starter
 
happiedazs's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2006
Location: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 12 Posts

Default What is the best way to remove spark plug boots ??

In looking over how the coil is connected to each spark plug and I could use some guidance in how to remove the spark plug boot & metal can from the plug. Does the metal can come off first and then the rubber connector or do the come off together? Is there a special tool someone could recommend that will make removal of the metal can heat insulator and rubber boot easier then just yanking on everything --- there must be
Does the tool grab the metal can --- or go in between the metal can and rubber or just grab the rubber part. Here is what I am looking at



Thanks for your guidance here.
Old 04-25-2012, 12:06 PM
  #2  
dougbfresh
Le Mans Master
 
dougbfresh's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Many different techniques, I used channel locks, DO NOT DESTROY THE CANS, you'll need them for the new wires.
Old 04-25-2012, 12:21 PM
  #3  
corvettebob1
Melting Slicks

 
corvettebob1's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Posts: 3,314
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts

Default

The only tools you need are your fingers, grab the boot at the top and twist it back and forth until its free.
Then pull it off the plug that's what I do, yes I know it's a pain in the a$$ but it's better then $50.00 for new wires every time you pull the plugs for some reason.
Old 04-25-2012, 12:25 PM
  #4  
dougbfresh
Le Mans Master
 
dougbfresh's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by corvettebob1
The only tools you need are your fingers, grab the boot at the top and twist it back and forth until its free.
Then pull it off the plug that's what I do, yes I know it's a pain in the a$$ but it's better then $50.00 for new wires every time you pull the plugs for some reason.
I put a silicon dielectric on my boots when I put them on so they come off easy when I need them to.
Old 04-25-2012, 12:27 PM
  #5  
mchicia1
Drifting
 
mchicia1's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Morrisville PA
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Default

Pull the plug off the coil pack first, then grab the metal cover and spin the boot a 1/2 turn or so to break it loose. Then grab and wiggle it loose.
Old 04-25-2012, 02:46 PM
  #6  
dougbfresh
Le Mans Master
 
dougbfresh's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mchicia1
Pull the plug off the coil pack first, then grab the metal cover and spin the boot a 1/2 turn or so to break it loose. Then grab and wiggle it loose.
If the wires have been on a long time with no dielectric, you WILL destroy one or more wires getting them off, have a new set ready.
Old 04-25-2012, 09:21 PM
  #7  
cookie7
Advanced
 
cookie7's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2010
Location: Kingsburg Ca
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by dougbfresh
If the wires have been on a long time with no dielectric, you WILL destroy one or more wires getting them off, have a new set ready.
YESSiR been there done that
Old 04-26-2012, 12:23 AM
  #8  
yaknow
Le Mans Master
 
yaknow's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Lino Lakes MN
Posts: 7,111
Received 220 Likes on 153 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by dougbfresh
If the wires have been on a long time with no dielectric, you WILL destroy one or more wires getting them off, have a new set ready.
Old 04-26-2012, 01:41 AM
  #9  
Old Horsepower
Instructor
 
Old Horsepower's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2010
Location: California
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Or just put in some new wires. MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wires are on sale once in awhile. That way you can just rip those old ones out and feel good you have new wires and plugs. That's what I did and it does start and idle better. I did try to save the old ones but just too much effort. I ruined a few anyway.
Old 04-26-2012, 08:58 AM
  #10  
Quicksilver Vert 01
Tech Contributor
 
Quicksilver Vert 01's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2008
Location: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
Posts: 3,100
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16

Default

Originally Posted by happiedazs
Does the metal can come off first and then the rubber connector or do the come off together?
The metal heat shields and plug boots should both come off the spark plug together, as a single unit.
Old 04-26-2012, 11:37 AM
  #11  
SaberD
Melting Slicks
 
SaberD's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2008
Location: Rochester Hills MI
Posts: 2,938
Received 63 Likes on 54 Posts

Default

I would suggest wearing mechanics gloves. they have some nice grip to them and will protect your kuckles when it pops loose.
Old 04-26-2012, 11:59 AM
  #12  
Baldfart
Burning Brakes
 
Baldfart's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2009
Location: Yes it's hot! Arizona
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Originally Posted by dougbfresh
If the wires have been on a long time with no dielectric, you WILL destroy one or more wires getting them off, have a new set ready.
This is true. I just done mine a couple weeks ago and grabbing on to the heat shield with a small needle nose vise grip and pulled them off. Worked well for me me and did almost no damage to it.

Get notified of new replies

To What is the best way to remove spark plug boots ??




Quick Reply: What is the best way to remove spark plug boots ??



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:28 AM.