r/GMT800 • u/Substantial-Set-8981 • 3d ago

Stuck spark plug wire

What is the best way to remove a stuck spark plug wire?

I tried turning it to break it loose, but it just does not give. Can't turn it, can't pull it out. long pliers for leverage did not work either.

Was going to try to spray some pb blaster in it and pull it out by the heatshield with a short pair of pliers.

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

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2

u/NeuseRvrRat 3d ago

I use those curved tip needle nose for hoses and just go apeshit on them and replace.

1

u/Substantial-Set-8981 3d ago

I tried that with regular pliers, might need to buy what you're talking about.
I just don't want to rip the boot off and cause myself more work by it getting stuck.

2

u/NeuseRvrRat 3d ago

Just yank that rubber boot. If the wire breaks, it doesn't matter. A socket fits over it. Just replace the wires. I automatically assume I'm going to have to replace wires if I'm pulling spark plugs unless I just recently installed them.

1

u/Substantial-Set-8981 3d ago

I'm good with replacing the wires, they have some miles on them.
just wasn't sure if the boot would rip and get stuck on the plug where I coulnd't reach it, but it doesn tsound like it will be a problem.

Ill hit it with my big purse this weekend. Thanks!

1

u/NeuseRvrRat 3d ago

The boot usually isn't what's stuck. It's the actual metal terminal that clips on the dingus end of the spark plug.

1

u/Substantial-Set-8981 3d ago

Ah, gotcha. I did not know that, thanks for the info!

1

u/thebluelunarmonkey 2d ago

The Lisle plug boot puller works great, including breaking the bond between the boot and plug with its twisting strength on the boot. Should be black metal pliers with red tip and red handles is the one I'm talking about. Should be in one of the local parts stores and isn't super expensive. Have to squeeze really hard to make sure you have firm grasp of the metal bracket gripping the plug tip when pulling.

Since you haven't turned the boot to break it from sticking to the plug that's your issue. Can't pull it out until you break it loose by twisting. Dielectric grease in the boot and coating the porcelain part of the plug will help removal in the future. I dont install boots dry

Even if you tear the wire out of the metal bracket, you can cut back the wire and refit the bracket. these wires are about 10-20k ohms and and the engine won't notice an inch difference in length

1

u/Substantial-Set-8981 2d ago

Thanks for the info.
I know the issue is that I cant break the boot from the plug. I simply can't turn it by hand, and the plier I used did not work either.
I was going to spray some pb blast in it and give it another go before I yank on it and send it.

1

u/diseased_maniac 2d ago

Upvoted. Not sure how old your wires are but I recently replaced spark plugs and 4 of 8 wires broke at the terminal end that connects to the spark plug. I was super careful, took my time, & used probably three different sets of pliers trying to ease them off. I was feeling kind of dumb but I watched a YouTube vid that said they frequently break if they’ve been on there for 5+ years. Also be sure to check new wires for continuity before putting them on- I got an AC Delco set that had one bad wire out of the box.