Suggestion how to remove spark plug boot

**Bandit1228** · 07-01-2015

So I decided today to change my plugs and wires. I figured I'll start with the rear since I know they're harder. I disconnected the dogbones and rolled the engine forward for the extra clearance. When I went to remove the first wire, the wire ripped out from the boot. I didn't care too much about the wires since I'm replacing them anyway. The problem is I can't pull the boot off the plug. I've been yanking at it for almost 1 hr with all different tools including channel locks, vice grips and regular pliers. It still won't come loose. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to what I can try. Here is a pic of what I have to work with.

Thanks.

btw.... It's a 04 GTP.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1435764813.434392.jpg

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**Scottydoggs** · 07-01-2015

take that metal sleeve off then twist the boot on the plug to frre its grip and then pull it off.

if that still dont work you can cut the boot with a razor knife and then rip it off.

**Bandit1228** · 07-01-2015

The hole on the metal sleeve isn't big enough to fit over the boot. The boot would have to come off first.

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**Scottydoggs** · 07-01-2015

needle nose pliers and rip that metal sleeve off, then take all 6 and toss them in the trash.

**CrazyGuy03** · 07-01-2015

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-51250-Sp.../dp/B0002STS4E
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001PN...6VG9SP00YPA6DY

**Bandit1228** · 07-01-2015

Thanks ScottyDoggs..It seemed like a losing battle trying to get the metal sleeve off so I put a pipe on the end of the metal allege and tapped it until the ceramic on the plug snapped. Everything came off then in one piece.
Now I'm debating if I want to tackle the other 2 rear plugs because with my luck they're going to be just as tough. Maybe I'll do the same thing with the pipe and not even bother with trying to pull the wire/boot off the plug.

With regard to the metal sleeves, I thought I read somewhere that not having the metal sleeves might cause misfires.??

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**Scottydoggs** · 07-01-2015

those sleeves can cause misfires. 100% not needed.

id not go snapping the plugs, some times the bottom of the plug will drop off in the cylinder.

**BillBoost37** · 07-01-2015

Because of the slim chance that part of the plug falls into the cylinder, I don't make it a habit to tell people......I've broken the plug purposely then removed the remainder.

Worked like no other.

**Bandit1228** · 07-01-2015

What a real pain in the a$$ that was. I had to crack 1 other plug since the wire just wouldn't release from the plug. Hopefully I won't have to do that again for quite a while.
Thanks again for the suggestions.

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**Scottydoggs** · 07-01-2015

at the parts store they sell plug boot grease, it keeps the plugs from sticking to the boots next time.

**Bandit1228** · 07-01-2015

I had some from when I changed the plugs on my old car. I definitely used it on the new wires. I wasn't going to call for this again. 👍

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**CrazyGuy03** · 07-01-2015

You guys using stock wires - what you thinks about those tools I listed?

**chrsmi1** · 07-01-2015

I had the same thing on my 04 when i changed the plugs last year for what may have been the first time ever (definitely the first time I changed them, not sure about previous owner).

Took me about 8 hours to do all 6. Twist as you pull is the best advice I have. Twist back and forth and pull like hell. They'll break loose.

I tried a boot remover from advance. Nothing. Good old fashioned elbow grease got em finally.

Last time i did them it took 40 minutes for all 6. Maybe 35. Thread grease and dielectric on the boots.

**REDCRAPGP** · 07-01-2015

35mins? Way to much time lol should be a breeze once u get those factory plugs out from there on out.

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**smoke14** · 07-01-2015

Anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease in the boot is the key.

**REDCRAPGP** · 07-01-2015

Or just don't go forever between plug changes.. I guess that's if you stick with cheap-o copper plugs rather then iridium

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**HighOctaneRacing** · 07-01-2015

I just grab the fvcking boot with my bare hand and push up and down while twisting. Anger helps too. I've replaced plugs on 3800s too much and after awhile you just attack the boots like a motherfvcker.

**REDCRAPGP** · 07-01-2015

Original plugs were a B, and took awhile but after that.. I change them often enough they come out easily and usually only take a couple of minutes..

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**Bandit1228** · 07-02-2015

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Because of the slim chance that part of the plug falls into the cylinder, I don't make it a habit to tell people......I've broken the plug purposely then removed the remainder.

Bill...I feel better now that I see I'm not the only one that came up with this solution. I guess even the pros are doing it

Originally Posted by RickyBobby03

You guys using stock wires - what you thinks about those tools I listed?

I'm not sure if I would have been able to get down far enough with those tools and then get the leverage to pull it at the right angle. Hopefully with the dielectric grease inside the new boot, I won't have any problems next time.

**BillBoost37** · 07-02-2015

Bandit..
At that point, if there was an issue, I would have swapped it out with one of the spare motors. Four hours and no cares..lol

Bob..
No tools are really going to negate years of neglect and wires never being off.