Bob Perry

I feel so stupid asking this question but I don't want to damage the spark plug wires or the metal shield around them. I need to know how to remove the plug wires off the plugs of my 2004 Surburban. Do I just pull? Because I've given them a good tug and no luck. Do I need some special tool to pull them off? Also anyone know what the plug gap should be?

73shark

After removing the metal shield, you need to grip the boot at the plug insulator and twist and pull. There is a special tool that fits at the bottom of the boot. Put silicon grease in the boots before you replace them and they won't stick next time.

LARIDERS

x2 just have to keep working on them, and sometimes they can be a pain in the butt. the plugs for you should be ac platinums and they should aready have the right gap but I think my book says gap should be .40

73shark

Always, I repeat always, check the gap on new plugs. There's absolutely no assurance that they are pre-gapped.

dh1

I just replaced my plugs & wires because the engine was running a little rough and lacked the power it should have had.

Turns out the previous owner had recently replaced the plugs, but he never checked the gap when he installed them. They were all over the place, some too big, some too small.

Another nice thing, one of the eight plugs was finger tight in the block....and 2 of the 8 plug wires didn't match the rest of them.

Have found some other interesting things, but the primary reason for the response is the gaps should ALWAYS be double checked before installation.

Use a dab of di-electric grease on the new plugs this time and you won't have such a hard time removing the wires next time.

Bob Perry

Thank you all for your good advice. I went out armed with all this knowledge and I can't get the plug wires off! I have twisted, pulled, twisted & pulled, said some magic words and they still won't pop off. I don't want to damage the wires. IM sure they are spendy like everything else I've bought on this Suburban. Some of the plug wires I can only touch with the tip my fingers. I think IM just going to have to take it to a shop and pay them to replace the plugs. Thank you again for all your help!

73shark

Make sure they put some silicone grease in each boot.

LARIDERS

Heres the bulletin on the spark plug replacement and gap....


Document ID# 1396703

Subject: Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping #03-06-04-060 - (10/24/2003)



Models: 2004 Buick Ranier

2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2004 Cadillac CTS-V

1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette

1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro

1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado

2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

2003-2004 Chevrolet Express, TrailBlazer

1999-2004 GMC Sierra

2000-2004 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2001-2004 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali

2002-2004 GMC Sierra Denali

2003-2004 GMC Envoy XL

1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird

2004 Pontiac GTO

2003-2004 Hummer H2

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V-8 Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, G, S, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)



A new spark plug has been released for use in the above vehicles. The new spark plug has an Iridium tip instead of the current Platinum tip. Due to the different tip design, the gap of the spark plug has also changed. The new spark plug, P/N 12571164 with AC Delco P/N 41-985, is gapped to 1.01mm (0.040 inches) when the spark plug is made. The spark plug gap is set during manufacturing and should not be changed or damage to the spark plug may result. Any new spark plug found to not be properly gapped should not be used.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Document ID# 1396703

in2pro

Make sure to use an anti-seize on the threads after the plugs are out...
You may want to try using a coat hanger bent in a tight hook to pull at the boot end to try and break the seal it has on the plug.

73shark

Use the anti-seize sparingly and keep it away from the center electrode as the paste is conductive.

I like the coat hanger idea. But only cuz I can't think of a way to use duct tape.