I've been trying to change my spark plugs all morning, and I can't for the life of me get my damn spark plug wires off. I can access them, but the wires just wont seem to let go. I bought a set of wire pullers, tried using them, and got a good grip on the plug. I pulled 'firmly' as suggested, to no avail. Then I pulled with everything I had, as hard as I could, and got no results, period. At this time, the engine was warm from about a 10 minute drive.

So, what should I do?

 

Have you tried twisting the boot? If your gonna change the plugs maybe there is a way to break them off by snapping the porcelin then take them out, sounds like you need new wires too. Dont go banging a hammer on your plugs, I have done this with a socket extention and a light tap with a rubber mallot. If this works , blow the head off with air to prevent fragments from getting in the hole before you pull them.

I have just done this before, dont do it if your not sure about it.

 

If you are going to change your wires, which sounds like they might need it, just take a utility knife and slice a small in to the belt and take a pair of strong needle nose pliers and give them a twist, they should pull right of, you may need to spray a little lubricant into the cut for some help.

 

I wasn't planning on changing the wires, but I may indeed have to. My uncle is a mechanic, so I'm going to go see him and have things worked out tomorrow. He won't let me pay him, but I always manage to slip him the cash for the work he does.

 

There you go, I didnt feel good posting the hammer thing, its just a thing I have done, the utility knife would be more ideal.

 

if the boot's are stuck get a hold of the boot and twist it to break the bond ,some factory wire's have a very a very aggressive terminal connector after twisting use the boot puller .the one i use slips over the end of the wire and has a ring tab to pull with the end that goes on the end of the wire is shaped like a u that pulls from the very end .get some silicone dielectric grease to put in the end of the plug boot to keep them from sticking .

 

Bad news: Yeah, they DO stick!

Good news: Got a friend the size of a NFL reject? Know anybody who was born without a neck? They should be able to get you unstuck. It just takes Neanderthal strength and determination.(Which is how I got mine off. BTW, replaced them!)

 

Mike, don't feel so bad telling him to break the porcelin. I have done that many times. Especially on the 4.3l in the blazers

 

Worse comes to worse you can also cut the plug boot, get the plug out, and just replace the wires!

 

Thanks! I have just cut my hands too many times pulling on things with so much force that it breaks free and wack my hand on something, I needed 14 stitches once.