please help--can't remove spark plug boots
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please help--can't remove spark plug boots
Please give me some tips on removing the spark plug boots, so I can re-gap my spark plugs. I have been able to remove 5 of the 8 boots on my 1988 F150 4 x 2, 5.0 litre/302/v8 motor, but can't get the others off. The ones I am having trouble with are last three toward the firewall on the passenger side.
It's hard enough trying to get my fingers into those small spaces, but I have been able to grab the boots with two fingers, rotate the boot, and pull quite hard, and they just won't come off. I am worried that I might tear the wire. The others all came off with a bit of patience. Is there a particular trick to it?
I am wanting to check all the plugs, clean them and re-gap them--can't afford a full tune up at the moment.
Thanks for any help.
Frank.
It's hard enough trying to get my fingers into those small spaces, but I have been able to grab the boots with two fingers, rotate the boot, and pull quite hard, and they just won't come off. I am worried that I might tear the wire. The others all came off with a bit of patience. Is there a particular trick to it?
I am wanting to check all the plugs, clean them and re-gap them--can't afford a full tune up at the moment.
Thanks for any help.
Frank.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 85
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I busted my knuckles up pretty good doing this on my 351 a few months ago. I had the hardest time with the plug furthest from the firewall on the passenger side. There's a bracket or something (can't recall at the monent) that keeps you from getting a decent grip on it.
I agree with the suggestion of trying to twist the boot. You have it a little harder than I did, however, since I was replacing my wires anyway. I ended up cutting the wire right at the boot with a pair of wire cutters, then grabbing the boot with some channel locks and twisting it until it started to spin on the plug insulator. It came off pretty easily after that.
Good luck.
I agree with the suggestion of trying to twist the boot. You have it a little harder than I did, however, since I was replacing my wires anyway. I ended up cutting the wire right at the boot with a pair of wire cutters, then grabbing the boot with some channel locks and twisting it until it started to spin on the plug insulator. It came off pretty easily after that.
Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
Probably a little late for this now, but before you reinstall the plug wires, MAKE SURE YOU USE DIELECTRIC GREASE IN THE BOOTS. It makes a huge difference in being able to get them off. Last time I did the plug wires in my '90 150, I neglected to use the grease. I pulled the terminals out of THREE of the boots trying to get them off. Motorcraft wires I just discovered are reasonably priced and come pre-greased.
Jason
Jason
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