Newbie Question--Pulling Spark Plug Wires

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Dec 28, 2005 | 01:38 AM

kinnja

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Newbie Question--Pulling Spark Plug Wires

I've got new plugs, wires, and cap & rotor (Autolite 24, Borg Warner 8mm, and Duralast Gold). I also have the socket for the plugs.

I tried pulling one of the old wires off the old plug, but it didn't budge. Is is better to get a tool to do it? Is brute force ok? Is there a possibility that I could break the spark plug in the process of trying to get the wire off? And if so would that be a problem?

1990 f150 2wd 351w

TIA

Dec 28, 2005 | 06:00 AM

low92flareside

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From: Penndel, PA

Pull theire off by the boot at end holding it to the plug. Sometimes the boots break and all you can really do is argue with it until it all comes off. Try not to be too hard on the spark plug during the argument. Brute force is ok by hand only. Try to avoid using pliers or anything like that. You really shouldn't need it.

Dec 28, 2005 | 07:00 AM

TallPaul

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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)

Well if you broke the spark plug it would not matter since you are replacing them anyway and it will break above the hex where you fit your socket. Suppose you could cut the boots off too. I think there is some special lube for the boots so the next time they will come off easier rather than being fuzed to the plug.

Dec 28, 2005 | 03:54 PM

handyman43358

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From: West Mansfield, Ohio

Brute force always works for me

. I agree, if you are replacing the wires and plugs both, it doesn't really matter what condition they come off in right?

I would pull until they come off. If the wire comes off but the boot stays on for some reason, cut the boot off. Do the old plugs have elbowed ends?

Dec 28, 2005 | 04:00 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

Yank 'em until the give. If the plug breaks, it breaks. No big deal. I've had to cut the boot off before, too, but only on 15 year old trucks with the original plugs and wires.

Dec 28, 2005 | 04:16 PM

handyman43358

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From: West Mansfield, Ohio

Amen to that Andy. I bought my truck about a year and a half ago, and when I got it I changed out the original plugs and wires. Wires had 1995 printed all over em. Motorcraft plugs were still in there. I didn't have any problem getting the wires off the plugs though!

Dec 29, 2005 | 05:31 PM

kinnja

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Thank you all for the help, I did the plugs and wires today. I had to wrestle a few off (full nelson), but they mostly came off easy after a few twists. The two shortest wires were too short to be practical, but they work. I routed them as straight as I could, but I'll think twice before I buy another Borg Warner wire set. Next time I may just buy a universal wire set.