When I took one of the spark plug wires off today, the lower rubber part came off from the solid top that gets bolted in. The spring in there, that I assume makes the actual connection, was exposed. All I did was place the rubber boot back over the spring and reinstalled the hole thing. I did not have a chance to drive it yet. Is this gonna be a big problem or do the springs get compressed enough to make a good connection??????

BTW, I did start the engine and it appeared to idle fine, didn't seem rough.

I decided that a dealer will be changing those damn things!!!!

 

I had the same exact problem. What it is that junk gets down in there and bonds to the plug and boot. What i did was take the coil itself out (the thing woth the spring) then take a LONG THIN screwdriver and push it gently around the inside of the boot to break the seal between the plug and boot. Then take needlenose pliers and grab the boot and pull pretty hard. If it doesn't come out repeat the screwdriver thing. Hope this helps.

 

Getting it off was no problem, it was getting it back on. I am worried that the spring won't have a good connection now that it was pulled out of the boot. It seems OK, but figured I'd ask before I go driving it much, I know how these trucks are on plugs.

Thanks!!!

 

slapshot
Don't worry it has happened to me too. I just stuck the boot back on and all has been fine for 15,000 miles.

 

OK,,,,thanks. pheeeeew
LOL

 

Why? Changing the plugs is 90% intimidation. Plan to take a whole afternoon. Get in there with alot of extensions, take your time and you'll save a buttload of money.

 

If you decide to do your own plug change, get a big tube(NAPA has some) of dielectric grease. When you are ready to put the coil and boot back on, squeeze a 'dollup' of this grease in the bottom opening of the boot. Now when you push the boot/spring down onto the plug, this special grease will coat the plug and boot interior making it easier to get off the next time. It also assures a good electrical contact and keeps moisture out of the boot.

Changing the plugs is certainly not easy--it took me 4.5 hours. If you're not mechanically inclined, I wouldn't try it.

Dan

 

LIGHTNINROD - thats what I forgot to do, that electrical grease!! Oh well back under the hood. IMO I wouldn't say you have technically inclined, just extensions and patience.

Thanks for reminding me

 

I am mechanically inclined, I used to fix helicopters in the military, but I just don't have the patience to screw around with those things anymore. LOL
I'll be swearing in 10 minutes probably.