Replacing 3.2 Distributor Cap

[sky1jord]

I'm sure this is trivial, but I'm having a devil of a time removing plug wires in preparation to replace the distributor cap in my 3.2. There's not a lot of maneuvering room in there, and I'm afraid of breaking something if I just try to horse the wires out.
What's the approved procedure? Do I need to remove the two air channels (arrows), then the cap and then the wires?

Thanks in advance.

[DRACO A5OG]

Remove the big banana pipe/hose. you will have more room to work.

Twist and pull only on the connectors.

On the new cap, use dielectric grease so the plugs will seat properly and all the way. You should hear an audible click. Use a pick tool to get any air out of the plugs.

That's it. Take careful not of each plug.

[TheSt|G]

And keep the grease off the contacts, it's an insulator despite what you may have heard.

[rusnak]

If you're planning to re-use the wires, I wouldn't rule out disconnecting them, taking the cap and wires to your bench, and twist/ pull them out of the car. Twist the plug boots the tiniest amount just to get them unstuck, without breaking the wire crimp connection.

[john walker's workshop]

There are plug boot grabber tools out there. pliers with curved, rubber coated ends.

[john walker's workshop]

These save a lot of frustration. Straight and angled available.

[NY65912]

And putting the cap back on is a PITA. The springs on the screw are tough to push and turn to lock.

[sky1jord]

Thanks, everyone, that will get me going again.