Removing Ignition Wires

wrxnofx · wrxnofx's Garage

I need to replace my ignition wires. It seems like you really have to tug on the connector to get it to release from the distributor cap. However, it's hard to get a good grip on just the connector and pull up. I'm concerned if I grab the wire and pull that I'll rip the wire from the connector. With the old wires I'm not concerned, but if I need to do maintenance in the future and have to remove the wires I obviously don't want to ruin them.

Is there some trick or tool that makes this easier? Also, is it just as hard on the other end to pull the connector off the spark plug?

Jdub · 10-15-2013, 09:43 AM

Replace the distributor cap unless it is new - that would take care of it.

Use boot "grease" on reassembly to prevent this in the future - both cap and plug ends of wires.

wrxnofx · wrxnofx's Garage

Distributor cap and rotor are new as of 3 months ago. My mechanic replaced them, and probably should have done the wires at the same time but didn't.

Chuck.H · Chuck.H's Garage

If you're like me you'll use this as an opportunity to get more tools.

I have a couple neat pliers that are called (I think) hose pliars with a circle like loop at the end, great for pulling vacuum hoses etc off without damage. would also work on dist cap wires. You can grab the boot and spin it gently to break it free.

Maybe HF or Northern tool has some, I'm not sure where we got ours but most likely a benefit of my neighbor not being able to stay off the SnapOn truck :-)

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 365k miles

whiz05403 · whiz05403's Garage

Slide the round end of a large paper clip in the boot you are trying to pull from the cap. It breaks the suction and the boot will come off pretty easy.

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

yeah, pull the wires and the cap off at the same time, ether trash them or work on on the bench, i twist and pull. WD-40 on the cap makes them go on and come off easer. Get in the habit to pull them off every year to look for corrosion (the green stuff) that should make it ease to go back on.

schulr · schulr's Garage

I just used a pliers to pull mine off, just twist to break the seal then pull up. Now getting NO 6 on is a bugger, I had to move the AC comp out of the way to get a good hold for proper seating.

Bob