nipper Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 The avantage to a lifted Outback is the plugs are actually fairly easy to get to, and room to work on the #3 which can be a problem child. My boots are not frozen to the plugs, as i can rotate them 189 degrees with no resistance. I cant get the $#!##$&*& things off. In fact i threw my back out trying to do it under the car. I was pulling and just at the wrong angle. I have has this issue before but on an upright enginhe where it was easier to use brute force or leverage or both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 A pair of plug wire pliers makes that a breeze. I like to turn a pair of pliers sideways to grab the boot, then use some part nearby as a fulcrum. If there's nothing to pry against I stick a ratchet extension between the pliers and the block. It provides some extra leverage for getting the stubborn ones loose, and typically uses a fair amount less elbow grease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 Ok ill give it ago once my right fingers stop tingling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I often use my pair of long-handled, 45* angled tip, needle nose pliers - they provide a built-in fulcrum..... GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rverdoold Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 It is always nice that when you use loads of force and they come loose your hand bumps into any sharp object around (especially when it is cold). So I wear heavy duty working gloves, I have found pliers to damage them if you want to re-use them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 The last time I pulled off the plug wires, they were so tight it seemed like they were shrunk wrapped onto the plug. Guess the engine heat does that over time. If they are so difficult to remove, it is a pretty good indication that they need to be replaced, and not worth saving. I just yanked pulled and pried with channel locks and long angled needle nose pliers until they came off, which was mostly in pieces. I added some electro jell upon installing new wires. Maybe the jell will help the next time I want to remove the wires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedimprezaOB Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Man am I glad I'm not the only one this has happened too! You can bet the booger was #3. I did what GD discibed, a pair or 40'ish degree needle nose did the job. Hope your back feels better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 The Justy has maybe run an hour since i got it. The wires are brand new. I just took them off to remove the plugs to install the timing belt. MAN O MAN even they put up huge fight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Use dielectric silicone grease to coat the inside of the spark plug boots before you put them on the plug. It's the only way of stopping them from heat-welding to the plugs. Don't grip too hard on the EJ25 spark plug boots, the plastic tube inside will break. Sometimes that's the only way though, and you just have to keep breaking it up until you can get a socket in over the plug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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