craze1cars
Lieutenant Commander
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2004
- Messages
- 1,822
OK....maybe I've been retired from turning wrenches too long. I'm replacing spark plugs on the wife's 2001 Olds Aurora 3.5, and I'm stuck. Has the newer cartridge type ignition coil setup with no plug wires. I pulled the cartridge off no prob, the boots of course are on the plugs, down deep in very narrow holes. My plug boot puller tool (circa 1975??) won't get down in there to be able to grab the boot securely to remove them from the plugs. And of course I can't get the socket on the plug without pulling the boot.<br /><br />My GM service manual calls for a "J-43094" boot puller tool to do this. So I figured maybe I'd buy one. But an internet search for this part number reveals absolutely nothing. Haven't called a dealer yet, but before I run off in prayer of someone having a tool that fits and choking up $50 or something stupid for the tool, do any of you have a better suggestion for me getting these off without risking boot damage? Or what brand/model of boot puller tool do you guys have that fits in this motor? I was tempted to get a couple sets of needlenose and just pull straight up on the boot, but I'd hate to tear 'em as I'm sure they're not cheap. And even if that works, the real challenge I suspect will be the rear plugs against the firewall, but I can't even get my tool to pull the obvious ones in the front.<br /><br />Help?! Thanks in advance.
. I hate the 3.5L, the plug holes are way too deep. <br /><br />This is what I have tried at various times - long nose pliers, thin long blade screwdriver, circlip pliers (the ones that open rather than close) and just (gently) forcing the plug socket over the boot. If there is oil in there (common), you need to remove the rocker covers and replace the seals. Oil will make the spark plug boot bloated.<br /><br />Aldo