How to replace spark plug boots?

Pacifictimes

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 22, 2010
Messages
35
I have a couple plugs that are loose I have purchased new boots but am unsure how to replace the old with the new.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

I assume you have the kind with a spring thingy? Strip about 1/8" of insulation off the end of the wire, then fan the wire strands out. Pierce the pointy end of the spring through the wire, doing your best to get it through the wire strands inside. The fanned out strands should contact the spring coils. Now put a drop of oil inside the small end of the boot and slide it onto the spring till it bottoms out. The straight part of the spring faces away from the big hole opening.
 

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emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 9, 2005
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11,551
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

If you purchase a replacement plugwire kit from Bombardier, they include a small tube of grease-which also makes assembly easier.
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

WD-40 works good too.

I second the WD-40 mention.

From my database, coinciding with Boobie and F_R..........

The rubber boot, spark plug end.... With the wire cut to the length required, trim back 1/4" insulation again but do not solder tint the wires. Simply fan out the wires and fold them back against the insulation, cutting the excess off as explained above. Holding the spring wire terminal, estimate where the prong should be inserted so that the spring will be flush against the exposed wire. Hold the spring terminal away from the wires end (sideways) and insert the prong into the insulation and into the center wire, then swing the spring terminal in front of the exposed wire portion (makes a tight fit for continuity purposes).

Spraying the inner portion of the boot where the wire will insert with a small amount of WD40 makes the installation of the wire a easy project. That's it.... you're done.
 
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Pacifictimes

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 22, 2010
Messages
35
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

Before I replaced these boots I went out on the river this morning (tested the engine last night, it ran on muffs had a miss though) was hoping it just needed ran, it has not ran for over a year now. So after unloading I started it and decided because my confidence is low yet to stay on the bank for awhile give it time to get good and warmed up. It ran about ten minutes sputtering a bit, then it acted like it was cleaning up (I was at a high idle is all) then it died. Would not start again. So back home, changed two of the boots, both had corroded ends and could tell neither of those plugs could have been working very good. Tried to start it here at home again, nothing. So I checked spark I have good spark on all 4 cylinders. Can a spark plug be bad but still show spark in a sparker?
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

Did you use an open air gap spark tester set at 7/16" to check your spark ?? Checking it with the plug grounded tells you nothing.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Re: How to replace spark plug boots?

should clean up the other two spring connectors if you haven't already, and replace boots if they are brittle or cracked. It sounds like there might be some of that salt air corrosion. Should post what motor you are running.
 
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