Broken spark plug wire, it's stuck!!!! Options

[John93GT]

So I was doing a tune up on my 94 GT, and as I was changing out the wires on cylinder 2 the wire fell apart. The little rubber boot thing is still down the well around the spark plug. What is the best way to get it out? I don't have any needle-nose plyers that can reach, nor does Lowes or HD have any. I also tried to use a wire hanger to jimmy it out, but nothing. I am out of ideas.

Also, any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening again?


Thanks

[njccmd2002]

Ghetto style: you can try with a fish hook and a line. But the force to pull it out may snap the rubber.

or you can try making the wire hanger a sharp point, but you may scratch the inside.

if you can use nylon, maybe you can use some kind of knot that the more you pull the more tight it gets. Kind of the boy scouts.

Thats what i would try.

or Just go to an auto store or sears. To prevent it, just buy new cables. I guess.

[Remy]

I had the same problem when I first changed the sparks plugs on my car I was like ugh damn they used cheap a$$ wires lol your best bet is to use long needle nose pliers thats what I did it works you should be able to find one at a auto store near you.

[Bitter]

they make special pliers to grab them actually. spark plug wire pliers.

[John93GT]

I tried the needle nose pliers but all the ones I found were either too short, or too wide for the hole.

they make special pliers to grab them actually. spark plug wire pliers.

Awesome! I will have to look for those tomorrow.

[bufferdan]

Here is what you do... Take the right size socket and get a torch. Heat that socket up and stuff it down the hole. Do it till you melt through the rubber and can get a grip on the spark plug. Worked for me

[GriffGirl]

The worst case scenario is you'll have to remove the valve cover so you can get to it. And the best way to prevent that from happening again is by changing your wires as scheduled, if you do that, you'll be doing it before the rubber boots start to crack and deteriorate.

[1bwilson]

Removing the VC isnt going to help anything, the spark plug ports drop threw to the bottom of the head, all you'll be doing is exposing the cams and have the same problem. Id try a coat hanger with a very small kink at the end and try and snag the edge. Be care full not to damage the inside of the hole.

[John93GT]

These wires are actually being replaced ahead of schedule, so them being old and cracked isn't the problem.


I found the long needle nose pliers at the auto parts store, and it helped get the electrode off the end of the spark plug, but I am not having any luck with the rubber piece. I don't know why, but it is not coming out at all. I tried the wire hangar again, tried heating it to pierce the rubber, tried flat head screwdrivers, I've even tried using fondue forks to get that piece out.

The best I can do is pry the piece away from the wall, but the bottom seems to be stuck. Does anyone know where I can find any 10 inch tweezers, or forceps? I have one pair, but they aren't long enough to get down there.


Thank all you guys for your help so far.

[Bitter]

spray the hole with brake cleaner and then wd40. the brake cleaner will eat a little of the rubber and the wd40 will lube it. might let it slip off.

[John93GT]

Finally got it!!!! I ended up heating up a wire hanger and using that to get the rubber piece out. Thanks! All the others came out without a problem.

I appreciate all of your help!