Posted by Tug Boat Lonnie on Friday, September 27, 2002 at 12:35PM :
First let me tell you that I have changed spark plugs in probably 1000 cars over the last 30 years. I worked at a service station as a youth, rebuilt engines, brake jobs, etc. I am not a complete idiot (only a partial one).
Went to change out the plugs on my poly 318 last night. first couple of holes went ok, got to the two rear plugs and could not get the plug wires off. I used to be called popeye because I had huge forarms built up by years of swinging hammers at the shipyard. I put on my gloves to protect the hands and pulled --- nothing. Tried to rotate the rubber sleeve, nothing. Tried pliers -- nothing. I haven't seen anything like it. Its almost as if the rubber has fused to the porcelin on the plug. I could cut the old wire as I am looking to replace it anyway, but that would still leave me with a rubber encased plug. Being on the two rear cylinders makes it a bit hard to access as well.
I don't want to resort to picking at each plug with a knife until the rubber is off, but it looks like that is where I am headed. I havent tried penetrating oil yet.
Granted, I was working in the dark with only a small flashlight, but it shouldn't be this hard. One way or the other I will be replacing the wire set after this.
Do you guys just use the generic wire sets or is there one ready made for the poly 318?
It will be a few days till I make it to Napa.
Thanks
Lonnie
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