I bought a used 2002 ZR2 Sonoma with 150,000 miles and, missing on load and at speed, decided to change spark plugs. There are many videos how to pull the plugs on a 4.3 but I cannot get 2 of the boots off. Passenger side middle and rear. All the other were difficult but I managed. Does anyone have a trick to get these off? I have broken the seal so the cap turnes on the plug but it just won't come off. Pulling my hair out now!

 

Plug 4 (middle pass side) came off when I wrapped a snare cable around it and jerked hard. Plug 6 (pass side rear) came off in many pieces; first the wire, then a chunk of rubber with long pliers, then another, then the boot, then the metal connector. Had to take the tire off and mess up the rubber flap. 6 hour job for 6 spark plugs.

 

Sounds like they A) haven't been changed in a while, and B) whenever they were changed last n dielectric grease was applied (they were stuck on dry).

Do yourself a favor for the future and squish a little dielectric grease into the new spark plug wire boots before you slide them onto the plugs and dizzy cap, should keep them from sticking in the future and will also help to keep moister out of the connection.

 

If You broke the seal and they turn, try prying with a flat screwdriver/fingers/.../ at the bottom cap end. That usually works for me.
EDIT: Uh oh did not notice You had it done already

 

There is a special tool for that project. It is generically a 'Spark Plug Boot Puller' and you can find one at Harbor Ft. Tool, AZ, Adv Auto Parts, NAPA, and so on. There are two basic types. One is sorta made like a O2 sensor socket in that it is slips over the boot and then using one hand, you pull straight back with two fingers. The other type looks like a modified plyer. The 'teeth' grip the boot and then you pull straight back. First step is always to twist the boot to break the seal. You have already done that crucial part. Like Blazen Red, said, apply some dielectric grease inside the boot to prevent it from getting 'welded to the plug' again. Here' s a selection of some available from Amazon. In price, they range from 10.00 to 25.00.

 

Thanks for the responses. I will have to retro the dielectric grease. The plugs I pulled out were autolites so I know they were changed at least once. I also had to replace the number 6 wire with an old one I had from my old Jimmy.