[dakota014x4]

im just curious about any long term ill effects on removing those spark plug heat shields on a 3.9 v6. im going to be installing the napa premium wires and just afraid off cooking the boots, thats all. Is it worth removing these things?

 

[hskrRT]

Yes, it's worth it.

 

[moore_716]

are they just pressed on?

 

[whitedak99]

are they just pressed on?

Yes dim bulb. A pair of vice grips, pliers and elbow grease is all you need

 

[Neil]

No you do not need the shields. Mine hit the trash 8 years ago. The make changing the plugs a lot harder and trap dirt around the plugs. Grab the shield next to the split and twist in.

 

[AFDakRT]

I had to soak mine in penetrating lube everyday for about a week straight until they would even budge. Grab em with vise grips and wiggle till they're out.

 

[dakota014x4]

yeah i just said to hell with them, and tore them out, with ease. thanks for the advice guys

 

[sltdak]

Yes, it's worth it.

Why? Just wondering. I mean, if they are heat shields, then they are there to keep heat off something that shouldn't be heated, right? Or no and they are there just because? (not meaning to sound like a smartass, but don't feel like rewording)

 

[realdeal7369]

the things that are there, get hot anyways, they are there to be a pita (imo), and look like crap too. they are about useless to say the least

 

[hskrRT]

Upgrade to better spark plug wires and they are not needed. Plus over time, they end up causing more problems than they theoretically help. They trap dirt and water and cause arcing once the wires start to go.

 

[Five9Dak]

I ripped them out when I put mopar wires on 4.5 years ago and haven't had them since, no problems. Easier to work on and looks better.

 

[petrock]

When you install the boots/sheilds, I always put a bit of sylicone lubricant (dielectric grease) in the boot before sliding it onto the spark plug. Makes removing the boot later alot easier.

 

[Dak2000]

Hey guys,

I'm having a hell of a time getting the right front shield out. At this point it's all mangled and I'm getting pretty desperate since I can't drive the truck. It's a 2000 3.9L.

What's the no-BS-I-need-this-out-NOW trick on this? I don't have a week to apply and re-apply penetrating lube....did some liquid wrench but it hasn't worked......please...HELP!

Thanks in advance.

 

[ck98daksport]

get yourself some pb blaster and soak overnight, it loosened up my trailer hitch ball that had been on for 3 years and the nut was rusted on pretty good.

 

[Dak2000]

I'll give a try if I can't get it off this morning.....Thanks.

 

[hskrRT]

Pair of vice-grips or channel locks. Grab right at the edge of where the split is. Twist to where you are bending it inside of itself and just keep twisting until it coils up and starts to spin. Did it one time to where I had to use another pair of pliers to get the heat shield off my channel locks because it had twisted around the jaws.

 

[domay11]

Are you sure that the heat from my headers won't damage my wires..... It is dang close to them on my 318...

 

[Mt.Hoodlum]

I pulled all of mine off the other day when i did my plugs. They came right off like butter with a pair of channel locks. Looks pretty nasty in there, did you use any compressed air to blow that out before taking the old plugs out? I just hooked a line of 3/8 hose up to the compressed air can i got at walmart to get the hard to reach plugs.

I assume at least one person on this forum would have had a problem by now if this was something that shouldnt be done. Go with the crowd.

 

[blwn318]

Are you sure that the heat from my headers won't damage my wires..... It is dang close to them on my 318...

i have had mine off for years on my 318. never had a single problem with them. even though they probly would have stopped me from trying to plug one up in the dark with the truck running. shocked the fuck out of myself.

 

[hskrRT]

As long as you are running good quality plug wires you will have no problems.