Plug boots melted
 

Hey y'all, I'm new here. My wife has a 1998 LX sedan with the 2.3l VTEC. This past weekend the heater hose blew while driving on the interstate, and the engine overheated as a result. My dad thinks it should be okay as far as the head gasket goes, as I pulled over and shut off the vehicle just a few minutes after the engine started sputtering. I decided to replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. I struggled to pull the wires off the plugs, and once removed I discovered why: the plug boots and parts of the plastic insulators were melted in the plug wells as a result of the engine overheating. I've got one out and most of another, but two are still in there. I've tried everything I can think of: long needlenose pliers, wire, putting a deck screw in the remains and pulling it out - which only worked for one. Any other ideas? I need to get it fixed ASAP. Thanks in advance.

I would cut the wires as short as possible to minimize interference.

Suggest try to grab w/ needle nose vise grips to allow hard pull.

If the part pulls into leaving a ring of rubber in place, suggest using a heated long knife to melt/cut through the remaining plastic. A sharp kitchen knife should work, but will need to be thin and not very wide. Heat w/ propane torch.

If all else fails it may be possible to remove valve cover and remove the spark plug tubes. I googled "honda spark plug tube removal" and found some pics. I don't know they are removable, hopefully someone does. I would suspect the tubes are tightly threaded in place. A special tool is apparently used for Chrysler and Toyota heads, maybe will work for Honda.

I found following video of pulling spark plug tubes and reinstalling. Doesn't say what engine is pictured.


Following video may be helpful.


good luck

That first video gave me ideas. The only concern I have is that if I was able to work it out of there, wouldn't the stuff inside the tube just fall into the head?

No spark plug is still in place to prevent any debris from falling into engine. Loose debris in spark plug tube could be blown out w/ shop air jet.

good luck

I'm worried about it falling into the head under the valve cover. Does the opening around the tube extend down that far as well?

You need a Factory Service Manual. Suggest an e-manual from automanualsource.com for $22.

There is no access from spark plug tube to underneath valve cover.

I was unable to find any documented instance of someone removing a Honda engine spark plug tube. It may require a machine shop tool to pull outwards w/ lots of force. Apparently, it is relatively easy in Dodge, Ford, and Toyotas.

good luck

Got it fixed. I used a flathead screwdriver and a rubber mallet to chip and dig at the remains of the boots until there was enough to grab with the needlenose pliers and pull out. Once that was done I blew out the rest of it with a ShopVac. Car's back in business and runs great. Thanks for the help!