Snapped off spark plug holders..

[Breezybro]

So, while trying to get the spark plug coils off, with my friend who's been a mechanic for 15 years, the 2 left spark plug plastic pieces (boots?) attached to the coils, snapped in half. Trying our damnest to wiggle and even trying when the engine was slightly warm.

Called the dealership and they said you don't gap them anymore supposidly and I shouldn't have bothered.. other guy said sure we will check them and never did. I told them you all on the forums have horrible gaps causing problems and he repeated the previous answer along with "unless there was a check engine light it doesn't matter". I'm pretty pissed now.. what do you guys think? Any idea how much a new piece would cost?


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

 

[Scot]

Sounds like you need a new coil pack.

...and a different friend.

 

[Breezybro]

How would you have recommended removing it since it was seriously stuck in there?


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

 

[Breezybro]

On another note.. how long do you think I'm safe driving on for? I only have one vehicle


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[ChrisJ]

So, while trying to get the spark plug coils off, with my friend who's been a mechanic for 15 years, the 2 left spark plug plastic pieces (boots?) attached to the coils, snapped in half. Trying our damnest to wiggle and even trying when the engine was slightly warm.

Called the dealership and they said you don't gap them anymore supposidly and I shouldn't have bothered.. other guy said sure we will check them and never did. I told them you all on the forums have horrible gaps causing problems and he repeated the previous answer along with "unless there was a check engine light it doesn't matter". I'm pretty pissed now.. what do you guys think? Any idea how much a new piece would cost?


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

You don't gap them anymore? Has something changed mechanically with spark plugs?!

You ALWAYS gap plugs as they often get banged around and the gaps change. Anyone who says you don't have to gap plugs before putting them in should be dutch ovened by someone living on taco bell.


That said, on my two 1.4s some of my plugs were .24 and some were .26 and I made them all .28 and felt and saw absolutely no change. So in my case, I feel I wasted my time but in no way does this mean plugs shouldn't have their gaps checked before installing.

This reminds me of the service guy at a Honda dealer that told me torque converters didn't have lock up clutches.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

Anyone who says you don't have to gap plugs before putting them in should be dutch ovened by someone living on taco bell.

Your words flow like poetry Mr. J.

 

[Gsrdude]

GM Parts Online - GM Parts Direct


man US car parts are cheap sometimes

 

[ChrisJ]

$83.79 at rockauto.

 

[Breezybro]

Can I drive on it? A lot more helpful than prices


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[ChrisJ]

Can I drive on it? A lot more helpful than prices


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If it's not missing then yes but fix it as soon as you can.
If it's missing a lot absolutely NO. Besides crudding crap up you risk a fire.

 

[Breezybro]

The coils are still on top and it still has the rubber gaskets


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[Scot]

did you happen to snap a picture? Not sure what you broke now....

 

[Breezybro]

See the link on the last page? The top of two of the shafts

One is half way down, other is right next to the gasket

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[ChrisJ]

See the link on the last page? The top of two of the shafts

One is half way down, other is right next to the gasket

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Ok, but hows it running?
If it's missing you'll know. If it's running smooth and pulls smooth under acceleration you're fine for now.

 

[Breezybro]

It's fine, no problems at all.


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[meluskig]

hey breezy i did the same thing on mine you snapped the last plunger off huh? I was able to drive fine unless I punched it then it would misfire. I also looked on ebay for a new coil they have whole sale prices on there, I think I got mine for 79 with shipping

 

[meluskig]

How would you have recommended removing it since it was seriously stuck in there?


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needle nose you can yank it out

 

[Breezybro]

needle nose you can yank it out

I was referencing the whole unit. We tugged our asses off and I wholeheartedly believe it's a defect


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[mitdr774]

Tugging your ass off was obviously the wrong way to do it. Sometimes it takes a delicate touch to properly remove things.

 

[Breezybro]

After 25 minutes of trying I didn't know what else to do


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