Spark Plug Grommets - Removal Tips?

[toylndcrusr]

Hi folks. I am replacing my valve cover gasket and spark plug grommets while I have it off. I am having trouble getting the stubborn gromets out. They are all very brittle, and stuck tight in the recesses for them. Any tips on getting the little buggers out of there?? Thanks in advance.

 

[arndog123]

I used a small screwdriver to pry 'em up enough to use a seal puller.

 

[LC80Ducati996]

I use a pic set to pull grommets an o-rings.. Snap on brand but there are other 4 pick sets the same size and range of shapes for less..

 

[LukeZero]

I use a pic set to pull grommets an o-rings.. Snap on brand but there are other 4 pick sets the same size and range of shapes for less..

Craftsman sells a nice 4 piece set for like $15. It was on special a couple of weeks ago for $9.99

 

[toylndcrusr]

Sweet. Thanks guys.

 

[Redcrayon]

yeah, i had to use a flathead screwdriver and go down around the rim of the ring until i could get under the metal part of the grommet and lift it out....was quite a chore..

 

[IdahoDoug]

Screwdriver. Pick a used thin one that doesn't have sharp edges (watch the aluminum). I also got aggressive tapping them in with a hammer and reefing them out after pussyfooting around. Just go for it with some hard taps.

DougM

 

[rockstate45]

Any other helpful hints to get these out?

 

[biker1007]

A mechanic's prybar (looks like a flat head screw driver with a bend) works a little better than just a flat head. I usually use one about as long as the valve cover. Position it with the handle over the longer end of the valve cover to give the best leverage of the cover against the work bench to keep it more stable. If you don't have a prybar, I'd suggest getting a set from seats or even harbor freight. It's one of those tools you'll find more uses for when it's an option.

 

[bicycleagent003]

Seal puller. They are about $12 at Pep Boys, etc. It's the perfect tool for that job, and those buggers do get super hard after time. Mine were also very difficult to remove. Take a pic before you remove them, or install one in an empty slot before you get the last one out. I was a little puzzled as to which way to install the new ones after I pulled the old ones.

 

[rockstate45]

A mechanic's prybar (looks like a flat head screw driver with a bend) works a little better than just a flat head. I usually use one about as long as the valve cover. Position it with the handle over the longer end of the valve cover to give the best leverage of the cover against the work bench to keep it more stable. If you don't have a prybar, I'd suggest getting a set from seats or even harbor freight. It's one of those tools you'll find more uses for when it's an option.

That's a good idea. I'll run to HF tonight and pick up a set. A screwdriver just isn't the right size/shape/wedge to get under there and get the leverage, or so it would seem. The angle on the mechanic's prybar should give just enough leverage.

 

[rockstate45]

Seal puller. They are about $12 at Pep Boys, etc. It's the perfect tool for that job, and those buggers do get super hard after time. Mine were also very difficult to remove. Take a pic before you remove them, or install one in an empty slot before you get the last one out. I was a little puzzled as to which way to install the new ones after I pulled the old ones.

I tried the seal puller and the one that I have is just too fat to fit under there. It tore the middle's out of each one, unfortunately. And good call on getting the correct orientation - one of mine is intact enough to figure it out haha.

 

[Hornd]

Lisle Seal Puller!
Has about 15 other uses as well.
Grommets are tough buggers.

Do the PCV valve grommet and change PCV while your at it.
It will likely be harder than a....oh never mind.

 

[biker1007]

I've also used a wooden handle of a hammer as a spacer on the side of the hole opposite of the pry bar tip for a little more angle.

 

[rockstate45]

Any tips on the install, speaking of which? Do these need FIPG?

When I get home from work, I'm going to try the removal with the valve cover right side up and use a screwdriver to push it down from that side. Fingers crossed this works.

 

[2fpower]

Any tips on the install, speaking of which? Do these need FIPG?

When I get home from work, I'm going to try the removal with the valve cover right side up and use a screwdriver to push it down from that side. Fingers crossed this works.

You need to get a FSM and read a little bit.

 

[rockstate45]

You need to get a FSM and read a little bit.

Yeah, I could remember what we talked about on the spark plug grommets and when I turned to google - someone mentioned FIPG on another make (at least when searching for helpful hints on removal).

According to the FSM, it shows a screwdriver on a small block of wood for removal.

On install, it shows an SST and a hammer to get 'em in... with a light coat of MP grease to the gasket lip.

I was wondering about the FIPG because mine had some sort of sealant/something on there from either the last time it was done or from the factory.

 

[george_tlc]

You can scroll down and see how I removed/replaced mine:

Injector Service

Do note, there is a metal cylinder in molded into the seals. I used a socket to knock them out and then pry/remove any part that broke off - it's aluminium so go easy. Easy to push the new ones in with a socket and hand pressure and a bit of tapping. Easy job.

cheers,
george.

 

[rockstate45]

Easy enough after @2fpower showed me how he did it. With the center busted out, you have to create a pocket for the seal puller to get to. Taking a flathead, a hammer and a couple small blows, it gave just enough room.