How Do You Remove the Metal Cover From a Spark Plug Wire?

When it's time to change your spark plug wires--or your spark plugs, for that matter--you need a way to remove the spark plug wires from the engine. On some vehicles, the plug wires are shielded by a metal cover that sits on top of the valve cover to protect the wires from accidental damage. With this metal cover in place, it will be impossible to remove the spark plug wires.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Open the hood and locate the small screws or nuts that hold the center metal cap or cover to the valve cover on top of the engine. These screws will be positioned around the outside of the cover.

2. Unscrew the screws, if your engine uses screws, with Phillips-head screwdriver. Most engines use small (10mm) nuts that are domed or rounded on top. Unbolt these with a socket wrench and set them aside.

3. Pull the center cover up and off the engine's valve cover and set it aside. Now you can access the spark plug wires underneath the cover.

References

• "Auto Repair For Dummies"; Deanna Sclar; IDG Books Worldwide; 1999
• "How To Repair Your Car: Car-Care Tips, Simple Repairs, Driving & Maintenance Tips, and more..."; Paul Brand; Motorbooks International; 2006