Fused Spark plug wires

[Fullmetaljacket]

I need to do a compression test on my 93' camry, because of significant overheating the high-tension cords AKA spark plug wires have melted/fused onto the cylinder head. I have tried to forcibly remove them but only the upper portion of the cord near the cylinder head shaft opening broke off. Any ideas like a solvent or something is appreciated.

You may reference original post here :-) http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t204068.html

Cell phone pics


Lower portion is still in head around spark plugs

[TTercel]

Try WD-40 or PB Blaster? Not quite sure actually...If you do try it dont let any WD-40 or PB blaster leak into the engine it will give you fake compression readings....

EDIT: Pics are kinda bad, but here a wild idea...Get a long screw and drill it thorugh the portion of the spark plug wire that still there, and give it a pull, just dont let bits fall in...

[Fullmetaljacket]

Well I'll leave the PB Blaster to soak while I'm at work today. I'll post back with the results.

[TTercel]

Any updates?

[Fullmetaljacket]

Not budging. I may have to use a stronger solvent like Lacquer Thiner.

[ShawnM]

Oh man...those are the worst. Depends on how bad its cooked on. Last one I saw like that was pretty bad, just had to keep digging away at it with needle nose pliers. good luck

[Venom_5]

where would u get ur compression tested? i wanted to have this done to get some sort of idea of the condition of my engine

[renmike]

Originally Posted by Venom_5

where would u get ur compression tested? i wanted to have this done to get some sort of idea of the condition of my engine

You can get a compression tester for 30-40 bucks (if not cheaper), very valuable tool, and not too difficult to use. I wouldn't pay a shop the labor for something I could do under my carport on a Sunday afternoon

Then again, I pull engines under my carport, so there aren't too many things I pay a shop to do anyways, lol

[Venom_5]

Originally Posted by renmike

You can get a compression tester for 30-40 bucks (if not cheaper), very valuable tool, and not too difficult to use. I wouldn't pay a shop the labor for something I could do under my carport on a Sunday afternoon

Then again, I pull engines under my carport, so there aren't too many things I pay a shop to do anyways, lol

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=258

which one do i need, and what should it read?

[dc_98_cam]

There is a solvent used for taking off label adhesive. One brand is called 'Goof Off', and is usually available at your local hardsare store. It is probably more effective than gas or laquer thinner. .... Don't breath too much of it.

[renmike]

Originally Posted by Venom_5

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=258

which one do i need, and what should it read?

Any of those would be a good start; someone might be able to tell you if you can use the 14 or 18mm threaded plug (you would be wise to get the set with the extension for the 4 cylinder with the spark plug tubes). Here's the page from the Camry manual with the specs for the 5sfe:

[ShawnM]

Its not mentioned there, but you should disable the fuel system before you do a compression test.

[Fullmetaljacket]

Thanks for all the posts guys.

Originally Posted by ShawnM

Last one I saw like that was pretty bad, just had to keep digging away at it with needle nose pliers. good luck

I was afraid you might say that. I'll fight with it tomorrow on my day off

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

There is a solvent used for taking off label adhesive. One brand is called 'Goof Off', and is usually available at your local hardsare store. It is probably more effective than gas or lacquer thinner. .... Don't breath too much of it.

I have used Goof Off and other general purpose adhesive removers/thinners. I consider those chemicals to be much safer to the human body and materials it's comes in contact with. Lacquer Thinner is much stronger and reacts/dissolves most plastics. There is one chemical I have that would work "Aircraft Remover" don't let the name fool you. This stuff is highly caustic, burns the skin, eyes will sting if air is not evacuated, impermeable gloves are required. Will remove all finishes and melt all plastics I know. This chemical formulation is also corrosive to metals so I can't use it.

[TTercel]

Well if anything fall into the engine your kinda screwed so be extra careful.