Help! Ripped ignition coil boot! Rubber debris in cylinder tube

[LookAtThatDog]

So I was trying to change my spark plugs, but the ignition coil boot on #3 was stuck. I pulled too hard and ripped it close to the bottom. I used a coat hanger to remove most of the left over boot and I can get a socket on the plug, but now theres rubber debris in the spark plug tube. If I remove the plug, some of that rubber boot debris is gonna fall through the spark plug hole. I've tried using a vacuum and the coat hanger to get out most of the rubber, but theres one piece thats about the size of a jelly bean cut the long way (hot dog style, if you will) and some small pieces that I'm not that worried about. I kind of dont think the big one will will fall through, but if it did, would I be screwed? Would these just burn up you guys think?

 

[Unner]

Do you have access to an air compressor? I would try and blow that piece out before you remove the spark plug. Close off any other holes where you don't want that stuff to go though if you do try and blow it out.

 

[NWFLBowhunter]

Shop vac. Tape a smaller hose to the attachment so you can get more suction and get further into the cylinder.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Oh an air compressor is a good idea!

 

[v_man]

1/2" PVC pipe or flexible plastic tubing taped to a shop vac.... or flip the truck upside down and shake :biggrin2:

 

[Gadgetguy]

If no compressor you could use canned air like they make for cleaning computers etc.

 

[lhsoulrebel]

So I was trying to change my spark plugs, but the ignition coil boot on #3 was stuck. I pulled too hard and ripped it close to the bottom. I used a coat hanger to remove most of the left over boot and I can get a socket on the plug, but now theres rubber debris in the spark plug tube. If I remove the plug, some of that rubber boot debris is gonna fall through the spark plug hole. I've tried using a vacuum and the coat hanger to get out most of the rubber, but theres one piece thats about the size of a jelly bean cut the long way (hot dog style, if you will) and some small pieces that I'm not that worried about. I kind of dont think the big one will will fall through, but if it did, would I be screwed? Would these just burn up you guys think?

I did the exact same thing!! I ended up getting really long needle nose pliers, the "x" type. Got the pieces out in about 5 seconds!! Right tool makes the job so easy!

 

[HiLife]

I second the air compressor. You can also try a small screw driver with duct tape stuck on there where the sticky side is out. Use the tape to pick up small pieces of rubber.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

All great ideas! I'll try em out tomorrow!

 

[TheDurk]

Air nozzle for sure. I also have a pair of medical forceps in my tool box for jobs like this.