spark plug wire boots

[dohc 97]

Sometimes it is impossible to click the ignition wire boot onto a spark plug, even with the engine cold.
Any suggestions?

[bigbird]

If the boot won't snap on to the spark plug with an audible click, then try squeezing the metal clip inside the boot tighter with a needle nose pliers. If this doesn't help, then it's time for new boots.

[Qlara]

Look inside the boot and check the metal socket, as long as it's not corroded (badly sometimes) the plug head should have good contact to the wire....with audible click or not.

Make sure the boot is fully plugged in to the plug head, of course.

[David 93 SL2m]

Try putting a dab of di-electric grease onto the end of a Q-tip, then apply the di-electric grease to the metal "band" inside the spark cable boot that snaps onto the spark plug.

The di-electric grease is used to make better electrical connections, to help seal out moisture (and prevent rust), and to help dissipate heat. Maybe it will also help the boot snap onto the end of the spark plug.

[dohc 97]

Dielectric grease is non-conductive -- not conductive. That's why it is used on ignition wire boots -- to deter arcing between boot and spark plug, and boot and coil. It also provides a waterproof seal.

[Qlara]

Di-electric grease won't help to conduct the spark stronger, but help to maintain a 'seal' environment between metals so the high voltage won't oxidize the conductive element overtime and eat out the metal band....

Did you see white ashes always accumulate on the coil head or inside the boots? That's oxidation from the metal cuz by contant high voltage conduction.