Technical Awkward Panda Spark Plugs

[JAMLAX]

Yesterday, I made an initial attempt to check (and replace if necessary) the spark plugs on my recently acquired 2004 Fiat Panda 1.2.
I successfully removed only one HT lead from the plug on the right hand side (i.e. the plug nearest to the timing belt).
Next, I carefully unscrewed the spark plug and satisfied myself it was in good condition.
However, my efforts to remove the three remaining HT leads from the other spark plugs were unsuccessful.

Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated - rather than me resorting to full brute force and ignorance to release these stubbornly stuck HT leads?

 

[ZaphodB]

Twist as you squeeze and pull, and never pull on the cable itself, always the rubber boot.

... and don't discount the idea that you might need to source a new cable set in the end...

 

[JAMLAX]

Thanks, I'll persevere with twist, squeeze, and pull on the rubber. Yes, I'm hearing this advice over the phone from my brother (mechanic) and as you say to avoid hauling on the actual HT cable leads.
Well, I'll keep all this in mind for my next attempt at checking/replacing the spark plugs. Probably I'll wait for a month or two since the engine is presently running sweetly enough.
Thanks for the prompt answer ZaphodB ... One way or another the task doesn't sound so daunting now that I have a sound plan of attack - and if I end up having to replace the HT leads so be it but it will be very satisfying if I manage Plan A rather than having to resort to plan B.
Within a month or so I'll aim to update on the eventual outcome.

 

[ZaphodB]

It's also worth preparing for the sudden release, thus avoiding damaging the lead in the process.

 

[portland_bill]

The HT leads should be considered a service item. It is usually difficult to remove them without damage.
I keep a set ready, although last time not needed.
If needed, get the NGK set, as they have the different boots for different plugs.

 

[koalar]

Pull at a slight angle they are not straight

Spark plugs, simple, quick, easy | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

Unplug the lead Unscrew the plug Screw the new ones in Torque up Plug the leads back on and drive off That's how it should go and often does Most of the problems are avoidable Don't change the plugs while it's raining Don't leave the plugs in past 100,000 miles Don't over torque Don't under...

www.fiatforum.com

There are tools to make it easier, I don't use one, but garages normally do

Spark plugs, simple, quick, easy | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

Unplug the lead Unscrew the plug Screw the new ones in Torque up Plug the leads back on and drive off That's how it should go and often does Most of the problems are avoidable Don't change the plugs while it's raining Don't leave the plugs in past 100,000 miles Don't over torque Don't under...

www.fiatforum.com

Gaps the import bit, it grows by 0.1mm per 6K eventually leading to a misfire and eventually damaging the coil

They start at 0.8 or 1mm depending on brand and start to fail at about 1.6-1.8mm

I swap somewhere between 12-20K miles it's not worth in my opinion re-gapping as the coating is getting thinner, once they are seized in they can be a nightmare to get out

 

[JAMLAX]

Koalar - passing on this know-how from your years of Panda mileage is very much appreciated.
From you and so many similarly helpful Fiat Panda owners - I've gained many excellent tips that are already helping my DIY car maintenance efforts.
Thanks again!

 

[JAMLAX]

I must make a confession.
Today, I went ahead and managed to undo all four spark plugs on the Panda. I checked the spark plugs and sort of 'improved' them with a gentle tap and a 'sandpaper shine-up'. However, to my dismay, after successfully putting everything back together (awkward though it was) I now find the engine is no longer running smoothly (it has been perfectly smooth up till now). The engine management light is now lighting up as I drive - flashing intermittently. Oh dear, oh dear, and many other despairing words!

P.S. I've ordered new Bosch HT leads and a set of NGK spark plugs but it could be Thursday before they arrive in the post.
P.P.S I'm hoping the 5 miles or so that I've driven with the engine sounding 'rough' won't have done any more damage than what I've managed to do today.

 

[koalar]

Pull the leads slightly and make sure they are all snapped on correctly

Does it idle really badly or is it only while driving

 

[koalar]

Don't panic you have only touch 4 wire and 4 plugs


Did you do them one at a time or all at once, is it possible a couple of leads could have been swapped over

One coil should go to cylinder 1,4 and the other to 2,3

 

[ZaphodB]

Make sure you didn't lose the 'nuts' on each plug as you cleaned them up.
Make sure those 'nuts' are hand tightened up
Make sure (as already mentioned) the caps are fully pushed onto the top of the plug, the rubber may bind first giving you the impression you've pushed them on fully.
Any break/poor connection/gap (including the worse case of a damaged inner core of the leads will cause the HT (the spark voltage) to have trouble getting the plug tip where it needs to be ... the energy will be reduced (causing a poor spark and misfire)

 

[JAMLAX]

I worked all day on this simplest of jobs. I think I'll wait till the spark plugs and HT leads arrive on Thursday. Then I can make sure the HT leads are properly secured. I have an inkling this is the problem. In any case, by the look of the HT leads they may be as ancient as the car. Patience is the thing I need right now while waiting for Royal Mail to deliver!

And indeed I was careful to replace the HT leads correctly