Chris(MA)

My 2000 cab with 107k miles seems to have developed a worse oil drip on to the exhaust on the drivers side; so I think its time for new spark plug tubes.

I have read about the home made tube pulling tool people have made to get them out (photos attached) but I can't find dimensions, such as what length bolt to use? what size washer for the dual nut end and what size for the bolt head end?

Also can I get these tubes swapped out *without* removing the mufflers?

Thanks

DBJoe996

I have heard that an 1.5" boat plug works well. Maybe take your replacement tube to the marine hardware store and find one that fits. If you have ever changed the spark plugs and coils *without* removing the mufflers, then you have some idea how convoluted the job is. Not to say it can't be done, but it is far easier with the mufflers removed.

pmkazz

I used a boat drain plug. Worked perfectly. If you need it a little tighter then warp black electrical tape. You can get these at any boating store or on line.

https://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_12545_-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqYfWBRDPARIsABjQRYy9qx6IyY201Zx8xLF-zW6H5U4F300n-134aSX_thWioE9fbkOuY4UaAqUTEALw_wcB

cds72911

I've read that you can remove them without taking off the exhaust. Boat plug, large tap, homemade bolt contraption, etc.

The only ones I've R&Red, I did with the motor out, exhaust off. I used some flat tip external lock ring pliers and they came out without a lot of fanfare.

dporto

I think a 1.25" expandqable boat plug is the proper size - I think I tried a 1.5" and I had to trim it down to get it in the tubes - this significantly reduced surface tension so it didn't work as well (though it did still work - it was a pita with the tighter tubes). +1 on removing the mufflers...

Chris(MA)

Thanks, I'm a little hesitant to use the plug as there is risk of cracking and splitting the plastic tubes, esp as they are old and probably brittle. I'll perhaps get the boat plug as a backup.

Trying to get all my tools organized before I tackle the job

EDIT - duh...I'm slow today (its monday morning) I can just measure the new tubes to size the correct bolt...amazon prime has them so I will get them in two days...

pmkazz

Very very small chance that you will crack a tube. They slide out very easily and it did not take much pressure using the boat plug to get them out.

wyovino

I also have a 2000 cab. I used a boat plug with some sandpaper wrapped around it. I've heard that people have done it without removing the mufflers, but I removed mine.

Botsy67

Chris, I don't remember exactly the length of that bolt but I think it's around 5" long, I can double check for you later. But please be careful when you use it to pull the tubes out, go extra slowly and make sure you have a good grab on the bottom tube edge. Also if you use a small crowbar's leverage, they will come out very easily. The plastic could be brittle and can break /chip off which would be very bad. Not sure if you have enough room w/o removing the mufflers. I took mine out to have extra room to work. Of course you can also use a Transom boat plug like others have suggested but for me it was harder to pull these tubes out. Cheers,

pthauvet

sweet victory

I have an aftermarket exhaust system and was able to complete without removing mufflers.