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Thread: 1990 BMW E30 325i - Distributor Cap Replacement Problem

  1. #1
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    1990 BMW E30 325i - Distributor Cap Replacement Problem

    I have a 1990 BMW 325i E30. I am in the process of replacing the distributor cap and rotor. My problem is, I cannot pull the spark plug wires off the old cap. When I grip the wire and pull, I can here it partially release (sound is similar to when pulling off wire from spark plug), but it won't completely disconnect. I have tried multiple wire connections and each is the same. It feel like something "springy" is still attached. I don't want to damage the spark plug wires. Is there some "trick" to getting the wires to disconnect from the distributor cap?

  2. #2
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    It may be the boot itself holding it on. Try twisting the boot first.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

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  3. #3
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    Hey richardodn ... Thanks for the suggestion. After I submitted this, I tried a little prying with a screwdriver into the rubber boot on each connection. I found that doing this on opposite sides freed up the inner most springs so that I could then tug the wire off of the distributor cap. To be clear, I used a flat head screw driver, slid it between the rubber boot and the distributor cap's channel (that the plug wire goes into). I pushed it in far enough such that the screwdriver blade was beyond the edge of the channel, I then tilted the screwdriver up until the boot moved off of the distributor cap channel a little. That movement was enough to allow me to pull the plug wires off.

    Thanks for your suggestion. As of this writing, my problem is solved!

  4. #4
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    Suction from the boots. I have used WD40 straws before too. slide up in the boot to break the vacuum. screwdrivers can rip the rubber. be gentle
    Keith

    Quote Originally Posted by MrGone View Post
    It is amazing how in these situations something that is typically insignificant shows fundamental differences in principles/value recognition.

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