I have search fairly well the subject on how to remove the plug cap on a DLE 35. I can get it pushed on with a small twist, but finding it very difficult to remove. Anything I am missing anything, except the strength needed to pull it off?

Finally, the big spring in the cap has come out when I finally removed the cap with lots of pulling. Is this spring really needed for the ground?

Thanks

Ed

Ed, this has been discussed several times and fellas have come up with various solutions. Most of these require that the spring circ-clip be tossed. Some like to use a worm gear clamp to hold the cap.

I tend to go the simple route. I remove the circ- clip and add a piece of silicone rubber tubing onto the cap to hold the cap in place of the clip. Removes easily but holds firm.

I don't use the extra spring that's included for contact.. In my experience it isn't required.

Matt, does the silicone rubber tubing go on the outside of the cap? If so, where do you purchase this size tubing?

Also, not sure if it is the base of the cap that is so difficult to remove or if it is the inside top of the cap that has the death grip on it?

Thanks,

Ed

It's the circular clip that is installed on the outside of the cap. When the cap boot is secured all the way onto the spark plug, the circ clip tends to lock the cap boot around the plug's hex area or just below it. That where the grip happens and makes it so hard to remove. The top section of the boot where the electrical contact is made is not the main problem.

On where to get the silicone, McMaster Carr carries it. Try their 51135K38 part. It's like 2$ a foot (and probably 4$ for shipping, oh well). Or just put "silicone rubber tubing" in your browser and check the internet. You want something with about 1/2" ID and about 1/16" to 3/32" wall. A short segment, say around 3/8" is stretched over the cap boot. Amazing how well it holds things. A foot of the tube will last you many many engines.

If your engine is really the DLE35, the spark plug cap is 120 degrees angled , and it's a little bit difficult to remove than the standard 90 degrees CM6 plug cap. Last DLE ignitions with CM6 (120 or 90 degrees) have a weak circ-clip on the cap, and are easier to remove.
On this plug-cap , i pull hard while twist quikly at the same time, and that's the tip :twist and pull.
Best regards

Easy as pie. I put a flat blade screwdriver under the cap on the sparkplug headboss and just twist and tllt it alittle and it pops right off!

Kmeyers, do you use the larger circular spring?

No I do not use the conical inner spring. If I feel the cap is lose I use a hose clamp.

MTK, I ordered the silicone tubing from McMaster Carr and will give it a try.

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. I feel I will end up using a combination of ideas to get the cap on and off.