One of those "I thought this would be easy jobs". Followed all online and Bentley Manual (BM) advice still can't budge the 2 rear DS SP tubes, the center tube looked like it was leaking. BM shows an internal puller, never saw one any info on this tool or any other method to remove the tubes would be greatly appreciated. Larry

 

Go to a marine/boat store and get an expandable plug with t handle. Screw it in to expand the plug and use handle to pull it out.

 

Hi Bret, thanks for getting back so quickly. The expandable plug is exactly what I used. Plug fits very tightly, but still slides out. Wrapped rubber band around plug for extra thickness. I'll try a strip of sandpaper for a little more bite. This really has me stumped. Thanks again.

 

You can always try prying just inside the tube with the sharp edge of flat head screwdriver using a little block of would against head for leverage. You might end up breaking tube, but they are pretty cheap to replace.

 

Push the boat plug handle to the side really hard as you are drawing out the 'sleeve'. Thats what I had to do otherwise the boat plug simply slipped out, leaving the sleeve unmoved. Another tip when changing your plugs. (nothing to do with the sleeve) . Always make sure that the plug wrench has come out and not been left on top of the new plug or you will have one hell of a job trying to refit the coil back onto the plug. ASK ME HOW I KNOW lol.

 

I wrapped heavy grit sandpaper around a boat plug and that worked for me. I used a small flat pry bar to add a little leverage and they came out without any problem. I also used the pry bar to help snap the new tubes into place.

 

Electrical tape worked for me and keeps the insides smooth.

 

I used a set of longer needle nose pliers where I opened up the jaws and rocked to break loose the crusty o-rings and gently pulled out.

 

Hey Guys, Thanks for all great info. Getting the tubes out and in was way harder then I thought it would be or should be. After making several failed attempts with the boat plug, I finally made my own pulling tool (picture a screwdriver with the tip bent at a 90* angle) and used a pry bar. To get the tube in I had to place it in the freezer for an hour, warmed the head and used a washer on the face of the tube along with the same pry bar. I also removed the muffler for best access. It probably took a total of 6 hours, next time, 30 minutes. Thanks again! Larry