Replacing spark plugs - replace coil pack boots too?

[rkpatt]

I am ordering spark plugs from RA and noticed that they recommend replacing coil pack boots in the shopping cart for the plugs. I have never done it before on other vehicles, as they were always in good shape. Should I do it anyway ?

 

[GON]

I am ordering spark plugs from RA and noticed that they recommend replacing coil pack boots in the shopping cart for the plugs. I have never done it before, as they were always in good shape. Should I do it anyway ?

What make and model and year of vehicle? Replacing aging OEM coil packs with OEM coil packs is often a good preventive measure. Replacing aging OEM coil packs with new aftermarket coil packs may cause problems because of the often-poor quality of aftermarket coil packs.

 

[rkpatt]

The vehicle is a 2014 Honda CRV. I am referring to the replacement of the spark plug / ignition coil boots only (not replacing the coil packs).

eg- https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10525120&cc=3305895&pt=10150&jsn=1903

 

[John105]

I would say no need, at least I've never replaced coil packs when doing plugs (one car was a 1998 Maxima--I heard the 1999 had defective ones that did need replacement). I've heard in some cases, by the time the plug interval is reached, they can become brittle and get damaged upon removal. I'd just be careful but I would not replace if not needed....

 

[camrydriver111]

If in doubt you can check Honda service manual to see if they are replaced.

 

[Capt W]

they recommend replacing coil pack boots in the shopping cart for the plugs

RA always recommends add-on sales for almost everything in your cart. Unless they're brittle or falling apart, there's no reason to change them.

 

[D60]

If it were a Ford, absolutely. Cheap insurance.

Toyota, no.

Honda, not sure.

 

[ls1mike]

I did not on the Malibu and I am past spark plug change #2 by about 6000 miles. I am going to do spark plugs this weekend and leave the original coils and boots. It they work fine, I see no reason to change them.

 

[Escape08]

If you floor the gas pedal a lot while driving like you're in a race track and do a lot of high reving, yes change all. But if you drive conservatively, leave those COPs alone.

 

[ripcord]

If the boots are oil soaked, heat discolored at the tips, or cracked replace them for sure.

 

[Dave9]

I like to have a spare, so if the boot is/gets damaged doing plugs, I have a replacement on hand, and then if I did one that needed the replacement, I hold off doing the remaining plugs until I order more... or price check a local auto parts store.

 

[D60]

The boots have a bigger job than people realize and can appear ok but perform poorly as an insulator.

However, as I said I've only really seen this be a problem on Fords. I don't if Ford spec'd a lesser wall thickness on the boots, or something else.

Here at 23:00 Eric O shows carbon tracking


And here at 9:00 you can see a failed boot. You can watch prior to that to see how he used the ignition analyzer to suspect that cylinder early on (a tool @Trav turned me on to):


I'm NOT suggesting everyone should run out and change their boots. Merely that on some applications it may be reasonable PM if you're already in there for other reasons