I managed to pull the OEM plug wires (and reuse them), but it wasn't easy. The "trick" apparently, is too loosen the wires from the stays/holders first so you have lots of slack, then you TURN the plugwire boots in a complete circle to the right, and then to the left and then back again, and you continue to do this while pulling slightly and screeching obscenities. It works. When you reinstall them, you have to turn them only slightly and then give them a solid, firm press and you may hear a "click". Thes things are a pain, but I do appreciate the thought that went into creating them. If Mazda had plugwires (and cam covers) like the Subaru, we'd NEVER have to stick paper towels down the plug wells to dry them out after and engine bay wash. By the way, on my car (2005 Legacy 2.5 i) there is very little hand and tool room, so I used two short 3 inch extensions, the spark plug socket, a shorter, 8 inch ratchet and a really short 3 inch ratchet. One has to use one extension on the plug socket, insert that into the plug hole and retain a grip, and then connect the second short extension, and attach the ratchet afterward. By the way, stock plugs are NGK iridiums (tiny pointed things). I didn't know they were iridiums so I bought the standard NGKs at the store. I installed the standards because that's what I already had, and though they may not last as long (35K on the originals and could have gone a llonger), the car is quieter and smoother with the change in plugs - The new broom effect... As to the original plugs' color, they were gray/tan. What has long been considered "Just Right" in Goldilocks land. Now here's a suggestion for Keith: Modify a Westfield 7 to be a Subaru drivetrained Westy AWD 4. Perhaps Bill will give you a development grant. ;)
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