Spark plug tubes/domes stuck to valve cover
 

I started on my project to replace the valve stem seals, but the spark plug tubes are stuck to the valve cover, so there's not enough room to maneuver the cover out.


I've tried sticking a deep 24mm socket into the tubes and trying to hammer the tubes out, but no luck. And there's not enough room for me to get my hand in from the top or side to try and wiggle them out.


Anyone have other tricks to try?

If you can’t lift the valve cover up enough to get your fingers in you may need to make more room. A rubber mallet came in handy.


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So I let the car sit for a week, and came back to tackle it again. I lifted the valve cover up and tried forcing it sideways, and all 4 of the the spark plug tubes popped out all at once! I think sitting in my cold garage for a week caused everything to shrink up slightly and release the bonds that had been created. Problem solved! At least until I get to the second valve cover...