Valve Cover and Spark Plug Problem

[HTownGST]

Two days ago, I changed my valve cover gasket and the others that go along with it (half moon and spark plug gaskets). Once I was finished and put everything back together, i couldn't get my spark plug wires to snap down onto the spark plugs. So I figured that maybe I was just a little to careful when tightening down the bolts, so I tightened them some more. Well they still didn't fit. So I tightened them to the point where I was afraid they would break, and I stopped. Still, the spark plug wires don't snap onto the plugs. I am completely out of ideas guys. I just can't figure out what the hell could cause this. And it is the right gasket and everything, and it was put on correctly. Please help me trouble shoot this, because I am stuck without a car for now. I actually had to drive it home from my friends house, and it would stall and it sputtered so bad, I had no power, but it is obviously the fact that the wires aren't connecting the way they should be. But honestly, the wires just can't go down any further. I even tried forcing them down, but they just don't reach. HELP, . Thanks

 

[mysticfire6602]

wrong plugs? wrong wires?

 

[4g63tsiawd]

Are the metal connectors in the wire down far enough, if you pulled them out by the wire they will move up and wont connect. Try grabbing the boot of the wire and push the wire in further till the metal ring comes down.

 

[HTownGST]

Well heres the thing. I bought a set if Magnecor 8.5mm and was going to put them in, but they don't reach the top of the plug either. The wires are supposed to click down on the plug, right? It just seems like after changing the gasket, it sits higher or something. I mean I'm not sure if it is actually any higher or not. And I have tried your suggestion 4g63tsiawd, but they don't move very much. Any other ideas? Anyone?

 

[DSMRevolution]

It sounds like you may have your valve cover bolts TOO tight. The tighter you make them the further the extentions of the gasket will extend from the head. Loosen all of the valve cover bolts then tighten them down to around factory spec. Factory spec is just a few INCH pounds so tighten them so they make contact then maybe another turn. Just hand tight pretty much. See if that works

 

[HTownGST]

Well I had the spark plug wires wrong from the coil pack to the plugs. And now it is running ok. The plug wires still dont snap down like they used to, but the spark plug cover is holding them pretty well. Thanks a bunch guys.