Geting ready to do a tune up. How do I get the spark plug heat shields off or do I need to buy a special socket? Mine are pretty corroded.

 

Pull them out with vise grips and don't look back, might need some rust penetrant to get them to budge.

 

Do we even need those things? I was thinking of removing them but afraid the heat from the exhaust manifold might melt my wires.

 

Are you talking about the metal shields around the spark plug holes? or the plastic "Boots" that connect to the plugs?

I have never had an issue with the metal shields...just use a small ratchet extension and standard plug socket...no problem.

 

I'm talking about the metal shields. And it's not that you can't remove the plugs, but people say water/dirt get caught in them and cause the plugs to rust and create a general pain in the rear to get them out.

 

I always take compressed air and blow them out good before I remove the plugs...good point though, you defiantly don't want crap falling into the plug hole.

 

This.

 

throw them away. far far away.

 

i cant get the socket to grab the plug with the shield on. (at least the one i tried) Can I pull them off with the plugs in?
Any known effects from leaving them off?

 

yes, you can remove the tubes with the plugs installed - just be careful not to break a plug.

use pliers to pull on them, or a hammer to GENTLY tap them side to side.