how to clean dried brown goop out of spark plug boots?
 

I'm surmising it must be the remains of a boot grease put in there by the former owner. Looks like he really slathered it on. It's partially brittle by now. Noticed it when I took off the coils to remove the valve covers on a timing belt job. With everything all back together, I was getting a misfire on a couple of cylinders, including #1. Swapped coils 1 and 2 to see if it moved, but poked down into the boot to break some loose and shake a few crumbs out. No misfires noted now, runs much better, but I suspect it must be on the ragged edge.

I do see new boots sold by rock auto; didn't know they're replaceable. But the prices range from $1.63 to $96 (each)! Huh? At the low end it's not worth cleaning them, I suppose.

does the boot even come off the coil?
 

The cheapos from rockauto are about 3/4" too short, if I could even get them on the coils. The original boots don't seem to want to come off. Was there a change during the 1997 model year?

I guess I would try steam or boiling water to de-goop the old ones. I use one of those garment steamers to clean seats and whatnot, might be worth a try. They are cheap at the thrift stores. Otherwise boil the bottom end with the coil end tied back out of the water.

The steam/water is great thinking! Thanks. I was able to get some more out with a small brush (part of an engine brush set for various holes and passages) that just fit inside the spring.