Spark plug wrench & headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Spark plug wrench & headers
I'm sooooo close! But, I'm missing something. '72sb, new Edelbrock heads and Hooker headers wtih sidepipes. Put in the spark plugs (Accel shorties) last night but on 4 cylinders I can't get a wrench or socket in to tighten them up. I seem to recall seeing a thread or advertisement for a tool that works in tight situations like this. Does anyone have some guidance for me? Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
I'm sooooo close! But, I'm missing something. '72sb, new Edelbrock heads and Hooker headers wtih sidepipes. Put in the spark plugs (Accel shorties) last night but on 4 cylinders I can't get a wrench or socket in to tighten them up. I seem to recall seeing a thread or advertisement for a tool that works in tight situations like this. Does anyone have some guidance for me? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
That will generaly do the trick on the few tight spark plug spots. With my Hooker Headers, I don't use a socket on any of the plugs. Just as easy to use a combination and crow's foot to do the job. With clean plugs and clean ports, finger tighten them and you just need to snug em up with the wrench.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
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It takes several wrenches/ratchet/socket combo to get mine done on my 540 with raised ex ports etc. An offset box end does well on a couple and reaching under from the *bottom* can help too.
Here's the two I know of.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=SPARKPLUG
JIM
Here's the two I know of.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=SPARKPLUG
JIM
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
exactly what I use ... a short combo. But that tool from Summit looks pretty darn good too.Another thing: When I had my Nova, what worked to get past the steering box and the headers, was a simple 3/8 square shank.
I machined it from a bolt, just using a bench grinder & file. I made it square to fit into the socket instead of the ratchet handle. It was only an inch&half long or so. I'd stick it in the end of the plug socket before putting it over the spark plug...then a long 3/8 open-end wrench would be used to start the unscrewing of the plug.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
It takes several wrenches/ratchet/socket combo to get mine done on my 540 with raised ex ports etc. An offset box end does well on a couple and reaching under from the *bottom* can help too.
Here's the two I know of.
[url]http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SLE%2D3 0102&N=700+4294925139+4294925137+4294853 603+115&autoview=sku[/ur
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=SPARKPLUG
JIM
Here's the two I know of.
[url]http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SLE%2D3 0102&N=700+4294925139+4294925137+4294853 603+115&autoview=sku[/ur
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=SPARKPLUG
JIM
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Thanks, everyone for the great suggestions! Success! I cut down a spare 5/8" plug socket and that combined with a crowfoot wrench got me where I needed to be. 
Of course, when I went to install the new valve covers, the bolts that I also had ordered are too short to clear the valve cover, gasket and plug wire looms!
So, down to NAPA or Checker tomorrow for the correct bolts. It's always something!
Of course, when I went to install the new valve covers, the bolts that I also had ordered are too short to clear the valve cover, gasket and plug wire looms!
So, down to NAPA or Checker tomorrow for the correct bolts. It's always something!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I have the Edel heads and Hooker side pipes. I use a 5/8 spark plug socket that has a hex machined on the end (came that way) then I use a box end wrench on the socket. The rear plugs are easist to removed from the bottom.
WTF with all the eBay adds in every post?
WTF with all the eBay adds in every post?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Thanks, everyone for the great suggestions! Success! I cut down a spare 5/8" plug socket and that combined with a crowfoot wrench got me where I needed to be.
Of course, when I went to install the new valve covers, the bolts that I also had ordered are too short to clear the valve cover, gasket and plug wire looms!
So, down to NAPA or Checker tomorrow for the correct bolts. It's always something!
Of course, when I went to install the new valve covers, the bolts that I also had ordered are too short to clear the valve cover, gasket and plug wire looms!
So, down to NAPA or Checker tomorrow for the correct bolts. It's always something!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Did you install aluminum covers? I just went through the same thing. I replaced header gaskets, spark plugs and valve covers. Never thought this would be a two weekend job. Finally got down to the covers and the damn screws I ordered were too short. Napa had exactly what I needed. I think they were 1/4 - 20 x 1.5".
