Changing Spark Plugs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Changing Spark Plugs
Ok, how does the average Joe (or Jim in this case), change his spark plugs? Ramped up my '74 350 190HP SB yesterday. Was only able to hit two on the drivers side and three on the passenger side. Physically could not get a deep (spark plug) socket into the other locations. Before I bought the vette, I always thought I was mechanically inclined. It's always something challenging me with this car.
Thanks for any input
JimBRO
Thanks for any input
JimBRO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Johnston Iowa
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
I purchased a 5/8 spark plug socket from Sears that on the one end where you put a ratchit you can also use a wrench and then I had a guy that I know mill about a 1/2 inch off the socket. This gave me the clearance I needed to get to all of my spark plugs and either use a ratchit or wrench.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Jim,
For some of the plugs you should be able to put a socket on the plug and turn it with an open wrench; for others you may need one of these, sold by Eastwood:
-Pedro
For some of the plugs you should be able to put a socket on the plug and turn it with an open wrench; for others you may need one of these, sold by Eastwood:
-Pedro
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Jack up front of car, and put on ramps or stands. Changing plugs on vettes is usually easier from underside of car. May have to remove heat shields if you have any installed.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Another option is to jack up the front end and push the rubber splash flaps over the upper A-frames out of the way and with about 2' of extentions you should be able to reach the front two on each side from the wheel well. A lot easier than the scuffed and cut knuckles.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Another handy piece of equipment for changing plugs is a 4 inch length of gas hose. One that slides nicely over the ceramic part of the plug. It gives you something to hold onto. I use it to start all new plugs and remove the old ones once they are loosened. I have a variety of sockets, some modified to get at certain plugs plus extensions.
Good luck but get a piece of hose.
Good luck but get a piece of hose.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
I remember it being a pain but not impossible. If you don't already have them, get either a socket with the swivel built in or a swivel that goes between the ratchet and the socket. If memory serves me that is the way I did it, but you must go from underneath on some of the plugs. May also want to remove the starter and ignition shields and while you have it all off change the wires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
With my headers one two of the plugs I have to use a deepwell socket but turn the end of the socket (it has a hex) with an opened end wrench. Can't fit the ratched on the end. Even then it's a bit tight.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Ann Arbor MI
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
It's safe to say that I'm NOT gifted mechanically. I was able to change all of the plugs easily on my '76 by getting at part of them from under the car using an assortment of rachet extensions.
Brian
Brian
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 51
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From: Miami Fl
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Many cuts on my hands from (ignition sheilds that I bent to hell) and scrapped knuckels from when the wrench slips changing plugs from below the car... now I have the mechanic do it.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 49,198
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From: All in!
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'10
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
I've got a socket with a u-joint in it. Allows you to bend the socket to get it into place.
With that I can change all 8 spark plugs from the top.
With that I can change all 8 spark plugs from the top.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,115
Likes: 671
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Because of the size of the SB chevy head, you need a 5/8"socket and a rachet and a 1" or 1.5" 3/8 extension so that the rachet is clear of the head.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA, USA
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (killain)
Snap on, MAC, and MATCO all sell a "double jointed" spark plug socket that has two of the impact style (ball, not u-joint - the ball type are much smoother, IMHO) swivel heads. That thing and a flexible head ratchet have saved my life, or at least my knuckles and sanity, several times. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,601
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From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (JimBRO)
Did the same on my '75. was a pain to do, but still doable. we kind of had to squeeze in a little, we'd hit the steering box and ignition shielding and all sorts of things. Definetly easier with the car off the ground. U-joints might be good for this.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Re: Changing Spark Plugs (Buffalo Dude)
I just do it from the top...It's not very difficult unless you have big hands or arn't willing to do crazy things like hold your tongue a certain way as you stand on one leg and think "I didn't know my arm could bend this way."
But its still doable.
Daniel
But its still doable.
Daniel
