Changing spark plugs
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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The front four you can get to from the top. The back four from underneath. You may have to remove the shields to access the plugs. Be careful on the right side back plugs that you don't hit the starter with your tools or the shield. It will scare the crap out of you. I disconnect the battery before I start.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 53
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From: WESLEY CHAPEL FLA
The front four you can get to from the top. The back four from underneath. You may have to remove the shields to access the plugs. Be careful on the right side back plugs that you don't hit the starter with your tools or the shield. It will scare the crap out of you. I disconnect the battery before I start.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Its not that bad. Passenger side can be done from up top, you have to feel around for them. 3/8 air drive helps. You may have to remove a heat shield to access the back 2. On the drivers side you have to remove the alternator to get to the front 2 and the back 2 are easy from underneath . Again you will have to remove another heat shield for the back 2. All in all about a 2 hour job.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 838
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From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
I did all on my 81 from underneath the car and I removed all the heat shields for much better access. On the passenger side I had to drop the starter to get to the #6 & 8 plugs. It is easier done also by removing the boots from one side of the wires to ease feeding them through the tight spaces. Just use a little oil around the boot area and it will slip right off.
Last edited by golfradict; Apr 18, 2014 at 07:00 AM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Orlando FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Aurora Ontario
Jim
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Port Washington WI
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
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From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I'm starting to get quite the collection of "custom tools" for my car. Most of them are to clear the header pipes...'shortie' 3/8" box and open ends and a 'shortie' 3/4" to fit the top of a spark plug socket.
That's why the top of a regular spark plug socket HAS a hex top...use it. Sometimes there just isn't enough room to put a ratchet on the back of it, but slipping an open end over it is easy as pie.
That's why the top of a regular spark plug socket HAS a hex top...use it. Sometimes there just isn't enough room to put a ratchet on the back of it, but slipping an open end over it is easy as pie.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,384
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Seriously: Jack the car up, remove the front wheels, and get the ones you can't get from the top through the wheel wells.
Lars
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: El Cajon California
I never thought of removing the tires! Awesome
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Tampa Bay Florida
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,729
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From: Seattle Washington
All I can say is that for a challenge changing spark plugs install a pair of Turbochargers and there extra plumbing ! I get the #1 from the top, and the rest from the bottom. I use a lot of different tools depending which cylinder. Next time I do this job I'm going to try the threw the fender way, having never done it that way in the last 33 years or so I have been doing it !