82 spark plugs - remove/install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 105
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82 spark plugs - remove/install
Searched forum, but didn't find answer. Basically need to pull my #4 plug (stock 350) but there's an exhaust thing in my way. How do you get at it? I don't have a lift, just me careening over the driverside with my hand tools. It's friggin impossible.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
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From: Streator Illinois
What's an exhaust thing? Do you have stock exhaust? If no lift, you may have to make or buy a set of ramps.
Some guys use a plug socket turned by an open end wrench instead of a ratchet. Others have cut off a little of the open end of a plug socket to make it short enough to fit into tight places. Got to get creative and think outside the box sometimes.
Terry
Some guys use a plug socket turned by an open end wrench instead of a ratchet. Others have cut off a little of the open end of a plug socket to make it short enough to fit into tight places. Got to get creative and think outside the box sometimes.
Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 938
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From: Valdosta Georgia
Do you have the stock exhaust with the air tubes? If so, the air tubes can get in the way, the easiest way if you don't want to remove the check valves on the air tubes is to go from underneath the car. I'm assuming you have the stock setup, I have long tube headers on mine, and reaching #4 is easy from the top.
Race Director
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I think you're referring to the shields. The best way to get to it is from the bottom. I don't have a lift at home either. I jack up the front, secure it on stands, and go underneath. It's easier to remove the four aft spark plugs from underneath as well. I would advise you to disconnect the battery as it's easy to bump the starter with your tools when removing the spark plug above.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
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Done, purrs like awesome. Problem was rough engine idle, poor acceleration. Fix was replacing a suspect plug, in this case #4. Here's what I did:
1. Jacked front of car up, put on stands.
2. Disconnected battery, alt (just to get wires out of way), and spark plug wire 4.
3. Removed exhaust manifold heat shield. See image:
4. Removed spark plug #4 with 5/8" socket and 3/8" drive.
5. Inspected corroded plug (oily, wet, gross). Cursed and tossed it.
6. Gapped new RT45S .045 and had girlfriend install.
7. Reinstalled heat shield.
8. Attached plug #4, attached alt wires, attached batt cable, and dropped car.
Started quick and purrs like kitten.
1. Jacked front of car up, put on stands.
2. Disconnected battery, alt (just to get wires out of way), and spark plug wire 4.
3. Removed exhaust manifold heat shield. See image:
4. Removed spark plug #4 with 5/8" socket and 3/8" drive.
5. Inspected corroded plug (oily, wet, gross). Cursed and tossed it.
6. Gapped new RT45S .045 and had girlfriend install.
7. Reinstalled heat shield.
8. Attached plug #4, attached alt wires, attached batt cable, and dropped car.
Started quick and purrs like kitten.
Last edited by anonymizer; Oct 9, 2011 at 03:49 PM. Reason: Procedure
