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Sparkplug replacement

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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 01:17 PM
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Default Sparkplug replacement

I will be replacing the sparkplugs on my 82 this weekend. I have never done this since I acquired my vehicle 14 years ago, so I stuck my head under the hood to inspect and see what to expect. GASP! Looks soooo tight in there!!!!

I guess my question is, is there anything I should expect, trick I should know, special tools? Do I access any of the plugs fron underneath?
I would greatly appreciate any input!

Thanks guys!!
RON in Houston

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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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I don’t know but you have a sweet ride! You know which sparkplugs you will use?
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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be carefull when pulling the boots off the plugs, twist side to side first to break bond and then pull. Reinstall with boot silicon grease. If the plugs dont loosen easily spray them with some penetrant and let them sit for a day. The new plugs have to be gapped to .045.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by 82Red
...GASP! Looks soooo tight in there!...
That is not an optical illusion. It is tight in there.

...is there anything I should expect...
Expect things to go slowly.

... trick I should know,...
You have to hold your tongue in exactly the right spot.

...Do I access any of the plugs fron underneath?...
#2 and #4 can sometimes be hard to get to from up top.

You need a good plug socket and a gap tool.

Good luck.

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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by HeavyMetalHawk
I don’t know but you have a sweet ride! You know which sparkplugs you will use?
I havent decided quite yet. Likely stock. But I am currently researching aftermarket plugs and wires. I dig the yellow on your car, by the way.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:52 PM
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I would go under the car FIRST and get all the ones that are easy from the underside. I think some that can be done from the top are still easier from underneath.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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A/C makes a little harder.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
be carefull when pulling the boots off the plugs, twist side to side first to break bond and then pull.
I take, I dont need any "special" ratchet wrenches?
Thanks for the input.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 82Red
I havent decided quite yet. Likely stock. But I am currently researching aftermarket plugs and wires. I dig the yellow on your car, by the way.
Thanks! I bought the accel 8.8 wire set and works fine to me! also the ACCEL 8172 Performance U-Groove spark plugs if helps you in something
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:41 PM
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On my 69, I can get 1,3,5,7 from above with little problem. Since my car has AC, I can only get to 6 and 8 from underneath. I have to loosen and move the AC compressor (large A6) out of the way first. my car has manual brakes. If you have power brakes, 5 and 7 may need to be done from underneath as well.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 09:07 PM
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i get 1&3 from above the throw a packing quilt underneath and have at it. it is a pain but it really isn't that bad
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 09:58 PM
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Underneath for most, some front ones from above; extensions and wobble end help. Just did my '81, I had it up on blocks and stands. Did alot more as well....oil pan, trans pan and filter, rag joint, diff fluid, new dual exhaust, trans shift shaft seal....to name a few...
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 10:02 PM
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For 'difficult' plugs, you can sometimes remove the wheel and get much better access. And, it's [almost] always easier from underneath.
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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Roco71
A/C makes a little harder.

Understatement !


On my '74 w/AC I can still get them all from the top.....but it is a major PITA !


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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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All these tricks and suggestions are why I so much enjoy my '72 with no AC, no power steering, and no power brakes. Takes me about 30 minutes to change my plugs and all from the top. If I want all that grief, I just have to open the hood of my Silverado and gaze at all the hoses and wires that are in the way.
Duane
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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 08:51 PM
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On my '81 they were much easier to get from under the car. Use only ACDelco plugs
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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Get an open end wrench and a spark plug socket with a nut on the end of it and you can get to them all. May go slow but you can do it...
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Old Feb 9, 2012 | 06:26 AM
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Old school trick 101

To re-install the new plug, stuff the contact end of the plug into a piece of rubber vacuum line about 6" - 8".....gives you a nice flexable "extension" to get the threads started...


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Old Feb 9, 2012 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 82Red
I will be replacing the sparkplugs on my 82 this weekend. I have never done this since I acquired my vehicle 14 years ago...
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