1979 park plug replacement
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Joined: Jan 2021
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From: Lafayette Indiana
1979 park plug replacement
I was going through and replacing spark plugs because I noticed there was some miss fires happening and I was able to get the ones in the back of the engine but I can't seem to reach the front half do I need to pull the exhaust manifold to reach these?
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Absolutely not. Really not sure why your having trouble. However, If you can't simply reach under the manifold. Try crawling under your car and look up.
Car ramps will help.
Car ramps will help.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Apr 27, 2021 at 10:06 PM.
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Yes, having the proper tools to do the job certainly helps.
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From: Lafayette Indiana
@4-vettes I only started learning about cars around 8 months ago. while I would say I have learned a lot in that time I didn't know there was a spark plug socket xD. I was worried cause i thought id have to take a bunch of stuff out to just change the spark plugs
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Well, there is indeed a LOT to learn. And if your enthusiasm stays with you. You will. None of us were born knowing how to change spark plugs. A lot of us old guys grew up helping Dad or Grand dad working on Cars and such. The younger generation, Not so much.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
hate to say this OP... but if you are changing plugs...im betting the misfire is your wires not plugs..
while you are there
i suggest some rock auto ac delcos plug wires....not a lot of money .. and FYI less tools than a plug but harder to do !!
cap and rotor too.. minimal cost
get comfortable under as well as top of car for access!
inspections are part of learning.. keep track of where you pull your plugs and take good pics if any issues or find a misfire..post them here!
good luck...
while you are there
i suggest some rock auto ac delcos plug wires....not a lot of money .. and FYI less tools than a plug but harder to do !!cap and rotor too.. minimal cost
get comfortable under as well as top of car for access!
inspections are part of learning.. keep track of where you pull your plugs and take good pics if any issues or find a misfire..post them here!
good luck...
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St. Jude Donor '14
hate to say this OP... but if you are changing plugs...im betting the misfire is your wires not plugs..
while you are there i suggest some rock auto ac delcos plug wires....not a lot of money .. and FYI less tools than a plug but harder to do !!
cap and rotor too.. minimal cost
get comfortable under as well as top of car for access!
inspections are part of learning.. keep track of where you pull your plugs and take good pics if any issues or find a misfire..post them here!
good luck...
while you are there
i suggest some rock auto ac delcos plug wires....not a lot of money .. and FYI less tools than a plug but harder to do !!cap and rotor too.. minimal cost
get comfortable under as well as top of car for access!
inspections are part of learning.. keep track of where you pull your plugs and take good pics if any issues or find a misfire..post them here!
good luck...
If you can't do that, buy some looms to hold them along the bottom edge of the valve covers.
Last edited by 7t5; Apr 29, 2021 at 11:07 AM.
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From: mount holly NC
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Does this help?
3/8" drive 5/8" spark plug socket
1/2: drive 3/4" socket
3/8" ratchet
1/2" ratchet
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From: Lafayette Indiana
@Peterbuilt I have rachets and sockets that I got from my grandpa when I got the car from him I just wasn't aware spark plug sockets were a thing xD. I tried a deep 5/8 and it didn't fit so I was like welp must be a wrenching job then.
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From: Lafayette Indiana
@7t5 I agree it is really hard for me to change anything in the engine bay because wires and lines are all over the place. However, I'm on a budget because being 20 is hard and I'm worried about breaking some of the rubber lines since they are 25 years old since that was the last time all the seals and rubber were replaced. I am however buying new wires to go with the new sparks so I will be running those under
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From: Lafayette Indiana
@interpon I found the cylinder misfiring it's from the wire not clamping onto the plug correctly. It jiggles on the plug and I'm guessing sometimes it makes contact and other times it doesn't. Still, I'm glad I changed the plugs as the tops were all black and worn. I'm also guessing this is where the smoke and heavy gas smell coming off the car when it runs is coming from since the gas isn't being burned off from that cylinder
Last edited by Massive Legend Here; Apr 29, 2021 at 07:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: mount holly NC
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Hi again.
Auto Zone shows AC Delco plug number R45TS for your '79 Corvette which is the same plug that I use on my '74 and I use my 5/8' spark plug socket. Try a 13/16 spark plug socket.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
@interpon I found the cylinder misfiring it's from the wire not clamping onto the plug correctly. It jiggles on the plug and I'm guessing sometimes it makes contact and other times it doesn't. Still, I'm glad I changed the plugs as the tops were all black and worn. I'm also guessing this is where the smoke and heavy gas smell coming off the car when it runs is coming from since the gas isn't being burned off from that cylinder
start asking for tools and or cash for your car , bdays, Christmas, odd jobs..i mowed lawns one summer for some rebuilt 69 vw heads..
we like to spend other people’s money
Tools last a lifetime...you can even start a thread taking somewhat of an inventory you have and prioritize purchases..many very experienced mechanics can advise within you budget you can afford. These cars are 90% diy capable.
good luck..but remember to not do anything stupid with jacks and jack stands or ramps..injuries last a lifetime.
post pics! Also narrow down your location, you may get local help..
Buy yourself the shop manual and assembly manual
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Good on ya. we all had to start sometime.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
@interpon I'm from lafayette and while I'm not super knowledgeable I have taken a beginner shop class and a beginner electric class at ivy tech
He is done in MAY!!! whoo who!!! other wise i could have helped you out when visiting.. i bet you have others on this forum near you..
He could not, nor care, as where a spark plug is let alone change one, but after 20 years can check the oil..
trade schools are underrated and should be required to take one course of field...
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: VT
just replaced the plugs on my '79 last week, some tips that may help for next time
-- jack up the car at the recommended points only. leave the jack in place and use sturdy blocking as a safety. also
block rear wheels so the car won't roll. backyard mechanics getting their chest crushed under cars is not unheard
of. the unlucky ones only get partially crushed and struggle for awhile. google this, then be careful.
-- gapped the plugs at .045
-- used anti-sieze on the plug threads (keeping this stuff clear of the electrode!)
-- used a 3 inch extension and a 5/8 deep socket rather than a plug socket. have found that limited access makes
it a giant pain to get a plug socket off the plug if stuck. used 3/8 inch driver.
-- i access the four front plugs from the top, rear plugs from the bottom. take extra care to ensure the plug wire cap
is fully snapped on when done
-- take note of removed plug location/condition.
-- the plug shield near #6 generally is a pain, be patient.
-- jack up the car at the recommended points only. leave the jack in place and use sturdy blocking as a safety. also
block rear wheels so the car won't roll. backyard mechanics getting their chest crushed under cars is not unheard
of. the unlucky ones only get partially crushed and struggle for awhile. google this, then be careful.
-- gapped the plugs at .045
-- used anti-sieze on the plug threads (keeping this stuff clear of the electrode!)
-- used a 3 inch extension and a 5/8 deep socket rather than a plug socket. have found that limited access makes
it a giant pain to get a plug socket off the plug if stuck. used 3/8 inch driver.
-- i access the four front plugs from the top, rear plugs from the bottom. take extra care to ensure the plug wire cap
is fully snapped on when done
-- take note of removed plug location/condition.
-- the plug shield near #6 generally is a pain, be patient.
Last edited by standswithabeer; May 2, 2021 at 12:24 AM.