spark plugs
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
spark plugs
Okay,I've got another shadetree question.Yes,I searched,and yes,I have the FSM,I just don't know how you guys/gals get that front spark plug out & back in on the passenger side of the '87.I guess it's # 2.I spent most of the afternoon changing plugs 
& I only got 7 changed.Do I have to jack the car up,remove a wheel,cuss less,or what?Thanks to all who respond.
tankman
& I only got 7 changed.Do I have to jack the car up,remove a wheel,cuss less,or what?Thanks to all who respond.tankman
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
That would be the infamous cylinder #8 plug. The easiest way to get it is to use a flex head ratchet. I've also gotten it out by using a 5/8" open end wrench as well. Getting under the car will also make it easier.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 2
From: Coquitlam British Columbia
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
I'm going to try to do it without removing all of those parts.It's the plug closest to the radiator on the passenger side.This is unbelievable 
,I know I tried for about 3 hours last night and got no where,but I'm raring to go this morning 
.
,I know I tried for about 3 hours last night and got no where,but I'm raring to go this morning .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
I just use a LONG 3/8" extension thru the fender well to get to this plug (#2). A 1/2" extension seems to be too thick to get thru the tube and other S**T in this area. I don't have to take off the tire. Try this first before you start removing parts.
On #8 (passanger side rear) I jack up the car to get under it. I use the plug socket with a piece of solid 1/2" square stock about 1" long into the socket and a 1/2" open end wrench.
-John
On #8 (passanger side rear) I jack up the car to get under it. I use the plug socket with a piece of solid 1/2" square stock about 1" long into the socket and a 1/2" open end wrench.
-John
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
Well,I'm still being hardheaded.I didn't have a major problem getting # 8 out,the problem was getting it back in.I may have to give up and start tearing stuff off because I don't see how I'm going to get it as it sits.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
I always found #2 pretty easy. As others have mentioned, a couple extensions and you go through the wheel well...........a couple minutes tops. As for #8 I've also had a little trouble in past getting the new plug started. The method that works for me is actually laying over the motor from the driver side. It puts your arm in a different posotion and makes it a snap. 
After changing plugs on my car many times I've got it to the point where it takes me no more than about 45 minutes to change all 8.
After changing plugs on my car many times I've got it to the point where it takes me no more than about 45 minutes to change all 8.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 147
From: Gainesville FL
I always found #2 pretty easy. As others have mentioned, a couple extensions and you go through the wheel well...........a couple minutes tops. As for #8 I've also had a little trouble in past getting the new plug started. The method that works for me is actually laying over the motor from the driver side. It puts your arm in a different posotion and makes it a snap. After changing plugs on my car many times I've got it to the point where it takes me no more than about 45 minutes to change all 8.
After changing plugs on my car many times I've got it to the point where it takes me no more than about 45 minutes to change all 8.I had a lot of trouble getting 8 back in too. I'll try that trick next time... Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
Whew! Finally got new #2 installed.I'm glad I won't be changing plugs on this 'vette again.It's very difficult for me to believe that some people can change plugs on an '87 quickly & without resorting to major profanity .Thanks again to all who helped me.
tankman
.Thanks again to all who helped me.tankman
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
#2 really, really sucks. What I did is use a spark plug socket that would accept a 3/4" socket on the end. I then got an articulating 3/8" drive, and a shorty 3/4" socket. Put the plug socket on the plug, fished the drive with the 3/4" socket down and got it on the back. That worked. Used fuel line to get the plugs started, and was careful not to over torque. Used anti-sieze as well.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
I also used a piece of fuel line as someone had suggested & don't think I could have replaced it otherwise.This was an experience that I don't want to repeat.Thanks for responding.
