New plug wire install.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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New plug wire install.
I will soon be changing my plug wires. Are there any suggestions or tricks that might be helpful? I have new AC Delco wires, die electric grease, a good plug wire puller and new combs, in case the old ones break. I know to do them one at a time.
Team Owner
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Take spark plug to any parts store, I used Pep-Boys and bought 12 inch long hose, you can cut to what you need for your use, and get hose with diameter that will fit the spark plug nice and tight.
I experience right side of the engine the spark plug under the compressor on my L-98 just about see it, no less reach in with new plug.
Since you don't mention what year of car, I hope this helps you out.
Team Owner
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But you still haven't mentioned what year/engine combination - your post #5 must have topped mine by maybe a second or so. It ain't "top secret" any longer!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 3, 2017 at 08:39 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
L98 is a walk in the park... If you have a few extensions and a wobbly 5/8" plug socket, thats pretty much all you need... If you did the plugs, those were more involved than the wires... you should have no problem
EDIT** Behind the #7 & #8 cylinders can be a little bit of a PIA.... You will need to be patient if you plan on running the wires the same way the factory did...
EDIT** Behind the #7 & #8 cylinders can be a little bit of a PIA.... You will need to be patient if you plan on running the wires the same way the factory did...
Last edited by 81c3; Aug 3, 2017 at 08:50 AM.
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Pfffpt, #2 on '87 is a big PITA without a tidbit. 
Don't try to remove from above the engine, instead get the wobblies as mentioned and come in through the wheel well side panel. Much easier to get at #2. Putting the new plug in is still not the bright side of your day.
Don't try to remove from above the engine, instead get the wobblies as mentioned and come in through the wheel well side panel. Much easier to get at #2. Putting the new plug in is still not the bright side of your day.
Le Mans Master
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From: Communist Colorado
Hmm, what changed between 86 & 87? Mine was easy as pie.... all stock.
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just a note - don't get carried away with the di-electric grease. a little dab on a Q-tip, and a quick swirl around the inside of the boot is all you need. you only need it at the plug end, and keep it away from the center contact of the plug wire itself. 
Safety Car
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Here's a trick that works for some. If you have to maintain crossing wires etc, it's easy to mess up. Assuming you aren't pulling them off all at one, tie a cord to the end of a wire. Now pull the wire off the plug or distributor and pull it to the other end, dragging the cord behind. You can then attach your new plug wire to the cord and pull it carefully back. If you had any crossovers etc that needed to be maintained, you're good as gold.
Thread Starter
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Here's a trick that works for some. If you have to maintain crossing wires etc, it's easy to mess up. Assuming you aren't pulling them off all at one, tie a cord to the end of a wire. Now pull the wire off the plug or distributor and pull it to the other end, dragging the cord behind. You can then attach your new plug wire to the cord and pull it carefully back. If you had any crossovers etc that needed to be maintained, you're good as gold.
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From: Anaheim CA
Lay out all the spark plug wires and start with the longest ones. Match to the wires on the engine and install one at a time. The wire for #6 has a weird spark plug boot to get around the oil dipstick tube.
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