I am changing plugs on a 94 LT1. I was able to get the old plug out of but after an all day effort can't seem to get the plug to thread in. I tried with the old plug and have the same issue.

The location is the plug closest to the passenger side back of engine. Very painful working in there. Not much skin left on the arms and wrists.

Do these tighten to the left? Any ideas about getting this to start into the hole?

The threads don't look chewed when I peek in there with a light.
Is there an angle or do they thread straight.

I hope this doesn't end with tow to the dealer.

Please give any advise or experience.
Thanks

 

It needs to be tightened clockwise to the Right.

 

My experience is on a 91 L98 which I've heard is more difficult than the Lt1s. Anyways, just get a good magnetic spark plug socket (I learned never to buy a Duralast Lifetime Warranty socket again) and it WILL take you a good time to get it in there. It is at an odd angle, not straight in there. Just be persistent. I found that taking off the passenger side wheel well and in front of the windshield washer reservoir (in my 91, your body is the same but internals may be arranged differently) will allow you a lot more comfort (space) when changing the plugs. The wells attach with some hex head screws and star/torx head screws. Be careful not to drop or lose the small square threaded clips that the screws go into. They are the same as in the headlight assembly which hold the fiberglass onto the headlight structure.

Just be persistent, my first time was about a month or two ago and took me a good 5 or 6 hours (maybe more). I did plugs 1,3,5, and 7 and thought it was going to be a breeze. I was so surprised by the passenger side plugs! To add to it my magnetic ring inside the crappy Duralast spark plug socket broke after I dropped it and the plug on the garage floor trying to get it in there without cross-threading like you are trying to avoid. Its gonna cost you a little more skin and the dealership won't be able to do it any better than you unless they start taking things out! And that just means they'll get to charge you more.

You should have needed an extension and good universal joint/swivel for the rest of the passenger side. You'll need it again to put in the last one. Don't even expect to get a torque wrench in there either.

If you have a son, daughter, or wife with smaller arms/fingers/hands, they may be able to manuever in there better. Its worth a try and the break will keep you from getting so frustrated you finally either a) break something, b) break someone, or c) take it to the dealer.

Oh, and take this time to make sure the threads have enough anti-sieze and the other side has some electric boot protector grease.

Good luck,

Jonathan

 

Take the old plug and slide it in post first to guage what angle you need to insert new plug. That one is a beyotch. We all bear the scars. If you have a dental mirror, you can get a better view.

 

One of the benefits of long-tube headers is that those plugs are MUCH easier to change now (from underneath).

 

To get the #8 plug installed. I sit on the tire facing forward, lean back and with my left hand start the plug. That may sound strange, but it helps me get the right angle to start the plug.

Oh, that's the method I used before my headers. Now it is much easier.

 

did you pull the plugs while the engine was warm or cold?


if it was warm the hole might have turned oval on you which would not be good

 

Thanks for all the good advise and positions The engine was cold when I pulled the plug so there should be no issue there.

The motrin is starting to work so I'll have another go at it.

 

The angle is down to the left. Gets VERY close the the manifold which makes it harder to get hands in correct position. Once that was solved she grabed.

Would love the long tubes but CA say no no no...

Thanks ALL!!

 

I had the same problem when I did my sparkplugs on my 94. What you want to do is to remove the bracket that holds the cables 6 & 8. This will give you more room to work with. I had the same problem. I have the scars on my left hand. Once you remove the bracket, its going to be ok.

 

Try putting some fuel tubing over the top of the plug, which has the effect of artificially extending the length of the plug while you are putting it in.. Then, standing on the Drivers side (wheel off) - lean over the engine and try inserting it from there. The angle of the plug is a bit weird, but the technique worked well for me.

 

The engineers also provided a real treat with that extra-long stud that holds the fuel lines, too - always good for a few scrapes and gouges

Glad to hear you got it in!

 

I agree with djxib,
Put the plug outer end into a piece of fuel line (about 6" long). You can bend it so it acts as a swivel and provides you much more torque than grabbing the plug itself. Same as threading a compression tester into the plug holes. Good luck.

Rich K