Spark plug replacement tips
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 73
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From: Maple Grove Minnesota
Spark plug replacement tips
Hey everyone,
I know this comes up now and then. I have a 1995, please give me the the best ideas on making the spark plug replacement as easy as possible.
How many can i do from above, how many from below and is it easiest to remove the inner fender parts to access the plugs.
Thank you in advance.
Mike
I know this comes up now and then. I have a 1995, please give me the the best ideas on making the spark plug replacement as easy as possible.
How many can i do from above, how many from below and is it easiest to remove the inner fender parts to access the plugs.
Thank you in advance.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,455
Likes: 6
From: MichAgain
I haven't done them on my LT1 yet, but my 91 (L98) I was able to get them all from the top, and yes, removing the inner fender well makes access a lot easier for some, with a good long extension.
If you're tall, raising the front of the car helps too You're not hunched over straining the lower back...
If you're tall, raising the front of the car helps too You're not hunched over straining the lower back...
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Pinellas Park Florida
Hey everyone,
I know this comes up now and then. I have a 1995, please give me the the best ideas on making the spark plug replacement as easy as possible.
How many can i do from above, how many from below and is it easiest to remove the inner fender parts to access the plugs.
Thank you in advance.
Mike
I know this comes up now and then. I have a 1995, please give me the the best ideas on making the spark plug replacement as easy as possible.
How many can i do from above, how many from below and is it easiest to remove the inner fender parts to access the plugs.
Thank you in advance.
Mike
It is worth the time and effort to remove the inner fenders. You can get all of the plugs from the top. Put the front of the car on jackstands and remove the wheels. All of them are pretty easy that way. The only trouble I had was putting in the number 8 plug. I also changed the wires while I was at it. I only removed the tensioning pulley. It was not hard at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
LT1 - pain is number 8, passenger rear.
With my headers #1 & #2 are interesting.
If you remove the AIR hoses and unbolt and twist the ASR out of the way the driver side is a breeze. You don't need to remove any of the fender well pieces.
With my headers #1 & #2 are interesting.
If you remove the AIR hoses and unbolt and twist the ASR out of the way the driver side is a breeze. You don't need to remove any of the fender well pieces.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
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From: O'Fallon Missouri
When my LT1 was stock to get the number 8 plug started I would sit on the front passenger side tire facing forward, then reach back with my left hand. This way the angle of my wrist was just right.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Order the wire looms and plug holders BEFORE you go and remove the wires. They are brittle from years of engine heat and will break off between your fingers as you go and remove them.
You can get them online from Mid-America Motorworks (MAM).
You can get them online from Mid-America Motorworks (MAM).
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: New York
No Need
No need I just use a nice set of wire ties and neatly tuck them away looks nice and I actually end up getting them further away from the motor and exhaust. The wire looms keep everything to close to the exhaust and valve covers
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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unbolt the ASR from the inner fender (two bolts) and use a bungie chord to hold it out of the way for the odd bank.
When reinstalling #8 sit on the passenger side tire with your back to the engine and put it in with your right hand by feel alone.
Use a small hose over the top of the plug to start them all. The hose will spin on the plug before the plug will crossthread.
Use anti-sieze.
When reinstalling #8 sit on the passenger side tire with your back to the engine and put it in with your right hand by feel alone.
Use a small hose over the top of the plug to start them all. The hose will spin on the plug before the plug will crossthread.
Use anti-sieze.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
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From: WV
These 2 suggestions above are the best tips you will get, also don't over tighten the plugs, put them in till they touch, then go just a little more till snug and you can feel the washer start to crush....WW
Last edited by WW7; May 20, 2010 at 07:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
It sounds wierd, but I get to number 8 in a similar way. My tires are usually off so I stand in that area and reach back.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Bridgewater Ma.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Minneapolis MN
Getting to #8 wasn't hard for me.Get a special tool that they sell at Sears.It fits in the end of the spark plug socket or any socket & its shaped like a nut so you can use a wrench to turn socket.These are amazing & work in tight places.They come in 1/4,3/8,& 1/2 drive & are low profile.They are $20(Craftsmen).If you work on your car or anyone elses, these are a must.Only problem is the 1/4 inch one breaks easy but there covered under warranty.Anyone know what I'm talking about?Also the wire "holders" or looms will break just looking at them
You will need new ones like previously stated.I was as careful as you could be & they just crumpled in my hands-they were original
You will need new ones like previously stated.I was as careful as you could be & they just crumpled in my hands-they were original
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
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From: Westfield MA
When I did mine, I did not take out any fenderwells or move the ASR and don't really remember doing anything extraordinary to get at the plugs. The drivers side isn't too bad and perhaps the ASR removal and fenderwell removal will make them easier. On the passenger side, the front two are no big deal, the back two, especially number 8 are something else. I think the sitting on the tire and reaching back advice might work good, what I did was stand on the driver side of the car and lean over the top which put my hand in the right position/angle to do it.
As someone else said, use anti-seeze and take your time.
As someone else said, use anti-seeze and take your time.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Lets see if this works. Here is a tool I made by welding a socket to a box wrench. Works well on #8
http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...55%3A438ot1lsi
http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...55%3A438ot1lsi
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
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From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
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Lets see if this works. Here is a tool I made by welding a socket to a box wrench. Works well on #8
http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...55%3A438ot1lsi
http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...55%3A438ot1lsi