changing spark plugs
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 14
From: wadsworth ohio
changing spark plugs
My 94 has 20,000 miles on it and as far as I know the plugs have never been changed anything to watch out for? I have heard a lot of bad stories about stripping threads out of the heads.THANKS :rolleyes:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette LA
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
I didn't have any problems at that mileage, with the original plugs (they come with anti-sieze). Put some anti-sieze on the new ones and you won't have a problem in the future.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
From: Brandywine, Chester and Ridley Valleys Pennsylvania
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
Just make sure you do it when the heads are bone cold. Like sitting at least overnight. And be sure not to crossthread them when going in. To avoid this, you might want to install them by hand (as opposed to using a socket) until you know they are in several turns and have threaded properly.
Depending on how **** you are, you might want to chase the threads while using some 2+2 and blow the stuff out the spark plug holes by turning her over a couple of times w/o the plugs installed. I only say this because they are nearing 10 years old, maybe some crud has built up in the threads over time...
Depending on how **** you are, you might want to chase the threads while using some 2+2 and blow the stuff out the spark plug holes by turning her over a couple of times w/o the plugs installed. I only say this because they are nearing 10 years old, maybe some crud has built up in the threads over time...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,419
Likes: 0
From: Are you the bug or are you the windshield.....
Re: changing spark plugs (TrueBlue ChevyDude)
One way to help keep from crossthreading is to start by turning them counter clockwise until you feel a little click, then start turning them clockwise and the threads should catch......
Just a little something that a machinest once taught me......
Just a little something that a machinest once taught me......
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
Another way to prevent cross-threading is to use a 12" length of vacuum hose. Press the hose over the top of the plug (where the wire attaches) and install the plug by turning the hose. If the plug is cross-threaded, it will slip inside the hose and not thread at all. This also makes it easier to install the plugs given the limited space. Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,928
Likes: 1
From: More cowbell...
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: changing spark plugs (CG77VETTE)
If you have never changed the plugs before, you will find this a challenging process.. Try removing the wheel wells to gain easier access to the plugs.. along with all the tips from everyone else to avoid cross threading, etc.. Oh, and a few beers never hurt making the job more enjoyable!! :D :cheers:
-Mark
-Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 1
From: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion. 2011,12,13 Champion
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
I add wheel bearing grease to my plug threads when installing the plugs. When I remove the plugs they come out very easy and there is very little of a chance to cross thread the threads. Also, The plugs will not loosen up with the wheel bearing grease on them. I use just enough to cover the threads.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 14
From: wadsworth ohio
Re: changing spark plugs (89NYFINESTVETTE)
Thanks for the replies , I've changed plugs before but not from an aluminum head thats never had them removed.Just nervous. :rolleyes: :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,444
Likes: 0
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
Have fun, there is zero room to work or see. I'm doing them now as part of a hotcam upgrade. I've done the easiest one and it was slow going. I am not looking forward to the rest. :cry :nopity
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: changing spark plugs (Jay Axson)
Aluminum heads are more fragile than their cast iron counterparts. Anti seize is probably the best remedy. But use it sparingly. You don't want that stuff going down to the piston rings. Probably best to do exactly as "..ChevyDude.." said. He has the method down pat. I have only experienced one stripped sparkplug thread in my life. It was on a motorcycle that the kids practiced working on. It seems that they used an impact to remove the plug. I had to reweld the head and machine new threads in to it. A lot of work for carelessness. So be careful. Afterall it is your car and you want to do it right.
:seeya :seeya
:seeya :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Re: changing spark plugs (Fletch54)
take the wheel wells out it makes it alot easyer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 1
From: Green Bay WI
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
My 94 has 20,000 miles on it and as far as I know the plugs have never been changed anything to watch out for? I have heard a lot of bad stories about stripping threads out of the heads.THANKS :rolleyes:
[Modified by cprgmr, 4:09 PM 6/10/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 1
From: Green Bay WI
Re: changing spark plugs (derv3tt3)
A new battery and spark plugs, but not to sure about wires.
CPRGMR,you have trouble with 7 & 8 going in or coming out? :seeya
CPRGMR,you have trouble with 7 & 8 going in or coming out? :seeya
