'96 Spark Plug Change
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 276
Likes: 69
From: Florida
'96 Spark Plug Change
Does anybody have any tips on getting to, removal and replacing #8 plug? I have done the driver's side, removed the wheel, inner fender liners, and was curious if there are any tricks. Number 7 was bad enough so I am not looking forward to number 8. Whoever replaced the last set didn't use any anti-seize so they are tough breaking lose with such little room.
Thanks in advance, I did search but it really didn't turn up anything.
Thanks in advance, I did search but it really didn't turn up anything.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,355
Likes: 2,280
From: Central Maryland
It's not easy. Having an assortment of spark plug sockets to choose from helps. I probably have at least eight different ones. Some have a hex-head on them that allows the use of a box-end or open-end wrench on the socket, as well as the usual 3/8" square drive. Patience is required. Beer might help. Band-Aids might be useful after the fact.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 276
Likes: 69
From: Florida
Thank you, Dan. I will check out the link. Right now I am trying to get number 6 started by hand in its blind hole and having difficulty. If I can just get it started I think I can tighten it up with a gearwench on the end of the socket. I looked at 8 and it looks impossible. I don't think I can even get my fat, short fingers hand in there to even pull the plug wire off.
Thanks again.
Scott
Thanks again.
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 755
Likes: 42
From: Sierra Foothills, State of Jefferson
Last edited by KurtK; Jun 25, 2020 at 04:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 276
Likes: 69
From: Florida
Thanks for all of the replies. It is greatly appreciated. I am down to putting #8 back in. I got it out with a flex head ratchet and socket from the top. However, I am having a lot of trouble trying to get my hand in there so I can start the plug. I can just barely hold the socket with the plug in it up to the hole and try to turn it to get it started. I want to at least get it started before I put a wrench on it. I am going at it from the side since there isn't enough room for my hand from the top. The socket I am using is a deep one with the flats on the end to accommodate a wrench if need be, but I am getting nowhere getting it started. Tomorrow is another day, so I will get started in the morning and hope for better luck. At least all the rest of them are done.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 276
Likes: 69
From: Florida
Ok!!!! I got it started by about half a thread, just enough to keep it from falling out od the hole. Then it was back to the flex-head socket wrench and deep plug socket to finish up the job about 2 to 3 clicks of the rachet from the top at a time.
Thank you for all the help and support. I don't want to ever have to do that again, but at least I will know how to do it.
Thank you for all the help and support. I don't want to ever have to do that again, but at least I will know how to do it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 765
Likes: 49
From: West Palm Beach,Florida
For anyone else, next time My recommendation is to leave old #8 ALONE . It probably doesn't need changing at all. I sent my car in for an oil change to a mechanic I know personally. He knows how much i love my Grand Sport so he decided to SURPRISE ME by changing my spark plugs. HE STRIPPED #8! He tried shoving it back in with Loctite and I think its leaking. Still trying to figure out what is the best way to repair it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,355
Likes: 2,280
From: Central Maryland
Ok!!!! I got it started by about half a thread, just enough to keep it from falling out od the hole. Then it was back to the flex-head socket wrench and deep plug socket to finish up the job about 2 to 3 clicks of the rachet from the top at a time.
Thank you for all the help and support. I don't want to ever have to do that again, but at least I will know how to do it.
Thank you for all the help and support. I don't want to ever have to do that again, but at least I will know how to do it.
Congrats on getting the job done. It's not a pleasant one. The wires aren't any fun to replace, either.
Live well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,355
Likes: 2,280
From: Central Maryland
For anyone else, next time My recommendation is to leave old #8 ALONE . It probably doesn't need changing at all. I sent my car in for an oil change to a mechanic I know personally. He knows how much i love my Grand Sport so he decided to SURPRISE ME by changing my spark plugs. HE STRIPPED #8! He tried shoving it back in with Loctite and I think its leaking. Still trying to figure out what is the best way to repair it.
Live well,
SJW