sparg plug removal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Washington PA
sparg plug removal
I can get all the plugs out but the pass. side rear (#8 I believe) Should I be attempting from underneath the car or on top. THe only way I can get a socket on it is to use an angled extention, but when I start putting pressure on it, I back off because I don't want to break the plug. It is in there pretty tight.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
take a look at this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=602269
I have an l98 but if you put the sparkplug socket on then use a 3/4 wrench on the top of the socket it might work
I have an l98 but if you put the sparkplug socket on then use a 3/4 wrench on the top of the socket it might work
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 3
From: Encino CA
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
At this stage of my life, I would never attempt to change the plugs in my 95. In addition to not enough time, my back tends to go out if I sneeze the wrong way. However, posts on this subject are frequent and everyone seems to have their pet tips and special tools. So it occurred to me that some enterprising Vette entrepeneur should put together a special "kit" with any specially modified wrenches, sockets, or other unique tools, along with instructions and illustrations necessary to accomplish the daunting task of LT-1 plug change. I'll bet the kit would be a good seller.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 0
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Re: sparg plug removal (STL94LT1)
Just get a ratchet with a pivoting head. Put the spark plug socket on it, pivot the head so its at a 90 degree angle with the handle, and go to town. Simple!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Washington PA
Re: sparg plug removal (stormy652)
I tried the pivoting extention, but it puts too much stress on the plug because of the angle. I will try the wrench on the socket and see if that works. that for the advice :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
Standard ratchet and standard plug socket will work. What you have to do to get the leverage to break it loose is use something to extend the ratchet handle about 18". Just be sure to place your left hand on the socket to counter the leverage else you risk twisting the plug off. I'm able to get all the plugs on my '95 using only the standard ratchet and plug socket, and using the handle extension to get #8 loose and sometimes #7 loose. About a 2 hr job.
I'm currently running NGK TR55ix iridiums. They help low to midrange throttle response and seem to help low end torque slightly, but lately wondering if they are somehow skimming a little bit off my upper rpm power (?)
I'm currently running NGK TR55ix iridiums. They help low to midrange throttle response and seem to help low end torque slightly, but lately wondering if they are somehow skimming a little bit off my upper rpm power (?)
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 28,015
Likes: 32
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
I can get all the plugs out but the pass. side rear (#8 I believe) Should I be attempting from underneath the car or on top. THe only way I can get a socket on it is to use an angled extention, but when I start putting pressure on it, I back off because I don't want to break the plug. It is in there pretty tight.
Its not that bad, I promise. took me about 30min for the #8. Don't panic, you'll get it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
I've used a standard spark plug socket with a 1" extension and a standard ratchet wrench. I'm pretty sure I can get the socket and extension on with no problem, then slip the ratchet on and just loosen the plug. Once the spark plug is loosened remove the ratchet and extension then remove the spark plug with the socket. Works every time on my '85. You can get a 1" extension at Sears or NAPA. :cool:
[Modified by MrRenoman, 10:44 PM 7/28/2003]
[Modified by MrRenoman, 10:44 PM 7/28/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: sparg plug removal (zounzstephen)
I have a spark plug socket that has an end you can get a smaller socket over. Put the spark plug socket on the 8th plug. Put the smaller socket on the 3/8" drive wrench, then use it to turn the end of the spark plug socket. Piece of cake. :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 10
From: Irvine CA
Re: sparg plug removal (R94 LT 1)
I used the spark plug socket with a open end wrench on the end.
To put it back in, put a piece of fuel line hose on the end and use that to put it in. The hose was a great tip I picked up on the forum. The hose also keeps you from cross threading because it will only turn the plug if it in properly. :hurray:
To put it back in, put a piece of fuel line hose on the end and use that to put it in. The hose was a great tip I picked up on the forum. The hose also keeps you from cross threading because it will only turn the plug if it in properly. :hurray:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: sparg plug removal (Yellow95)
Does anyone else have it to where when threading them in by hand they want to bind occasionally because there's play in the fit until they're beyond about 4/5 of the way screwed in? They glide in at first for four or five turns but then the tendency to bind starts. even with anti-seize on the threads.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Washington PA
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
I will give all of this a try over the weekend. Thanks for all the advice. I will pick up a few different length extentions in case I need them. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 8
Re: sparg plug removal (96redvette)
Little tip....Beware a small sensor protruding from the side of the block, next to #8. A slip of the wrench will cause this sensor to break off. Removing the sensor for replacement will cause the coolant to drain from the block. After installing a new sensor, and refilling block with coolant, you will get underway you will notice 260 degrees on your coolant temp gauge. You will sit on the side of the road waiting for it to cool. You will limp home. You will break off one of the bolts holding the Thermostat housing on. You will spend 5 hours carefully drilling the bolt out, retapping and finding a new bolt to fit. After your all done...lol 13 hours later, you will have spent 3 times what you wanted to to change plugs!
This all happened to me when I changed plugs!
Dist Cap-35.00
Rotor Buton-11.00
Plugs-55.00
wires-60.00
new wire holders....hehe (depends on how many you broke)
New sensor-45.00
New tap and hardened Bit-20.00
New Thermonstat-5.00
Be warned...avoid that sensor at all costs!
Just my experiences... :yesnod:
This all happened to me when I changed plugs!
Dist Cap-35.00
Rotor Buton-11.00
Plugs-55.00
wires-60.00
new wire holders....hehe (depends on how many you broke)
New sensor-45.00
New tap and hardened Bit-20.00
New Thermonstat-5.00
Be warned...avoid that sensor at all costs!
Just my experiences... :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 590
From: Tellico Plains Tennessee
Re: sparg plug removal (Lone Ranger)
I hope you guys are using anti-sieze on those spark plugs. It makes removal easier as well as being a lube when installing them. Remember... steel plug bodies and aluminum heads will bind to one another. The aluminum heads will be the loser when unsticking them.