Spark plug removal question?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,703
Likes: 1
From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
Spark plug removal question?
Do you need any exotic tools like double jointed socket extensions to change the plugs in a C5? I have been told a couple of them are a 
to get at.
to get at.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 2
From: ATL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I've not yet tried this project, but it is my understanding the drivers side aft-most plug is a PITA. I have a Craftsman swivel socket for sparkplugs waiting to be used. I understand there are some components that should be loosened / removed to faciliate the removal of said plug.
I am sure someone will be along shortly with a detailed procedure.
Best of luck.
Edit:
Here is what I was thinking about.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...ID=7&TopicID=1
I am sure someone will be along shortly with a detailed procedure.
Best of luck.
Edit:
Here is what I was thinking about.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...ID=7&TopicID=1
Last edited by Stickman81; Jul 12, 2005 at 08:04 PM. Reason: Found information.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I did mine with only the rachet, 6" extension. 4" extension, plug socket and a universal joint. Nothing fancy needed. Took 2 hours with a couple of smoke breaks and at a leasurly pace. It is a simple job compared to doing a C4. C4's take over 8 hours just on the plugs!!
Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
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From: West Palm Beach FL
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Blowtorch
Do you need any exotic tools like double jointed socket extensions to change the plugs in a C5? I have been told a couple of them are a to get at.
to get at....quick and simple even without the breaks...
be certain not to remove the plugs until the engine is cool.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I did mine in about an hour, but after doing the plug change on my 1999 Z28, the plug change on my C5 was cake! The post about the extensions above is on the money!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
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From: EXTON PA
Tools Are The Job....
The Right Tools Are Everything And Using A Swivel Extension Is A Helpful Tool On A Couple Of The Plugs. It's A Straight Forward Change On The Plugs And You Must Or Should Use A Wrench That Will Apply The Correct Pressure On The Install.
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The number 7 plug is the hardest to get to. A swivel socket would be a good addition to the tool box for doing the swap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
I was getting my clutch changed at ECS and they had to drop the headers so I said hey lets change the plugs. Friggin 10 mins all the plugs were done. They used some sort of grey stuff on the threads (boy that sounds technical).
The did have one thing which was cool. It looked like a 6 inch or so rubber hose that held the spark plug. That made it much easier to get the plugs back in.
The did have one thing which was cool. It looked like a 6 inch or so rubber hose that held the spark plug. That made it much easier to get the plugs back in.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,381
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From: Houston TX
Extension and a swivel plug socket... take your time because cross-threading would not be cool. I also have a short handle swivel rachet that helps too! Use anti-seize on the threads and dielectric grease on the plug boots!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
I have heard both sides of the argument for and against using anti-seize. I have always used it, especially when installing sparkplugs in aluminum heads because I'd rather have a loose sparkplug than one that is seized.
Does anyone know how many miles a set of plugs is good for? ....40 or 50K maybe? I'm at 22K on the odometer at this point, so I doubt my plugs need replacing.
Does anyone know how many miles a set of plugs is good for? ....40 or 50K maybe? I'm at 22K on the odometer at this point, so I doubt my plugs need replacing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by Blowtorch
Do you need any exotic tools like double jointed socket extensions to change the plugs in a C5? I have been told a couple of them are a to get at.
to get at. If you dont belive me, try changing plugs in a '93-'97 LT1 F-Body.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
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From: San Diego
Originally Posted by Dave68
Does anyone know how many miles a set of plugs is good for? ....40 or 50K maybe? I'm at 22K on the odometer at this point, so I doubt my plugs need replacing.
I have two Cadillac's their plug service interval is 100,000 miles.
Technology and the mfg. has actually combined to benefit the owner in the pocketbook. I know, hard to believe. In fact some owners just don't and continue to change things WAY TO EARLY in their service life. I don't see the point when the car is under warranty. I mean, if they fail, the warranty should cover the situation.
No more carbs, no points, no generator, 100k sparkplugs, longer oil life between changes, WAY longer period before coolant changes. Now we have computers that calculate F/A mixture, sense the road surface and adjust the shocks, detect which side of interior is hotter and adjust A/C cooling, etc. How much nicer could the factory and technology be!
This may not mean much to guys in their teens and twenty's today but years ago, it was maintence every 3,500 miles, and carb tunes and new waterpumps and batteries every couple of years, etc. New car ownership/maintenance today is a piece of cake compared to pre-70's.
..rickko..
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gilbert AZ
Originally Posted by rickko
This may not mean much to guys in their teens and twenty's today but years ago, it was maintence every 3,500 miles, and carb tunes and new waterpumps and batteries every couple of years, etc. New car ownership/maintenance today is a piece of cake compared to pre-70's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by rickko
This may not mean much to guys in their teens and twenty's today but years ago, it was maintence every 3,500 miles, and carb tunes and new waterpumps and batteries every couple of years, etc. New car ownership/maintenance today is a piece of cake compared to pre-70's.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
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From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by rickko
No more carbs, no points, no generator, 100k sparkplugs, longer oil life between changes, WAY longer period before coolant changes. Now we have computers that calculate F/A mixture, sense the road surface and adjust the shocks, detect which side of interior is hotter and adjust A/C cooling, etc. How much nicer could the factory and technology be!
I may be old school, but I still believe that 15K between oil changes as my BMW indicates is way too long (still living by the 3K rule), Spark Plugs do not last 100K miles and flushing your coolant every year is still a good idea.
I do like that there are no carb adjustments and that I can have it cold on myside while my wife has it hot on her side.