[Removing/Replacing Spark Plugs] What Tools Do You Prefer?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
[Removing/Replacing Spark Plugs] What Tools Do You Prefer?
[2003 LS1/A4 convertible, 52,000 miles, quite stock]
What tools does C5 Tech prefer for removing/replacing spark plugs? I've been using a 5/8 spark plug socket plus four inch extension plus flex head ratchet and it hasn't been very effective. I'll freely grant that I'm not the most skilled wrencher (I managed to cut/abrade my hand with gloves on yesterday while trying to get a plug out), so I'm looking for some suggestions on how to do this better.
What tools does C5 Tech prefer for removing/replacing spark plugs? I've been using a 5/8 spark plug socket plus four inch extension plus flex head ratchet and it hasn't been very effective. I'll freely grant that I'm not the most skilled wrencher (I managed to cut/abrade my hand with gloves on yesterday while trying to get a plug out), so I'm looking for some suggestions on how to do this better.
Last edited by j3studio; Jul 7, 2018 at 12:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
I have one of these and it works good for removing the spark plugs, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...FUa2swodZbAO0g.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I HIGHLY recommend removing the coil "pack" as an assembly, from the driver's side VC. Five bolts, one electrical plug. Leave the plug wires on the coils.
HTH
HTH
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
I just use a 3/8" ratchet and a short extension (maybe 3"). Never found it difficult. Car has headers (don't know if that makes it easier or harder). I unplug the wires at the coils, slide the metal sleeve towards the motor as far as it will go, grab the rubber boot and twist, then pull.
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Pro
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From: Jennings LA
I had 3 wires fall apart. Was very glad I had ordered a wire set with the plugs. Course, was about 113,000 miles on an '03 car. But, think the age had more to do with it than the miles. When I do my truck in a month or so with the 5.3 engine and 93,000 miles, also an '03 , I'll get a set of wires also.
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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A long handled flex head 3/8 ratchet, standard plug socket, and short extension are all I've ever needed.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
Watching these two helped my out lots on my 1st plug/wire change on my 03 Coupe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI_fnkxxtJE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwQ9crFhrvU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI_fnkxxtJE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwQ9crFhrvU
Watch these videos, they are very helpful. Froggy is a good guy, has tons of C5 DIY videos. He recently upgraded to a C6 Z06 so he is starting to compile a library on the C6. The hose pullers/pliers he uses from Harbor Freight are very useful, making the job much easier. Use dielectric grease where advised. The #7 plug at the drivers side rear is the toughest. I would advise changing the wires at the same time with new as it is challenging not to damage a worn out spark plug wire when initially tugging on them. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 330
Likes: 48
From: Poconos PA
The only hard part about changing the plugs on my 98 was despite being relatively young, i have a bad back. So choose what ever tools you feel are necessary, but be sure you have some sort of comfy place to sit afterwards because leaning over these tiny cars is the hardest part, haha.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,356
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From: Western NY
The only hard part about changing the plugs on my 98 was despite being relatively young, i have a bad back. So choose what ever tools you feel are necessary, but be sure you have some sort of comfy place to sit afterwards because leaning over these tiny cars is the hardest part, haha.
However, to address your point, with the Corvette being such a low car, yes, even a simple job like changing the plugs, can be tough on the back. Rolling the car up on a set of ramps can help the situation. While you don't need access to the underside of the car, the additional 3-4" the ramps lift the car, means that you don't have to stoop over as far, when changing the plugs.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I had 3 wires fall apart. Was very glad I had ordered a wire set with the plugs. Course, was about 113,000 miles on an '03 car. But, think the age had more to do with it than the miles. When I do my truck in a month or so with the 5.3 engine and 93,000 miles, also an '03 , I'll get a set of wires also.
