|
|
Register To Post |
| 1Fast04Vert | LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
 
|
I decided it is time to put in new plugs. Going back with NGK TR55s this time. So I figured I would start with the miserable #8 and follow it with the nearly as bad #6. Three hours later those two are done. Note to self - get a long handle flex head ratchet before trying this again. At least the other 6 will be easy by comparison.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/7 20:00
|
|||
|
_________________
2004 Vert. 475hp. Built by Vengeance Racing |
|||
 Transfer
|
 
|
||
| Aboatguy | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
 
|
Long tubes and a jack make plug changes a simple task...the pluhs that you can't change easily from above are accessable below..
Mike |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/7 20:10
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
 
|
Andy, I use a shorter plug socket that has a hex on the end that I use with an box end wrench. It makes it fairly easy (for me anyway) to get those plugs out.
I use the socket by itself to start the new plug. I use my right hand and face away from thr car, do it by feel. Some guys lay overtop of the motor so they can use their right hand. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/7 23:31
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| 1Fast04Vert | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
|
Quote:
That is very similiar to what I did. I was even able to get a 19mm (3/4") socket and ratchet on the end of the spark plug socket, but trouble keeping it there. A 3/4" flex head gear wrench might have been better, but I wasn't about to buy one for a one time job. I had better luck in facing forward and using my left hand. Not as young and limber as I used to be that much is sure. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 0:30
|
|||
|
_________________
2004 Vert. 475hp. Built by Vengeance Racing |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| bogus | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
|
Quote:
What he said. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 1:57
|
|||
|
_________________
The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| Calm | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
#8 can be changed when the engine's cold???
 |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 6:35
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| djxib | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
 
|
This tool is your friend!
Amazon - rotating handle ratchet |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 12:30
|
|||
|
_________________
Andy 1996 Greenwood Collectors Edition LT4 Previously 1992 Convertible Polo Green. 383 LT1/LT4 forged/balanced. V7-YSi, Alky. 608RWHP... Now sitting at a dismantler with a salvage title. Still runs... |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
Quote:
IIRC, I tried it with a flex head rachet & socket the first tme and also had trouble keeping the socket on the plug. The socket I use now has the rubber plug holder in it s, the socket stays on the plug when I use the boxend wrench. Either way, you're good for another 20k+  |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 14:40
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| SpectatorRacing | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
 
|
Just pull the heater core. Lots of access then...
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 14:47
|
|||
|
_________________
aka Scaryfast |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
Quote:
Yea, but it does help if the old one was installed correctly. Kinda like the LT1 balancer thing. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 14:56
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| 1Fast04Vert | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
|
Quote:
Now that sounds like a super idea, sorta like pull the engine to change the plugs. Whoops, isn't that what Andy just did? Bill, I have the plug socket with the rubber insert and would be lost without it. Changed #2 &4 this morning, so just the left bank to do, probably be Saturday before I get back to it though. I can't imagine trying to do this, especially #8, with a hot engine. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/8 14:57
|
|||
|
_________________
2004 Vert. 475hp. Built by Vengeance Racing |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| screamin_conure | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Enough procrastinating. I think I'm going to sack up and attempt this tomorrow on my '92. I have a variety of extensions, wobble adapters, two types of spark plug sockets (one with a u-joint and the other is solid but with a hex fitting), extra long needle nose pliers, anti-seize, and some diaelectric grease. I'm hoping I'm set.
Anyway, in looking at the situation, I think on the passenger side, if I remove the center wheel house panel, it appears to be a straight shot with a long extension to everyone but #8, but using the "face away" technique, I've been able to get my big fat fingers on the plug wire, so I'm hoping that I should be able to get the old one out and a new one in. The driver's side actually looks REALLY ugly to me, especially #7 (nearest the firewall). Again, removing the center wheel house panel and POSSIBLY the ASR bracket, I think #1, #3, and #5 SHOULD be doable. But man, I can just barely see #7 through the maze of AIR piping and plug wire brackets. Is there really no other way of getting to that guy without removing all that crap? I don't have a jack/jackstands, so going in from underneath isn't an option. Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks! Ron |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/16 18:16
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| 1Fast04Vert | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
|
The driver's side, including #7 is relatively easy. Just unbolt the ASR bracket, leave the ASR attached to it and swing it back towards the battery and out of the way. Just two bolts mount it to the inner fender and one for a supporting rod, use a 10mm socket. Be sure to have a spark plug socket with the foam inside to hold the plug in the socket. If you have a socket with a hex head on it that makes things easier, and a flex head ratchet on the socket makes #8 easier. There is no need to pull the inner fenders for either side, it won't help with #8 and the others aren't all that bad.
Another tip is I wrapped the short extension with masking tape to get a better grip. I also taped a 5/8" socket to the end of the spark plug socket at one point to make it easier to spin out the old and spin in the new. Lastly, check the gap on the new plugs first. I used new NGKs and they came out of the boxes with widely varying gaps. Hope this helps. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/16 18:31
|
|||
|
_________________
2004 Vert. 475hp. Built by Vengeance Racing |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| screamin_conure | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Hey, thanks '95! When you're talking about swinging the ASR out of the way, are you talking about better access to #1 (closest to the radiator) or #7 (closest to the firewall)? I can see where it would help with #1, but #7 still has all that AIR piping all over it.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/16 18:35
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| shakedown067 | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
The AIR piping comes out really easy, I'd pull all the rubber hoses off and out of the way.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/16 18:59
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| 1Fast04Vert | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Elite Guru
|
Quote:
It will help a great deal with all four left bank plugs. Another tip - when doing #6 & #8 pull the dipstick out and set it aside. The end of the tube is sharp, put something over it. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 0:21
|
|||
|
_________________
2004 Vert. 475hp. Built by Vengeance Racing |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
There's 100 ways to do it. Do it anyway you want to.
I never pull the AIR piping and since the ASR bracket has to be loose, I pull the fender well (this only takes another 60 seconds). |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 0:44
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| screamin_conure | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Thanks for all the tips everyone! Wish me some luck!
Maybe this will help the old girl with some of her driveability issues. Go Blackhawks!! |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 0:56
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| pianoguy | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Guru Emeritus
 
|
I have ground down the overly-long stud that holds the fuel lines to the passenger side back by #6 and 8 and put a little rubber cap over it. Makes less hamburger out of my hand and arm when I reach down in there.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 13:24
|
|||
|
_________________
1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
Quote:
Good point. And what Andy said about the dipstick. Ahter years of bleeding I keep a bunch of these around: Attach file:  MW09_SAFMG_01_H_168x150.jpg (0.00 KB) |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 13:36
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
Gloves- I switched brands from Mechanics to Summit. Mechanics regular gloves don't last that long, Summit's are better and 1/2 the price - $11.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 13:40
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| bogus | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
|
I have also found that removing the inner fender panels will help a lot.
Even #8 is accessable via a swivel socket and extensions. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/17 17:25
|
|||
|
_________________
The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| screamin_conure | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Well, I got whooped. One and a half hours of trying to get things moved out of the way on the driver's side, and I gave in. I actually was able to get the ASR moved aside, but with the plug wire brackets and the AIR tubing still blocking access, I caved. I tried to get the plug wire brackets off, but no combination of 10mm sockets, wrenches, extensions, wobbles or ratchets in my tool box would get purchase on those bolts. So, I figured I'd just put everything back together and spend the rest of the day detailing the paint instead, so it wasn't a total loss.
This car has definitely made me a better shade tree mechanic, but I'm also not afraid to realize my limitations. At least I gave it a shot. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/18 1:21
|
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| MK 82 | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Only 20K???
Quote:
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/19 3:34
|
|||
|
_________________
96 CE Roadster LT4 |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| BillH | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
The Stig Moderator
|
[quote]
MK 82 wrote: Only 20K??? [quote] Yep, plugs are cheap. You can run yours to whatever you want. |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/19 13:59
|
|||
|
_________________
Every man dies but not every man lives. |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| MK 82 | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
Thank you for that. Guess you get off on changing plugs.
|
||
Posted on: 2010/4/20 2:10
|
|||
|
_________________
96 CE Roadster LT4 |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
| smooth | Re: LT1 & Spark Plugs | ||
|
Senior Guru
|
WTF!! I started a National Campaign .....Damn Straight, no more plug 8, etc, etc!!!!!!!!!
I can get to the rest.......8 sucks! |
||
Posted on: 2010/4/20 2:37
|
|||
|
_________________
Alan 2001 Navy Blue Metallic Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Dr.Seuss |
|||
|
Transfer
|
|
||
You can view topic.
You cannot start a new topic.
You cannot reply to posts.
You cannot edit your posts.
You cannot delete your posts.
You cannot add new polls.
You cannot vote in polls.
You cannot attach files to posts.
You cannot post without approval.
|
|