headers + changing spark plugs= PITA

[ngoetz]

I have a set of doug thorley headers on my 305 and I was changing the spark plugs today and I can't seen to be able to access #5 cylinder spark plug to get it out. I can get the socket on the plug and that is it. can't seem to get a wrench or a ratchet in it. any body have any tips??

 

[wasted wages]

have you tried a wobbly extension ?

Or a wobbly socket ?

sometimes you have to get creative with your tools to get the plugs out with headers....

I have hooker pro comps on my big block and the # 7 is a biotch to get out....

I can only break it loose with a socket....and then it has to come out with my fingers...because if I back it out with the socket it gets trapped behind the header tube and then can't get the ratchet out.....

 

[Keitha]

Also try from underneath. On my Sub w/ Thorleys, I can put the socket on and get to it from the under side with an open end wrench.

 

[DokWatson]

Also try from underneath. On my Sub w/ Thorleys, I can put the socket on and get to it from the under side with an open end wrench.

+1 for going underneath. Take a wheel off and its right there where you can get it.

 

[magik235]

I cut a cheap chainsaw spark plug wrench with the built in screw driver handle in half just above the screw driver handle. It worked great. Before that I tried every combination of wrench, socket and extension I had.

 

[ngoetz]

I tried to fit a wrench on the end of the spark plug socket but it would fit not enough degrees of free space to get it on the socket. I guess I could use a ratchet wrench..that would do the trick now that I think about it

 

[76zimmer]

I suggest this:

 

[buffblazer]

get a harley davidson spark plug socket.

its really short sides all the way down onto the nut and then has an external nut on the socket so you can get a wrench on it.

bought mine when i was mechanicing from snap on, works amazingly you can reach any spark plug on any style of header.

 

[royjones]

ALSO accel makes a short set of plugs you ccould check to see if they might work for you also

 

[Madspeed]

What are "Spark Plugs" ?

 

[K5dreamer]

offset wrenches, or taking a sparkplug socket, cut it down, and drill it out, so it will ride all the way down the plug, and you can get to it with the offset wrench. I had a 1989 IROC-Z with the TPI 350, and what we liked to call the "mythical" 8th spark plug.