My spark plug changing NIGHTMARE.

[user99]

my first time took 1.5 hours using a regular ratchet and extensions, spark plug socket..

2nd time with a 6" ratchet and same extensions, spark plug socket took me only 30 minutes.



your ordeal reminds me of my 13 hour catalytic converter change.. on my 167k mile solara.. its all going great.. UNTIL WE BROKE THE flippin BOLT OFF THE REAR MANIFOLD AT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CONNECTION! ...

for fun one day early.. take off your rear manifold. its really really fun.. and i challenge anyone to do it in less than 3-4 hours.

[Hefty]

Its amazing what a 8 inch long peice of vacuum hose can do for a hemispherical head plug change. Just use the socket and breaker bar to pop the plug loose. Then, fish the vacuum hose down the spark plug well and push down over the spark plug insulator. You can then just spin the plug out by hand and pull it out no problem. Then, do the reverse with putting the new plug in. After checking the new plugs gap just push the vacuum line down over the plugs insulator and snake it back down into the well and screw back in by hand. Then, just slide a socket down in there and give a half turn to tighten.

Oh also it helps a lot if you index the spark plug and have it so the open part of the spark plug electrode points directly at the intake valve.