#1  
Old 04-24-2020, 03:58 PM
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estokes-bonnie66 estokes-bonnie66 is offline
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Default spark plug tricks

Spark plug install on a b-body with A/C.

Getting my new engine install finished. Waited till the end to install the spark plugs. Had to tear the A/C down to the bracket and access still SUCKS.

Any tips or tricks greatly appreciated. Tools? Small children like hands?


Ed S

1966 Bonn conv
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  #2  
Old 04-24-2020, 09:48 PM
hurryinhoosier62 hurryinhoosier62 is offline
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Long extension and a flex head spark plug socket through the passenger side fender well unless you have "ape arm" like me.

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  #3  
Old 04-25-2020, 05:08 PM
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estokes-bonnie66 estokes-bonnie66 is offline
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Got my daughter to get the spark plug hand tight. Still could not get a wrench to torque the plug.

A/C bracket has to come out which means the two properly torqued head bolts come out as well.

Hate to be a mechanic back in the day doing a simple tune up.


Ed S

  #4  
Old 04-28-2020, 08:23 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by estokes-bonnie66 View Post
Got my daughter to get the spark plug hand tight. Still could not get a wrench to torque the plug.

A/C bracket has to come out which means the two properly torqued head bolts come out as well.

Hate to be a mechanic back in the day doing a simple tune up.


Ed S
The problem is the angle spark plug location of the aftermarket heads. With factory straight plug heads, it will come out with a thinwall, flex socket. May have to make a custom tool for this application.

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Old 04-28-2020, 09:25 PM
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Sirrotica Sirrotica is online now
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Sticking the plug terminal end into a piece of vacuum hose will allow you to start the plug in the hole and run it to the tapered seat.

After you seat the plug you may be able to tighten it with a 3/8 inch impact swivel (below) the conventional swivels will bind up on a tight angle, where the impact swivels won't bind.



If that fails, you may need to use a plug socket with the hex on the top of the socket, and tighten it with an open end wrench. That's about all the tricks I have after twisting wrenches for 50 years.................

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  #6  
Old 04-30-2020, 08:24 PM
CONCRETEHART CONCRETEHART is offline
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Default head bolts

in most applications the head bolts that hold a/c bracket to head are the ones with a stud above the head bolt and a nut and washer hold bracket. Also allows more clearance for plug wrench. Norm

  #7  
Old 05-03-2020, 04:29 PM
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lilabner lilabner is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hurryinhoosier62 View Post
Long extension and a flex head spark plug socket through the passenger side fender well unless you have "ape arm" like me.
That's how I do it too.. pretty easy

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