JM993

Wow! I was able to do the entire set of plugs removing only the air filter and underside (rubber) heater hose (near passenger side muffler). Of course our favorite plug under the power steering pump was a bear - but I managed to remove and install with a selection of universal, wobble extension, and my trusty Shorty Facom 3/8 ratchet (and a good supply of electrical tape to hold them all together).

It took me a (nervous) 1 1/2 hours to do the hard plug. I took my time and tried different combinations. Probably could do it in half the time next time.

Warning - people with Popeye sized forearms should not attempt this. Also, make take your time and make sure you don't cross thread the plug.

Hope this helps someone.

Joe

JM993

Oh, almost forgot - I had to grease my forearm to reach deep in thr engine!

Joe

kkim

That reminds me... I went for my annual physical yesterday.

Joe, thanks for sharing your experience. I hope to try your method first the next time I need to change the plugs. Could you share a bit more about reaching the bitch plug?

chris walrod

moooooooooon riverrrr

Father of 3

Hey Chris, thanks for the HID bracket. It worked great. A very clean install. I gave the extra set to another RLer who couldn't have done the install without it. A great place indeed.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

pcar964

mnmblu

Could you show me how on my car? Please?

JM993

Tips for changing the bitch plug:

1. Remove air filter cover and filter. The rest of the airbox can remain.
2. Reach in and carefuly remove spark plug wire.
3. Get a good quality 5/8 spark plug socket and an approximately 1 1/2 inch wobble extension (3/8 drive). Snap together and thoroughly tape together with electrical tape.
4. Get a 3/8 drive universal and connect and tape to the wobble extension.
5. (Optional) Put a little grease on the top of your forearm near the elbow. Or you can remove the fuel line to the right bank of injectors (I went with the grease, but next time I'll remove the line).
6. Now make like a doctor and CRAM you arm as far as it can go into the abyss.
7. Once you have the get the socket on the plug (this will take some practice and help from the left hand), use a shorty 3/8 rachet to unscrew plug. You'll need a very precise high quality rachet (Facom) as there's virtually no room to swing the rachet. Or you can try and connect another long extension to the universal and unscrew from the top.
8. Remove plug and fish out tools.
9. TAKE A BREAK - you'll be soaked at this point (and you're arm will hurt)

MAKE SURE THE TAPE JOB IS STILL STRONG FOR THE INSTALL OR YOU'LL NEED TO REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG YOU JUST INSTALLED TO GET THE SOCKET OFF!!!

10. Cram you hand with spark plug, socket, wobble extension, and universal into abyss.
11. (Very nerviously) thread the plug in by hand. TAKE YOUR TIME.
12. Connect your shorty ratchet and tighten as best you can.
13. Replace spark plug wire.
14. Replace air filter and cover.
15. Pass out.

Hope this helps

Joe

kkim

Yep, #6 describes it exactly.

Thanks for the blow by blow... what in your right mind made you think it could be done in the first place?

Congrats... taking off the other stuff to get to the bitch plug is a royal PITA. You method merits giving it a try. Thanks!

Now to find a helper with long, skinny arms and thin fingers to help with my next plug change and physical.

Jeff96-993

I'm thinking "supermodel" for my helper... I promise to take pics as she's working except when she's busy with the physical

My car has 55K miles, so I'll be doing the plug change shortly. I guess I need to place a "help wanted" ad somewhere...

maurice97C2S

Playboy ??

cheers, Maurice

chris walrod

Be sure to keep the car low to the ground as your 'helper' will be forced to bend over even more so

Toga

Thanks Joe. As Kelly says, it merits a try next time I need to change the sparkplugs.

kkim

Take pics!! TogaVision rides again!

177mph

FLETCH: "Is that the whole fist doc?""