Just Replaced All Spark Plugs W/O Taking Anything Apart!!!!
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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
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
Last edited by JM993; 03-14-2011 at 01:54 PM.
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Originally Posted by jmarch
Oh, almost forgot - I had to grease my forearm to reach deep in thr engine!
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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?
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Originally Posted by kkim
That reminds me... I went for my annual physical yesterday.
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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.
Sorry for hijacking the thread.
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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
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
Last edited by JM993; 03-14-2011 at 01:55 PM.
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Yep, #6 describes it exactly. ![Frown](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
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.
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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!
![Cheers](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
Now to find a helper with long, skinny arms and thin fingers to help with my next plug change and physical.
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Originally Posted by kkim
Now to find a helper with long, skinny arms and thin fingers to help with my next plug change and physical.
![Big Grin](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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...
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Originally Posted by 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 ![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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...
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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...
cheers, Maurice
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Originally Posted by 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 ![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)