what is the best way to change sparkplugs

[bigtendude]

I was wondering..... what is the best way to get at the two plugs under my A/C compressor? I have the 350cui. 4bbl. w/TH350 tranny, it seems that there is not much room to get anything into the area from the topside, maybe have to remove wheel and cut hole in wheel tub. Not sure, but I believe because of the difficulty, that the previous owner may not have replaced those two plugs in the past. The exhaust on the left side of my truck shows regular misfiring ( steam from cold mornings ) it apeears as though the truck is blowing steam rings more that the right side. But the right side does it also, but not as frequently. I already know that because ign. system has been switched over to HEI, that my plugs should be gapped at 0.045k. I pulled first plug on right side last week and gap was about 55k, center electrode is almost gone..... Now to get a timing light........ Thanks for any ideas

[BowtieGuy]

Sorry I can't help much with this topic, I removed all the ac parts from my truck, so all my plugs are easy to get to. If your truck has hei in it now then yes gap your plugs to .045. Is there any way to get to them using a long extension from the top side? I know I wouldn't like the idea of cutting my truck up just to change the plugs. If anything it shouldn't be hard to just loosen up the bolts that hold the compressor and move it up out of the way enough to get to them then just put it back and tighten the belt, just don't loosen any of the ac lines or you will loose your freon.

[bigtendude]

Thanks, never thought of that, D'oh! But anyone else out there that still has A/C intact? My A/C still works. The compressor and the steering shaft almost make it impossible to get at the plugs from topside.

[Pontiac1976]

Tip & tools: As said bye Bowtie use a 5/8spark-plug socket,two 6"and or a 3"long extension. Then to make it easier these tools 20" or 24" long extension and a 5/8 wobbler spark-plug socket, wobbler adapter and wrap some electric tape around the joint to help stiffen it up a little. Take off the tire do not for get to do all the safety stuff when taking off the wheel. You might have to prop up the inner-fender mud\water guard-flap to see better if your truck still has them on and in good shape.
You may need to use the combo of these tools this depending on the angles you need for each spark plug. Now the trick about the electric tape around the joint, one or two time around depends on how loose your joints are you may need wrap around more. You know once you start this still lets you bend the joint if you need to but keep it stiffer to get it lined up & on the spark-plug.

I hope this helps .

I did a Friend's 1985 SS Montie with A/c this is one of the ways with all the hoses brackets it can be done.Let say & that was a big job because he bought the car new.He never changed the plugs un-till I did them 1990. I broke all but two the spark plugs had to buy a spark plug tap remover I snapped off a few right off flush nut and all in the head so only the threaded part was there and a little bit of the electrode. Now this is where get a little crazy had to get the electrode out but not in side the motor, well lets try to turn over the motor for the flush broken one. I did not think at the time, I was trying to solve the how I was going to get them out to much acted to fast had him turn it over.
Let say it worked but, NOTE: safety stay back and safety glasses it like bullets shotting out with a more of a pop boy did I hit dirt. Another Tip: For Cast Iron Heads. Use anises( antisieze ) on the thread of the spark plugs ONLY(a little dab spread with a rag) and if your going to leave your plugs in how ever many years take them out once a year just to look at them (this will make sure they don't rust in there bad) make sure there still a little anises ( antisieze ) on th e threads still and you will not have to go throw this.

[BowtieGuy]

Do NOT use antisieze on spark plugs if you are using them in aluminum heads.

[bigtendude]

No aluminum heads here, is it okay to use anti-seize ( anises ) on the threads? Good ole Detroit Iron in my truck.

[Pontiac1976]

Ok I sorry antisieze was for the people that are useing Cast Iron heads just a little bit Only on the threads. Yes bigtendude you can use it on your heads.

[bigtendude]

Thank You.....

[bigtendude]

Thanks Pontiac 1976, I knew that even going the tire route would be a lonnnnng reach, and like you said " I don't want to cut a perfectly good truck apart just to get at some plugs". And I have all the neccessary tools for the job, all 80 grand worth, that's 42 years of doing autobody and light mechanical repairs for a living.

[BowtieGuy]

I didn't mean to imply that you were using alum. heads just info for those others reading this if they did have them not to use it.