The dreaded #8 plug

[vilant]

Go and see my Improved #8 Spark Plug Change Out The Dreaded #8 Plug Improved (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18723)

[ZZZZZR1]

Joe,

you need to use photobucket.com (img)


Great writeup!!!!!!!


:cheers:

David

[vilant]

Joe,

you need to use photobucket.com (img)


Great writeup!!!!!!!


:cheers:

David
Thanks. What's photobucket? :cheers:

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Taking the small cover off the top of the AC box is pretty easy once you've done it once or twice.

[scottfab]

Pretty much exactly how I've been doing this too over the years.
Except I just create the assemblage to get it out and then just reveres it
to put in the new one. I use some black tape to hole the new plug
to the socket when inserting.


While changing my fuel injectors, I also changed my spark plugs. The #8 plug is in a difficult spot to say the least. Here's how I changed mine. First, I used a spark plug socket (with rubber holder inside) with a 3" 3/8 extension bar. Work it into #8 hole, the end of the extension should be visible. Attach a 3/8 universal joint, then another 3/8 extension bar (I used a 12"), and a socket wrench to the end of that. Should look like this
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1604
Loosen the spark plug until it is free. Now take apart everything up to the 3" extension bar. It won't come out with the spark plug attached so, pull the 3/8 extension out alittle bit (you might need needle nose to do this)and grab it with a pair of channel locks. With a screw driver push the socket down, while pulling up with channels, and separate the socket from the extension.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1605
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1606
Now to get the socket out. I took apart one of those telescoping mirrors with magnet, by unscrewing the magnet.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1607
Tape the magnet onto a piece of wire. Make sure you wrap it tight, you don't want to lose your magnet down there. I used electrical tape and put a couple wraps around the bottom for good measure. Don't worry it works through the tape. I tested it on a heavy socket to be sure.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1608
Fish the socket out of the hole.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1609
Get your new spark plug ready. This is what the assembly looks like together.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1610
First, drop the new plug down the hole. Then work the 3" extension bar into the socket, attach the universal, and hand start the new plug. Attach the 12" extension bar with a torque wrench on the end. Tighten 19 ft/lbs (according the LT-5 supplement manual).
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1611
Once it's tight, gently turn the wrench CCW to help loosen the socket from the plug, don't loosen the plug from the block. Disassemble the socket and long extension. Now work the rest of the assembly free of the plug. Once it's free, take off the universal joint and remove 3" extension and socket. Your done, easy right:-D.

[vilant]

Pretty much exactly how I've been doing this too over the years.
Except I just create the assemblage to get it out and then just reveres it
to put in the new one. I use some black tape to hole the new plug
to the socket when inserting.
Socket I have is made just for spark plugs. Inside it there's a piece a ruuber that holds the plug in place, no need for tape:-D. Problem I was having was, with the plug sticking out of the socket. It made it too long, and wouldn't fit with 3" extension attached.

[QB93Z]

Thanks for the great write up and taking the time to photograph everything.

I modified a spare spark plug wrench to solve the same problem. I drilled a small hole at an angle through the base of the socket. Then I threaded through a length of flexible wire with a crimped ball on the end:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/Misc/SparkPlugWrench3.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/Misc/SparkPlugWrench2.jpg

The flexible wire allows the socket to be pulled out of the head and each extension removed. The only complication is that the wire winds around the wrench as it is screwed or unscrewed. It is not too hard to keep it out of the way.

The duct tape on the universal joint extension allows motion but keeps the socket align to allow addition of extensions.

Jim

[secondchance]

The duct tape on the universal joint extension allows motion but keeps the socket align to allow addition of extensions.

Jim

That's one special duct tape.:cheers:

[vilant]

Thanks for the great write up and taking the time to photograph everything.

I modified a spare spark plug wrench to solve the same problem. I drilled a small hole at an angle through the base of the socket. Then I threaded through a length of flexible wire with a crimped ball on the end:

The flexible wire allows the socket to be pulled out of the head and each extension removed. The only complication is that the wire winds around the wrench as it is screwed or unscrewed. It is not too hard to keep it out of the way.

The duct tape on the universal joint extension allows motion but keeps the socket align to allow addition of extensions.

Jim
Very inventive, I like it:thumbsup: .

[scottfab]

Socket I have is made just for spark plugs. Inside it there's a piece a ruuber that holds the plug in place, no need for tape:-D. Problem I was having was, with the plug sticking out of the socket. It made it too long, and wouldn't fit with 3" extension attached.

The rubber piece in the socket does not always hold well, thus the tape.
If you lower it in the hole then hold it with one hand you can insert the 3in extension with the other. Then lower that assembly and hold it while inserting the next piece etc. Finally the ratchet.