Changing spark plugs with headers.

[txtj79]

The previous owner installed headers on this 350.  The problem is it needs new plugs, but one of the headers is blocking access to one of the spark plugs.  I was able to change the other 7.  The header pipe is just enough in the way that I can't put the socket on the plug straight.  I swear, if I had another quarter of an inch of room, I could make it work.  Does anyone have any tips or tricks? 

Thanks,

T.J.

[VileZambonie]

did you try a 5/8" wrench or stubby wrench?

[Bitzer!]

Dunno if you guys have them there but try a short extention bar with a "wobbly" end?

[Blazin]

All my trucks with headers have a couple that need to use a 5/8" wrench for.

[smoke]

x2 on the 5/8 wrench

[Toolmaster]

On the 76 I had. I made one fit by bending,cutting and some welding with a crescent wrench attached for
leverage. I will see if I still got it and snap a photo of it.

[77c15]

Must be some nice headers. The headers on mine and my dad's are from Summit and they block 3 of the spark plugs. An old 5/8 wrench bent in an S works great, though.

[loudnlow87]

why not tap the header tube in a little?

[77c15]

These are cheap Summit brand headers ($90!) and my dad has already went through a set from warpage.

[Bowtie Bomber]

Welcome to the joys of owning headers. 

Dunno if you guys have them there but try a short extention bar with a "wobbly" end?

Yeah we have those as well. They're called universal joints.

What I'd do is just get a ratchet box end wrench and take out the spark plug. Heck, just get it loose, you should be able to twist it out with your fingures after you loosen it a couple turns.

[txtj79]

Well, I've had some luck.  I was able to get it out because the tip busted off and I could fit a short socket in there.  But now, I can't seem to fit a wrench in there to tighten up the new plug.  I may have to unbolt the header in the long run, but first I'm gonna see if I can find some type of wrench that will work.

Thanks for all the help.

-T.J.

[monte85]

Dunno if you guys have them there but try a short extention bar with a "wobbly" end?

Yeah we have those as well. They're called universal joints.

they do make extentions that are not universal joints, but have an end almost like a ball-end hex key. it allows the socket to pivot on the extention, without the added length a universal joint gives you. i think they even call them wobble end extentions.

[VileZambonie]

Sears sells offset 5/8" wrenches or just heat and bend an old crappy 5/8". I have so many home made tools from over the years 

[Blazin]

I have never had a problem using a decent 5/8" combonation wrench. snug it with the open end, then give it the final grunt with the box end.

[txtj79]

My neighbor had the perfect offset wrench.  I used a short piece of stiff hose to thread the spark plug into the hole.  Then the neighbor's wrench to snug it up.

Thanks for all the help.

-T.J.