73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Exhaust => Topic started by: txtj79 on March 15, 2008, 05:22:05 pm

Title: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: txtj79 on March 15, 2008, 05:22:05 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: VileZambonie on March 15, 2008, 05:23:32 pm

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

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: Bitzer! on March 15, 2008, 05:50:46 pm

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

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: Blazin on March 15, 2008, 05:59:15 pm

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

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: smoke on March 15, 2008, 09:30:42 pm

x2 on the 5/8 wrench

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: Toolmaster on March 15, 2008, 09:57:08 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: 77c15 on March 16, 2008, 06:16:05 am

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: loudnlow87 on March 16, 2008, 03:08:37 pm

why not tap the header tube in a little?

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: 77c15 on March 17, 2008, 10:42:52 am

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

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: Bowtie Bomber on March 17, 2008, 12:01:03 pm

Welcome to the joys of owning headers.  ::)

Quote from: Bitzer! on March 15, 2008, 05:50:46 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: txtj79 on March 17, 2008, 12:46:04 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: monte85 on March 17, 2008, 01:13:42 pm

Quote from: Bowtie Bomber on March 17, 2008, 12:01:03 pm

Quote from: Bitzer! on March 15, 2008, 05:50:46 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: VileZambonie on March 17, 2008, 02:30:01 pm

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  ;D

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: Blazin on March 17, 2008, 03:47:11 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: txtj79 on March 17, 2008, 05:50:20 pm

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.

Title: Re: Changing spark plugs with headers.
Post by: VileZambonie on March 17, 2008, 05:51:56 pm

you need to pick up one of them there wrenches...