MS wrote:

Well, the easy side spark plugs are in. Now for the fun.

Note to self: Buy more bandaids…

If that's a 351w, good luck. On mine I had to take the valve covers off to get to the plugs. Glad I sold the 351w.
 

Last edited by KeithP (9/27/2024 4:38 PM)

Surprise
#7 only took fifteen minutes. Still can’t find the missing socket.  I cannot get the boot off of #8. Walking away for a while. My buddy,  Jerry, is left-handed and has smaller hands. Might have him over tomorrow to see if he can reach it if I can’t do it.
Problem is power brake master cylinder with ports on engine side and two RPVs on fender side.  Plus, tall valve covers on the 427.  Maybe can get boot off from below.

All these lessons are strongly dictating the type of parts that are going on the 65 convertible project. 331 stroker with same dimensions as stock 289 and will have stock 289 Hipo exhaust manifolds.  And I will leave the AC system off as long as I can stand it.

Found the socket. It had fallen into one of the trays on the lift. About four feet away from where it fell.
I got plug #8 swapped by unbolting the master cylinder from the booster and pushing it towards the fender. Only took thirty minutes for plug #8.
Hopefully these plugs last seven years like the last set.  They did not look too bad.  Looks like driver side runs a little leaner than passenger side.  As long as both sides arrive in Bako at the same time, it will be OK.

One more item checked off the Bash Thrash list. 
Sure wish I could figure out where the burnt wire smell is coming from.  It doesn’t do it all the time.

Plugs 7&8 are the easiest to get to on my 69.

Steve69 wrote:

On mine with the AC lines changing out the plug wires were a PIA on the drivers side.  

 
Mine are on the right side and still a pita. Thinking of making new lines to go behind the inner fender.

At last year's bash, I told a similar story of changing the plugs in my 69 SCJ Mach 1. The guy holding the phone in this photo (I'm turrible with names, apologies) said this T-bar swivel ratchet is a game changer. 

rpm wrote:

I'm thinking that was John Dixon, aka Bolted to Floor.

Paul and Bob, that wasn't me. I ain't never seen such a wrench. 

Steve, Them tall valve covers block a lot of real-estate and removing them should make it easier. I always wanted the tall Shelby pentroofs for my car and bought a set of when I was trying to assemble. I set them on the car and saw all the working room go away!! They went back in the box and sold!! 

I can change the plugs in the car in about 90 minutes. Will only do it if the motor is cool. Getting the plugs wires off without destroying them is the biggest battle. I use a standard socket to break them loose or tighten and a rubbered spark plug socket to complete removal or get them down there to install. 12-15" of extensions depending on the location and a universal make it possible. 



 

Have you guys seen the new magnetic spark plug sockets.  I got one and really liked it so I ordered a set.  Plugs don't fall out nor does the rubber stay behind on the plug.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D62LVM71

MS wrote:

All these lessons are strongly dictating the type of parts that are going on the 65 convertible project.

I have no issues at all changing the plugs in my I6 - maybe you should reconsider the V8 altogether