• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

Removing/Replacing hot spark plugs

  • Thread starter Thread starter terry
  • Start date Start date
T

terry

Guest
Due to my haste a little while ago, I stripped the thread on #2 spark plug hole, necessitating heli-coiling. Part of the problem was that I used a spark plug socket on a 6 inch extension bar and because of the lack of "feel" of the socket wrench I'd be trying to reinsert the plug at the incorrect angle.

Another problem was that once the plug was unscrewed, it'd fall out of the socket in between the fins on the head and would be an absolute bastardd to pick up unless I took the tank off. Of course it's worse still when the engine is hot and you want to do a plug chop or compression check etc.

So what I do now, is still "crack" the plug loose with my socket, but then I use a 10 inch length of automotive heater hose that just fits neatly (not too tight, not too loose) over the spark plug, that way I can wind it in or out without coming into contact with something hot, and at the same time, the hose is rigid enough to put the plug back in at the right angle without being too rigid like my socket extension and stuffing up the thread in the plug hole.

You'll still need to use your socket or plug spanner to tighten it, but I for one find this a much safer and easier way of handling spark plugs, particularly when they are hot! :twisted:
 
I've been using this trick for a lot of years. Learned it on one of my cars where the factory said to lift the engine up to change the plugs.
 
I only use a spark plug box spanner with fingers only to screw the plug in finger tight, then nip it up. The hose trick is useful to know for those hard to get places.
 
If you can avoid it you should never change spark plugs when they're hot. Give it at least 30 minutes. If you can avoid it you should never remove any bolt when hot. Unless both bolt and bolt holes are made of the same material there's a really good chance you'll bring the threads of the hole with it, or strip the bolt. :oops:
 
mghalverson said:
If you can avoid it you should never change spark plugs when they're hot. Give it at least 30 minutes. If you can avoid it you should never remove any bolt when hot. Unless both bolt and bolt holes are made of the same material there's a really good chance you'll bring the threads of the hole with it, or strip the bolt. :oops:
Click to expand...

You're dead right mate, however, the two examples that I gave for times when you need to remove plugs when they're hot are exceptions to the rule, and if I sat and thought about it for awhile, there would probably be more examples of when you can't avoid this "necessary evil". Just remember, if you have to, "Use The Hose and save your skin". :twisted:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top