Easier way to change spark plugs

[Silver/Fish]

Greetings to all..I am a "newbie" to iboats.<br /> I just purchased my 1996 Four Winns last summer. (Sweet Boat!) 5.0 Litre FL Volvo Penta.<br /><br /> I winterized it myself this past fall and with manual in hand, everything went very well.(I have owned o/b's before.) The only problem was getting at all the spark plugs located under the manifolds. My question: Is there a special wrench, socket, tool, etc. to make this job easier? I did use an extension with a "knuckle" attachment and plug wrench, however it was still very tight quarters.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

There are spark plug sockets that have a rubber insert to hold the plug firmly to keep it fron wobbling......That and an extension.....Some can be real tough to get at....Welcome to iboats, BTW .....JK

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

after you do it a couple of times it's not nearly as hard. the 1st time i did it, i removed the jump seats so i could lay on the floor to see what is was doing.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

I don't know the last time I saw a sparkplug in a V6 or V8.Just got used to doing them one at a time.By braille.It's a crime how UNservicable some boats are.Boats are expensive,but service is skyrocketing,not only because of rising labor rates,but also due to the time it takes to service them.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

Best one i have is a standard sparkplug socket with the "nut" end turned down in a lathe for additional clearance under the manifold. got a bit expensive changing 16 plugs to do a tune-up

 

[Don S]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

BT, shouldn't have to grind down a socket on the newer engines like his. They had lots of clearance. Any socket, even 1/2" drive will work.

 

[uaw9fan]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

Best to use a piece of 3/8 fuel line pushed over the porcelin part of the plug.You can get it started and all the way to the seat, that way the socket only has to snug it.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

I think it was DHP that said something about Braille.....yep....thats the ticket. I still use my ground down socket from the late eighties/ early nineties, but the big thing is to do it by feel.

 

[hudman]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

I had to remove the water tank next to the engine on my rinker cruiser, but afterwards there was plenty of room. although it sounds hard, there were only 3 hoses to unhook and one strap clamp... needed to remove it for winter anyway,,, the braille part really hits home,,, cant even see the plugs on a 5.7 just have to follow the spark plug wire

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

One other thing needed.........patience.<br /><br />You must start them by hand.......make sure they're not cross-threaded before you put the wrench to it!<br /><br />I don't know where they sell it........patience I mean.........but if they did........I would buy some!

 

[murphini]

Re: Easier way to change spark plugs

Had same issue last year. V8, (Ford 302) Finally went to a Sears (could go to a local auto part store) because I heard of this magical "universal socket". Basically, it's a 3/8 socket that has a swivel or U-Joint in it. About $9. Now you can come at an angle.<br /><br />And yes, getting there is a combination of Yoga and the Kama-Sutra (or so I've heard...) I only broke off the tops of 2 of the sparkplugs first time I did it. Then got the gist of it. I gound that putting them in is easier than torqueing them out.<br /><br />Finally, I used a "headlamp" flashlight that I use when we go camping with the Boyscouts. Great way to actually see when you are in an awkward position. You can get those at walmart for about $15.