Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

[njlarry]

On another thread Admeral Don gave me a good design to modify a plug socket to get the plugs out of my engine. While looking for someone to grind/machine a custom socket I found a 5/8 u-joint socket that just barely fit. Old plugs out...new ones in. But there was no way to get a compression tester in there that I could see.
The exhaust manifold really blocks access to the spark plugs on my 302 '95 Volvo. Even with long fingers I can barely get the plugs started, so I'm wondering if I have aftermarkets that really don't fit. There are no identifications on the castings that I can find.
Do different manufactures have much differently designed exhaust manifolds?
Thanks for all help.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

Could be your compression tester. If you can get the plugs in, you should be able to get the compression tester in, at least with the design I have. What does your compression tester look like?

 

[njlarry]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

Getting the plugs in wasn't easy. The tester has an adapter the same size as a plug that screws in to the cyl head plug threads on one end and a quick disconnect fitting on the other. There is not enough room to even fit two fingers over the fitting so the connector can't be put on and the hose is two stiff to kink. A hand held tester won't fit because of the dial.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

If they are Volvos, they should have a part number cast into them.

 

[Coors]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

Been there, with cars with headers- take an old spark-plug, get the guts out of it, then tap or braze a long thin copper tube to it, then adapt the fittings to the gauge. (pain in the as?) but you have it the rest of your life.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

OK, so even if you hooked the hose to the spark plug adapter fitting and tried to use the hose it wouldn't help as it would just spin and not thread in, right?

The hose for my compression tester has the male quick connect on one end (for the gauge or air line) and then the adapters thread onto the other end and snug up. You can then use the hose to thread it in. It has a nice o-ring and seals easily. It's nothing fancy, I got it at harbor freight. It's this one.

 

[Coors]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

Nope, you just get the brass adapters that seal- no spinning. You just go to 1/4 inch copper tubing, to clear that damn exhaust, then adapt to what the hook-up needs to go to the compressor. I learned this from a maverick with a 302 in it. grrrrrrrrrr

 

[Coors]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

Sorry, didn't see what you were saying, as far as "still..) I made my plug with a 1/4 inch copper tube, brazed to it (about 6 inches long, cleared the exhaust) then used compression fittings/adaptors ,to get back up to the size of the air hose.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

How about pulling the exhaust manifold.

 

[njlarry]

Re: Manifold brand and plug access-Volvo

I will look again for casting numbers but there's no brand name on it. Having to take manifolds off for yearly compression checks sounds extreme. How do you install the tester with a rigid cooper tube?
Still wonder it these are the right manifolds.