I have replaced all my sparkplugs except for number 5. Does anyone have any suggestions on going about getting it out. The manifold and "Y" pipe are in the way as well as air tubes and oxygen sensor. I just can't figure out a way without dismantaling things. My hands are too big to go in from the top and bottom. What should I do?

 

Take it to a shop and ask them to change out only the number 5 plug hehe.

Best bet is probably a u joint. With an extension youll have plenty of room but youll probably have to hit it with some pb blaster first because youll loose alot of torque thru the angle joint and extension.

 

Hell, I can't get 5, 6, 7 or 8.

 

if you guys got a dremel and a cheap sparkplug socket, cut it down the side,similar to an O2 socket and you can get the socket on at an angle then use a u-joint or a "crows foot socket" to get it out.

 

i've gotten mine out countless times with a regular spark plug socket, a short extenstion, u-joint and ratchet.

 

I feel your pain.

 

Hmmm... I HAD to stick my hands down into the air tubes. There was a special way I had to do it, but I cant exactly say how; just stick your hand in backwards. Have a friend with smaller hands get down in there. Sorry I couldnt be much help

But as for the other plugs, I really didnt have any problems getting the rest out.

 

HAve you tried a 5/8 in open ended wrench? That usually can reach a stubborn plug. Wth manifolds chaning the plugs is gravy compared to teh hastle with a set of headers, expecially a set that passes really close to the plugs.

 

I just break em loose with a wrench then unscrew em with my finger..

 

I have tried every possible way with the wrenches that I have. The problem is is that the spacing to get the wrench in there is not possible because of all the tubes. I would take it to a mechanic, but they will end of doing the same thing as me (starring at it and wondering). Others have said they had an easy time changing the plugs, so what did they do that I am not?

 

Its possible. I changed teh plugs on mine with all the air stuff. Granted its a bitch, and you cant get your entire hand in there, but some how, some way, it is possible. Jsut try every angle.

 

My friend and I got #5 by mixing and matching extensions and u-joints for 10 minutes.

Can't wait to get rid of all that AIR stuff.

 

I broke a spark plug trying to break it loose, it was so hard to get to that I didn't even have a hold on it. Another one somehow got cocked sideways in the socket and wouldn't come out, had to throw it on the ground to rattle it out.

 

Geez. #5 is one of the easier ones on my car. I use a plug socket and short extension or flex-head ratchet.

 

I got all of mine out from above pretty easily without using any u-joints or flex-heads, just the socket, a 3" extension, and a 3/8" ratchet. But for #5, instead of the 3/8" ratchet, I used the 1/4" ratchet with a 3/8" adapter. The smaller 1/4" ratchet was easier to manuever in the tighter space.

Get the socket on the plug first, then attach the ratchet. I ratcheted downward into the open space toward the motor mount to loosen it.

OR... remove your O2 sensor. I changed my O2 sensor AFTER I changed my plugs. And when I removed it, I realized how easily #5 would've been to reach if I'd done that first. If you don't have an O2 sensor tool, use a 22mm "crow's foot" on your ratchet and remove it from below. With that out of your way, from down there, you should be able to see and reach #5 easily.

 

i got a novel idea, get rid of all that emission ****,a/c crap and anything else you dont need.
i passed illinois emissions on a PCV valve that was it. on a catted /air pumped car.

 

It's a very novel idea but doesn't apply here.

 

Try doing it from underneath the car, instead of from up top. Just be sure to have the car safely lifted with proper saftey stands and etc.

 

What? My picture wasn't good enough? Need a video? Just get the right tools and get it from the top. I do all of mine from the top.

 

I do 7 and 8 from below, with the help of Rhino ramps!!!

....number 5 is a pain, but I've never actually had a "problem". I honestly don't know how I do it, but Vaders pic seems pretty much self explanatory. Mixing and matching extensions maybe? I dunno, like I said, it's never really been to much of a problem.

 

Do you have pics of the cut down socket and additional tools used for the spark plug change?

 

Get your wife/girlfriend/sister to do it. Our hands are smaller and I have no problem getting plugs 1-6 from the top. Plugs 7 & 8 I have to get from under the car. I do mine and my b/f's. Be warned - It will probably end up costing you dinner and a manicure!

 

I've had almost a dozen of these cars and have yet to have problems taking out the plugs. Try different combos of stuff and get in there. Like Vader, I do all mine from the top.

 

I do mine from the top using a 5/8 offset box wrench and it takes about 15 minutes to remove and install the plugs

 

The last V8 I owned was a 2nd gen but you could take the wheels off and go through the wheel wells.