I had been dreading this day for quite some time. I replaced the plugs on the driver's side. Took about 2 hours, but I kept my cool and nothing broke. Decided since the sun was going down I would not attempt the last four until tomorrow. Looking at plug #8, i noticed that I would have a heck of a time getting to it. I have been creative in the driver's side plugs in that I used a 3/4" wrench for the ones I could not get to with a wrench. This one on the other hand, appears to be much more of a task. I have all emissions and AC stuff still in the car. I searched and came across posts of you guys modding a spark plug socket in a manner that allowed replacement to be much easier.

Could anyone describe or maybe post a snapshot of this tool? Also, how did you get to this plug? All info would be greatly appreciated. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to test drive my camaro to make sure I didnt compromise its functionality.

 

Jack up the car and get it from underneath. You can just lay there and look right up at it. Just be careful with your tools around the battery cable terminal on the starter.

Piece of cake.

 

Oh sorry, forgot to mention that I had already gotten the four driver's side plugs from the bottom. I can barely see the wire from the bottom, but do not think I can get to it with the starter in the way. How did you get it, 3/4in wrench on the socket? The last plugs look "relatively simple" (relative to what, you ask? relative to scraping my knuckels on cement) to remove. Started the car and she purred something mean... looking forward to getting out the last four rusted AC delco's out. Thanks

 

Didn't take me that long to do mine, and I got a 91 RS with AC and AIR tubing etc.

Underneath, and a bunch of little extensions, adapters etc.
No need to see them, just FEEL it.


And be careful not to rip the wires, I managed to rip one of mine.

 

I think my tool availability is holding me back from doing it faster. I am using a 3/8" drive wrench, 3" extention, a spark plug socket and a 3/4" wrench to turn the socket when necessary. If you guys think a 3/8" swivel adapter will help (as opposed to breaking plugs in the heads from "torquing in the dark") Then I will get one tonight.. any other helpful ideas of what tools i should get my hands on to finish this job?

The mental image of this plug location will haunt my dreams tonight.

 

Yeah, as I recall, #8 was not hard at all, from underneath, of course. And yes, forget about seeing stuff, work by feel. I used a 3/8" drive ratchet with swivel head, and the plug socket went right on the ratchet.

Actually what I would do is reach up with my hand and pull off the plug wire and get it out of the way. Then I'd reach up and put the plug socket on the plug by feel. Then I'd put the ratchet handle on the socket because by then I could see the end of the thing. Then out it comes, no sweat.

It's actually easier getting to most of the plugs from underneath than it is from the topside.

 

Makes me happy I have a carbed engine.. I can remove and install all my plugs in about 30 minutes from the top of the engine lol. Although the rear driver's side plug can be a PITA sometimes.

 

Or, remove the starter; doesn't have to come all the way out, just disconnect the battery cable, and take the 2 bolts out, and let it sit on the exhaust or something.

 

I figured it'd probably go easier if i did drop the starter.. are you referring to disconnecting just the negative cable to the battery, which im assuming is the black cable that goes to the starter.. just making sure, I dont want to swing the wrench, arc the starter, and observe fireworks 2 inches from my face. SAFETY GOGGLES.

I'll keep you guys posted... thanks

 

Yup, that would be the key. Although, the neg cable actually goes to a bracket or something. But regardless, just take it loose at the battery, and all will be well.

 

Well I replaced all the plugs. Was simpler on the passenger side for me. While changing the #6 plug, I broke the fan switch plastic connector plug. I can still plug the wire into the sensor, but there is a gap of insulatorless wire I am worried about. Is there a permenant fix to be found at a local automotive store, or will I have to find one off a wiring harness? It's only one exposed wire, will I be able to run like this for a while?

All plugs are in, but after changing out the passenger side, the car misses terribly. I'll make sure the wires are on the plugs snug and i'll get back to you. almost done, thanks

 

Alright, made sure wires were in snug, car started up fine. I'm going to shop around for a new pigtail (including posting on the FS forum) But I'm still wondering if it would be wise to wrap the exposed part of the switch plug with electrical tape. It's a brisk 45* out, so I'm not incredibly worried about overheating. The wire "plug" itself is still in tact, and plugs into the sensor fine. Just worried about nothing probably.

and thanks

 

The missing insulation won't hurt anything, as long as it can't just fall out of the connector (In which case it won't turn the fan on) or it shorts to something (in which case the fan will run all the time).

I think you can get that connector at NAPA, but I won't swear to that. There's lots of them on cars at the JY though. That same connector fits AC compressors, makes it easy to snarf one.