Need advice from those that have changed spark plugs

[Unholy707]

Sucks every single time. I used a bunch of zip ties to secure the super charger lines over last time. Rear passenger is the worst. Actually all passenger coils suck. Gapped em to .021 when I changed them last year so I don't have to worry about them boost wise

 

[Unholy707]

Get a swivel spark plug socket that has a 2-3" extension built into the swivel part

 

[Unholy707]

And use a piece of hose to lower them in and get them started a thread or 2. Install dry. Torque to 20 ft lbs (on an angle with the swivel it'll be less, but that's fine)

 

[Unholy707]

We are talking about a brand new 170 though. Just bring it to the dealer and have them change them. Take before and after pics in case they mess something up

 

[1971demon]

Implants...upper and lower..

And have good teeth!

 

[Speedy!]

My master tech buddy changed my 170 plugs for the recall, took him 4 hours while I waited. I went to check on him half way through and he had half the engine bay disassembled with bungee and pry bars holding stuff outta the way. He just looked at me and said "what a bitch of a job".

I'll likely never do the plugs. Just not worth my time and frustration.

 

[2ndAmend]

I pulled the #5R plug, seemed the easiest to access. Same type as in Speedy's vid though my gap measured .021". (Speedy mentioned in his vid his tech measured .024".) So it looks like the recall was done and the correct plugs were installed.

Thanks for the help!

 

[2ndgen]

Step #1: remove that plastic box on the passenger fender that the harness runs through. Rip it out, throw it away. Wrap the harness in some heat-reflective foil loom instead. Use a christmas-tree zip tie to secure it back to the fender when you're all done.
Step #2: tie the SC coolant lines + reservoir up out of the way--I just use a bungee cord to hold it up.
Step #3: coil packs and plugs--with those two obstacles gone, you can do them without too much trouble.
With the passenger harness freed from that plastic box to be moved around, even though the passenger side coils are still a tight squeeze they become manageable.
On the driver side you have to dodge the AC lines, but they are flexible enough you can still maneuver around.
Just have a variety of extensions, swivels, and use an electric ratchet. Zip zip.

 

[BULL]

The cordless ratchet is the tool I've intentionally avoided buying so far. Finding the right combination of size and power/speed has kept me at bay...

 

[2ndAmend]

Not very pretty for only 4 miles:

 

[drag racer]

After hearing and seeing how difficult and a PITA this job is thanks to the Mt. Everest growths on the stock valve covers, I decided to undergo the pain and suffering ONE time in dealing with this, and solve the problem forevermore...change the valve covers. For you guys who race/run your cars hard and therefore will likely be checking/changing plugs more often, it's a no-brainer. Now I can check the plugs and actually (somewhat) enjoy it. Options.

 

[1971demon]

Not very pretty for only 4 miles:

View attachment 178350

a few spirited runs should clean em up

 

[2ndAmend]

The ink is still on the DR's, so I think it is safe to assume it is waiting for it's first!

 

[Unholy707]

Milwaukee m8 socket wrench, one of my favorite tools. Use it on everything

 

[1971demon]

Milwaukee m8 socket wrench, one of my favorite tools. Use it on everything

More than the 10lb. sledge???

 

[vortecd]

How much, if any, of the Sparkplug changing thread did you use as guidance when you did it?

I haven't done mine yet, but one thing I did do was actively buy a bunch of different tool options that might help me when it eventually comes time. Things like various different extensions with built in swivel heads, sparkplug sockets with integrated u-joints, etc.

I already have many different swivel ratchets, and I'm mentally prepared to take the time to move things like the infamous black plastic wire loom out of the way, and move the S/C res out of the way.

I will also pray to the busted knuckle gods before hand for the requisite 1-week, along with a virginal sacrifice into the top of a volcano... (Meg Ryan in Joe versus the volcano anyone???)


(I'm not sure what virgin I'm going to find, but I hear it helps...)

You don't need a bunch of tools. Getting coils unbolted and plugs out not that hard. Issues are getting coils unplugged and out of the way