Embarrassing newbie question re: spark plug removal

[Longhorn Al]

How the heck do I remove the plug on the driver's side closest to the firewall?

There is absolutely no room. Power brake booster, dipstick, smog rail thing... Ugh. It doesn't help that this plug has sat in this truck for 25+ years in weather. I don't think it's rusted, as the other 7 came out somewhat easily (the plug next to this one took some time).

Any tips? Do I have to remove a bunch of stuff to get at it? I just want to get it out so I can get some PB Blaster down in the cylinders.

[jbolton]

I just changed my headgaskets and it just about killed me on the driver side. I plan to get a cutoff saw and cut out the smog lines, use a deep socket to unscrew them and then plug them with some screw-in plugs.

If you remove those and it might give you the extra room you need. Being that we're in Texas smog doesn't matter anyway, just waste horsepower.

[Carl Wiese]

I have had luck in tight places with a spark plug socket with a hex on the end. Then i use a 3/4 inch wrench on the end of the socket. I have a tilting head ratcheting end wrench that is perfect for those hard to reach places.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC

[kb'sforme]

I assume that the pb blaster is your hopes of freeing up
An old motor. May I suggest that instead. Or in addition too. Fill the cylinders with marvels mystery oil. Fill it up till it runs out. Then let it sit for a few days.
The longer it sits the better. Be patient! After a few days. Take a breaker bar and try to turn the motor by hand. Turning clockwise! Don't try to turn it all the way around, unless it turns easy! If it turns a little leave it at that! Wait another day or two. Repeat until you get two full turns with little effort. When your sure it spins free. Then you can use the starter and crank it over several times to expell most all the oil and clear the cylinders. Then put in new plugs and move forward with trying to fire it up. It will smoke for a bit at first but will be fine after that! I have done several motors this way with good results. Good luck!

[Longhorn Al]

Originally Posted by kb'sforme

I assume that the pb blaster is your hopes of freeing up
An old motor. May I suggest that instead. Or in addition too. Fill the cylinders with marvels mystery oil. Fill it up till it runs out. Then let it sit for a few days.
The longer it sits the better. Be patient! After a few days. Take a breaker bar and try to turn the motor by hand. Turning clockwise! Don't try to turn it all the way around, unless it turns easy! If it turns a little leave it at that! Wait another day or two. Repeat until you get two full turns with little effort. When your sure it spins free. Then you can use the starter and crank it over several times to expell most all the oil and clear the cylinders. Then put in new plugs and move forward with trying to fire it up. It will smoke for a bit at first but will be fine after that! I have done several motors this way with good results. Good luck!

Thanks for the tips. Not sure if it's stuck yet. Just being cautious. Still gotta get this plug out though! Haha

[fredsterra]

Spark Plug socket, with a u-joint adapter, and long ext. And long handle ratchet or breaker bar. Or put a large wrench (box end) over your ratchet for extra leverage.

[Longhorn Al]

Finally got it out!

Had to take out the brake booster so I had some room. Soaked it in PB Blaster for 20 minutes. Came right out once I got the right angle on the socket.

Just poured Mystery Oil in each cylinder. I'll let it sit for awhile. Won't have time this weekend or the weekend after. I'll try to find some time during the weeknights. I want to prime the oil pump. Any tips for this? Flat head screw driver? Do I have to saw off the handle and put it in a drill?

The oil was drained and new oil put in awhile back. May just top it off. Then I have to get a couple of hot batteries in a series and start bumping it.

[George Womack]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Al

I want to prime the oil pump. Any tips for this? Flat head screw driver? Do I have to saw off the handle and put it in a drill?

Don't cut that screwdriver. Just get a piece of 5/16" steel fuel line and flatten one end in a vise. Then chuck it in your drill. These engines only allow oil to flow to the rockers when the camshaft is in a certain position. Remove a valve cover and watch for oil flow while you spin the oil pump. If no oil is flowing, turn the engine over with a breaker bar on the crank bolt until you see oil at the rockers.

[Longhorn Al]

Great tip. Thanks.