Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
I was wondering if there is an easy/easier way (without taking eveything apart) to remove/replace the two front spark plugs (AC44's), in each cylinder head, with the engine in the car and all equipment and shielding in place. The other 6 were no problem. Any thought that might help ????? Thanks Ruud
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
It must have air conditioning. On non-AC cars 6 and 8 are the worst. You have to find some combination of flex rachet, U-joint, wobble extentions, etc. that works for you, but I'm sure someone with an AC small block has an answer.
BTW, the hotter AC heat range "5" is a better selection than "4", and most guys who insist on AC plugs use the R45 because the non-resistor 45 is no longer manufactured, but the non-resistor NGK B4 and Denso W14-U are equivalent heat range to the out-of-production AC 45.
Duke -
Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Often access to the front plugs is improved by removing the front wheel(s), moving the inner wheelhouse dust shield aside, and using a long extension through the wheelhouse.TerryComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Now you know why I haven't changed my plugs for nearly 12 years (AC-44's). As I recall; it is one thing to take them out and another to put the new ones in w/o breaking them.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Anyone that has ever struggled with the one piece shield feels your pain. :-)Comment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
In addition to above suggestions, Snap-On makes a short socket that is used with a box or open end wrench to get to hard to get at plugs.Comment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
I was able to unhook the shield and slide it over enough to allow the removal of the plugsComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
It's probably easier to remove the alternator to get at them and move the horizontal shield rearward out of the way. I've found the only way to remove the shield is to remove the battery shield, unbolt the battery hold down at the outside, and move the battery outbound a few inches. Then drop the shield down past the battery and out the bottom.
I just did a '63 coupe engine bay refreshening. But in my case it had aftermarket A/C and since I was removing the top of the engine for valve seals and exhaust manifold refinishing and a dozen other re-do's, I took most of it apart. I actually pulled the shield at the same time that the ex manifold came out. Reinstalled the shield in reverse order.
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Rich, If there are the four corner pad under the battery hold down you may want to remove them because the positive battery terminal comes close when the hold down is lifted with those.Comment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Yes Tim those pads were there from the PO. he had extra insulation on the Pos post.....and what I do on ALL Pos+ battery posts is to add a insulator to the post to prevent the mishap of a short to ground. I do this on all C1 and C2 battery changes here. I could never understand the shield design on these cars, which puts a power to ground short so potentially close together.
IIRC, on my '63 I removed the battery cables, removed the expansion tank, lifted off the battery shield, unbolted the battery side bolt from the tray, shifted the battery outwards..............THEN I was able to get the ignition shield off.
I just did a search for similar threads and here they are.....
and my original thread...
We are not alone!
RichComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Mine has a lot of battle scars incurred over the years, I.e. Including having been bent in the middle from my first encounter in 1963, as well as what I presume to be battery acid stains (discolorations). I'm in no hurry for the next encounter. As stated before; my AC-44's have been in there for over 12 years now, but it still will pull redline w/o missing a beat (thank god for electronic ignition!).
Stu FoxComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
Hi Rich,
Could you please provide the manufacturer and part number of the positive post insulator? Maybe a pic would be helpful too. I know you're not shy about pictures!
JoeComment
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Re: Easy way to remove/replace both passenger side front spark plugs on a 63 327.
haha Joe, I live for pictures so I don't forget how I did things.
So......all I use is a piece of sliced hose on the part that overhangs the top of the metal battery shield and tape it over with silicone stretch tape, which is high temp.
Sorry, I don't have photos of those little goodies on file.
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