Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

[Jack O.]

When I removed my braided spark plug wires, for example from numbers 2 and 4 plugs, the wire was ran between the valve cover and AIR tube as opposed to over top of the AIR tube and then under the AIR tube to connect to the spark plug. Can someone tell me the correct routing with regard to the AIR tubes. This is my first car with the AIR system intact. I've seen pictures with the wires ran both ways and I can't tell from the Assembly Manual.

#'s 2 and 4 plugs are critical to get right because I've had to remove both A/C brackets to enable access and I don't want to be doing that again. I could proably re-route the wire afterwards but it just been a real pain.

Thanks,

Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

When I removed my braided spark plug wires, for example from numbers 2 and 4 plugs, the wire was ran between the valve cover and AIR tube as opposed to over top of the AIR tube and then under the AIR tube to connect to the spark plug. Can someone tell me the correct routing with regard to the AIR tubes. This is my first car with the AIR system intact. I've seen pictures with the wires ran both ways and I can't tell from the Assembly Manual.

#'s 2 and 4 plugs are critical to get right because I've had to remove both A/C brackets to enable access and I don't want to be doing that again. I could proably re-route the wire afterwards but it just been a real pain.

Thanks,

Jack

Jack------


OUTSIDE the AIR tubes is how it was.

[Mark E.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

On C3 cars with a big block and AC, it's not necessary to unbolt the AC brackets to change the #2 and #4 plugs. Instead, remove the RF wheel and work through the A-arm dust shield. With the right socket extension and wobble, it's not a bad job.

Even with AC, I've found changing plugs on a big block is an easier job than a small block with shielding.

[Jack O.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

Mark,

I did get to the #2 plug in that fashion but could not get to #4. Perhaps I punted too soon but one of the hardest aspects of the job was being able to remove the spark plug boot. Having the AIR and spark plug heat shields in place made it even harder. I've heard rumour of others jacking up the right side of the motor to get to these plugs. Anyone ever use that method?

Interestly enough I first owned this car for one year in 1987. It was my first Corvette and one I always regretted selling. I bought it back a few months ago. When I owned it before I know I changed the plugs and it was not such a pain. It dawned on me that when I had it someone had cut a perfectly sized hole in the right inner fender to get to the #4 plug. It's gone now.

Jack

[Mark E.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

Stories of repurchasing a beloved car once owned are always special. Your repurchase after 29 years is remarkable. You might consider submitting a Restorer article about it.

Are you using a spark plug boot removal tool? That may make the job easier. I've also tried using extended needle nose pliers.

My '70 doesn't have A.I.R. or spark plug shields, so you're admittedly facing a couple more hurdles.

When purchased, my '70 also had its RF inner fender cut in a way to facilitate access to #4. I suspect this was a common mod for big blocks. I can assure you it took me a lot more time to restore the fender than it took someone to cut it. But before making this repair, I cleverly changed the plugs first.

[Joe L.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

Mark,

I did get to the #2 plug in that fashion but could not get to #4. Perhaps I punted too soon but one of the hardest aspects of the job was being able to remove the spark plug boot. Having the AIR and spark plug heat shields in place made it even harder. I've heard rumour of others jacking up the right side of the motor to get to these plugs. Anyone ever use that method?

Interestly enough I first owned this car for one year in 1987. It was my first Corvette and one I always regretted selling. I bought it back a few months ago. When I owned it before I know I changed the plugs and it was not such a pain. It dawned on me that when I had it someone had cut a perfectly sized hole in the right inner fender to get to the #4 plug. It's gone now.

Jack

Jack------


Use iridium spark plugs and you'll probably never have to change them again.

[Jack O.]

Re: Braided BB Plug Wires - Inside or Outside of AIR Tubes

I did get the plug wire back on using a combo of a plug boot tool and needle nose pliers. I have thought about submitting a Restorer article as I love reading similar stories by others. It's a triple black '69 L68 loaded with options. I wanted a '67 427 and was tempted by an offer on this '69 that produced a nice profit.