Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

[Paul P.]

Hi.
I imagine that this question has been asked a number of times but, for the life of me, I cannot find anything re this subject
I need to know how to replace the spark plugs in my 327/340 1962 corvette.

I've managed to get to the passenger side plugs, but the drivers side has the steering column, steering box, and water reservoir to content with.

Are there any tricks re top/bottom, and tools to use to get these plugs replaced on the drivers side?

Thanks for your help in advance,
Paul

[Bill W.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Ive had my 62 sense 1969 and have put lots of plugs in . I just use small extensions and a swivel head ratchet . You should have a plug wire puller thats the part I always had trouble with .

[Paul P.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Ive had my 62 sense 1969 and have put lots of plugs in . I just use small extensions and a swivel head ratchet . You should have a plug wire puller thats the part I always had trouble with .

Bill, so you suggest I us just a socket with ratchet and a swivel head, instead of normal Plug spanner? Also, did you have to get under the car, or just on top, and did you have to remove anything?

Cheers,
Paul

[John F.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul, you can get all from the top of the car. Remove the chrome shield. Remove one plug wire at a time by cradleing the 90* boot between your first two fingers and lightly turning and pulling straight out. DO NOt pull straight on the wire. Doing one at a time prevents crossing the wires for reinstall. The front plug is accessible with a 3/8" drive with your sparkplug socket. You may have to slide a 11/16" box end over the end of the ratchet to act as a breaker bar. Once loose, remove the ratchet and back out with your fingers. The other three plugs you can add the short/medium extension. Take your time installing the new plugs to make sure you start the threads right. I torque by feel. Don't overdue it.

[Richard L.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul, get a sidewinder 3/8" wrench. You can find them on Ebay once in a while. You won't regret it!!!!

[Bill W.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul use a 3/8 ratchet with a swivel head and a long handle ,you can get them at sears . you will only need to remove the chrome shield . use a deep well socket and a short extention 1" or 2" on the front plug. The swivel allows you to avoid all the parts in your way. replace the new one finger tight then snug it with the ratchet . every thing is done from the top . If you have a lift try it from below ,I dont have one & have never tried it . When your at sears look for a 3/8 ratchet with a 2" handle also they make a 1" extension with a large finger gripper on it. both of these are very handy for working in hard to get to areas....Bill

[Don H.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Also I would suggest a small amount of anti-seeze on the threads. It could make the next change easier. Don H.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

buy a spark plug socket with a hex on the back so you can use a box end or open end wrench once the socket is on the plug if there is not enough clearance for the ratchet

[George W.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul,
I do the drivers side from the bottom; # 1 is the hard one to get because of the steering box is in the way of the plug socket and ratchet; use only the plug socket on #1 and turn the socket with an open end wrench because you can't get the ratchet on it; break it loose and remove it with your fingers. Then put in the new plug, tighten with fingers and for final tighten use the plug socket and tighten with the open end wrench. Works easy; no blood or tears. Use the
plug socket and ratchet on plugs #'3, 5 and 7 all from the bottom. Have fun...

[Paul P.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

You may have to slide a 11/16" box.

Thanks John, can you clarify what you mean be this please?

Cheers,
Paul

[Paul P.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Bill, Donald, George and Clem,
thanks for your wonderful experience and advice!

I think I've got it now.

Very kind regards,
Paul

[Paul P.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Thanks Richard,
for some strange reason I can't seem to find any mention of a sidewinder socket wrench anywhere on any Australian Site (that's where Cindy, my '62 Vette, has ended up - so far - in her life).
you wouldn't know if they are known by different names, would you?

Cheers,
PP

[Richard L.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul, on Ebay the wrench is out there called Sidewinder. This wrench makes it easy to change the plugs. Here is a link to the wrench. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...All-Categories

[Stan G.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Another trick i've found for reinstalling plugs in hard to get to spots without cross threading them is to use a 6 or 8 inch piece of rubber heater hose or gas line that will fit over the end of the plugs to start them in the holes .

[John F.]

Re: Spark plug removal procedure and tools for 1962 327

Paul, You just slip the box end over the handle of the ratchet and get a little more leverage. See pic.