spark plug info
- Thread starter grumpyvette
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How To Crimp Spark Plug Wires and Install Boots
Learn how to install spark plug wire terminal ends. Our step by step guide takes you through terminal end and boot installation with the use of a wire crimping tool.
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a coat of anti seize on the spark plugs threads when new plugs are initially installed helps a great deal.
I recently helped a neighbor change spark plugs on an older GM CAR, HE PURCHASED RECENTLY, IT WAS RATHER OBVIOUSLY IN NEED OF A TUNE UP, as the car had not run regularly in 20 years, and the spark plugs may not have been changed in the last several years, he stated the previous owner swore the car had run in april this year but the cost of a new battery and his lack of desire to work on the car, made selling it look like a good idea!
the new owner had had tried to remove one spark plug and it broke so he requested help with the rest, it was rather obvious that we were going to have issues , removing the old plugs as the previous owner had failed to use anti-seize on the spark plug threads , I suggested we spray them with a mix of marvel mystery oil and acetone and I had added some WD 40 to the mix awhile back,
I had in a container my garage and then, to use freeze spray as the combo of solvent/lube and freeze spray, tends to work reasonably and consistently well.(it helps even more if the engine runs to let it run for maybe 15 minutes at idle and let the solvent/lube sink in around the plug threads as the engine cools off if the engine still runs,
we removed the spark plug wires marking them as to cylinder number with a sharpie pen and tape as to cylinder location,
after a couple hours the combo of penetrant oil mix and the freeze spray made removing the plugs without stripping the threads noticeably easier.
if already seized a good repeated application of solvent lube spray of penetrating oil or a 50%/50% mix of acetone and marvel mystery oil (and in this case I had several months back added about 2-3 oz of WD40 to about 6 -OZ of both acetone and MMO,) that you let soak over several application and let sit at least over night can help, if it does not , (it usually does if the solvent and lube is applied several times over an hour or so, so it soaks the plug threads and let sit overnight ,
but some engine designs allow the liquid to run off easily while others hold a significant amount around the plug
use freeze spray and remember to use anti seize on the next set of plugs you install.
buy two cans or your most likely to run out, use a decent deep socket if you have access
btw if you make a mix of the solvent penetrant lube mark the container as to its contents
as you don't want to get it used on anything with paint or plastic
I recently helped a neighbor change spark plugs on an older GM CAR, HE PURCHASED RECENTLY, IT WAS RATHER OBVIOUSLY IN NEED OF A TUNE UP, as the car had not run regularly in 20 years, and the spark plugs may not have been changed in the last several years, he stated the previous owner swore the car had run in april this year but the cost of a new battery and his lack of desire to work on the car, made selling it look like a good idea!
the new owner had had tried to remove one spark plug and it broke so he requested help with the rest, it was rather obvious that we were going to have issues , removing the old plugs as the previous owner had failed to use anti-seize on the spark plug threads , I suggested we spray them with a mix of marvel mystery oil and acetone and I had added some WD 40 to the mix awhile back,
I had in a container my garage and then, to use freeze spray as the combo of solvent/lube and freeze spray, tends to work reasonably and consistently well.(it helps even more if the engine runs to let it run for maybe 15 minutes at idle and let the solvent/lube sink in around the plug threads as the engine cools off if the engine still runs,
we removed the spark plug wires marking them as to cylinder number with a sharpie pen and tape as to cylinder location,
after a couple hours the combo of penetrant oil mix and the freeze spray made removing the plugs without stripping the threads noticeably easier.
if already seized a good repeated application of solvent lube spray of penetrating oil or a 50%/50% mix of acetone and marvel mystery oil (and in this case I had several months back added about 2-3 oz of WD40 to about 6 -OZ of both acetone and MMO,) that you let soak over several application and let sit at least over night can help, if it does not , (it usually does if the solvent and lube is applied several times over an hour or so, so it soaks the plug threads and let sit overnight ,
but some engine designs allow the liquid to run off easily while others hold a significant amount around the plug
use freeze spray and remember to use anti seize on the next set of plugs you install.
buy two cans or your most likely to run out, use a decent deep socket if you have access
btw if you make a mix of the solvent penetrant lube mark the container as to its contents
as you don't want to get it used on anything with paint or plastic
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A good source for cross referencing spark plugs is in this Excel spreadsheet.
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https://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/spark-plug-cross-reference-excel-file.11698/
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watching this video of a guy trying to very clumsily use the wrong tool to remove a broken spark plug is frustrating
and remember if the plugs that broken there's sure to be crap in the cylinder that needs to be removed, before the new spark plug is installed, you'll need one of those mechanics flex camera tools and some means of removing the debris, hopefully a magnet or vacuum tool, occasionally use of a compressor high pressure nozzle can force crap out of the spark plug hole or a magnet can be used.
bits of ceramic insulator or the ground electrode will damage the engine if not removed prior to restarting the engine
btw leaving that plug out and starting the engine is not a viable option on removing trapped crud
(I have watched other people try that in the past)
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attachments like this come in handy on your shop vacuum
Milwaukee AIR-TIP 1-1/4 in. - 2-1/2 in. Wet/Dry Shop Vac Long Reach Set Flexible Vacuum Hose 7 pc Mfr# 49-90-2037 - Ace Hardware
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MSD 601513 MSD DIS Direct Ignition System Kit - Black
The MSD Direct Ignition System (DIS) controller greatly simplifies the conversion of conventional distributor-type engines to a Coil-Per-Plug configuration. Benefits include the elimination of distributor cap and rotor wear, reduced spark energy losses caused by long spark plug wires, and the...
www.msdignition.com
MSD 60151 MSD DIS Direct Ignition System Kit - Red
The MSD Direct Ignition System (DIS) controller greatly simplifies the conversion of conventional distributor-type engines to a Coil-Per-Plug configuration. Benefits include the elimination of distributor cap and rotor wear, reduced spark energy losses caused by long spark plug wires, and the...
www.msdignition.com
The best Chevy performance ignition system depends on your goals, with MSD being top-tier for serious racing/tuning (digital boxes, multiple sparks) and brands like Pertronix (Flame-Thrower), DUI (Davis Unified Ignition), and MSD HEI replacements offering excellent street performance by upgrading stock HEI distributors with hotter coils, better modules, and caps for more reliable spark up to high RPMs, often using quality wires (MSD, NGK) and performance plugs (NGK) for a complete package.
ignition systems have improved dramatically in the last few decades, you obviously have options.
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