LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

1 old spark plug?

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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 07:06 PM
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Default 1 old spark plug?

Like the title says. I was able to replace 7/8 of my plugs before calling a quits. so there is still one old, fairly fouled out plug but still possibly firing.

How long can i keep this in? and i should probably find a way to replace it I would rather pay for a specialty wrench ratchet or w.e to avoid messing with the header bolts that look questionable. The pacesetter headers allow no space for hands, fingers or let alone a socket.

I should note the spark plugs are different 7 new autolite' 104s and 1 old ngktr55 Am i okay for alittle running the car like this?
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 07:24 PM
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I have pacesetter long tubes and I actually had a pretty easy time getting all the spark plugs out. Get a sparkplug socket that you can fit an open ended wrench onto and you can easily do all the spark plugs in 30-40 minutes. Which plug did you have trouble with?
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by goldylocks
I have pacesetter long tubes and I actually had a pretty easy time getting all the spark plugs out. Get a sparkplug socket that you can fit an open ended wrench onto and you can easily do all the spark plugs in 30-40 minutes. Which plug did you have trouble with?
drivers side #5 cylinder, 3rd one back from the front.
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 07:46 PM
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That NGK TR55 is an xlnt plug from what I hear. Yea that passenger side plug in the firewall is a pain. I have an assortment of ratchet parts I use to get it but I fought with it one night for a long time, got a ratchet wedged down there and after a few beers finally got it all situated. I use NGKTRIX plugs
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 08:01 PM
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I was actually able to get it from underneath.. I can't remember what assortment of extensions and swivels I used, but 1/16th of a turn at a time I was able to get it. Though I do remember really wishing I had a plug socket with the hex end for an open ended wrench, needless to say I have one now!

FYI, it's even more difficult getting the new one back in, the primary is just close enough for an infants hand.. No good

But, I ended up doing the same thing, left three of the old fouled plugs in and drove to work for a couple days (60 mile round trip) before I finnished the project. You shouldn't hurt anything
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 08:12 PM
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I even took pictures of my arm after my last spark plug swap, it looked like I fought a panther in a phone booth
Attached Thumbnails 1 old spark plug?-armscratched.jpg  
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by KFtransam
I was actually able to get it from underneath.. I can't remember what assortment of extensions and swivels I used, but 1/16th of a turn at a time I was able to get it. Though I do remember really wishing I had a plug socket with the hex end for an open ended wrench, needless to say I have one now!

FYI, it's even more difficult getting the new one back in, the primary is just close enough for an infants hand.. No good

But, I ended up doing the same thing, left three of the old fouled plugs in and drove to work for a couple days (60 mile round trip) before I finnished the project. You shouldn't hurt anything
i'm hopefully getting the girl to help out tomorrow with her baby hands.



Originally Posted by RJDio
I even took pictures of my arm after my last spark plug swap, it looked like I fought a panther in a phone booth
damn lol. Mine might look like that after this one stupid plug.
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 09:39 PM
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I think I did that one with a swivel socket from underneath. but the socket on first then attach the socket wrench and you should hopefully be able to crack it loose. then you can do the rest by hand.
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 10:02 PM
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ive done all my spark plugs from up top with the pacesetters in, i usually just use the autolite spark plug socket and if the ratchect don't fit on it i grab the 3/4 wrench and slowly do it that way....
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 10:04 PM
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I ended up cutting one of my sparkplug sockets in half and took a die grinder to the square hole so the plug could poke through, then I just took a wrench to it and boom!
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 93M6Formula
I ended up cutting one of my spark plug sockets in half and took a die grinder to the square hole so the plug could poke through, then I just took a wrench to it and boom!
i did this too except i just shaved the socket down a few millimeters until everything cleared instead of cutting the socket in half.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 06:06 AM
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Don't be lazy...get the plug out.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 07:28 AM
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quit being a schoolgirl and change the damn plug lol........if its the pass side easiest way is to just pull the two bolts in the starter and drop it down, if your worried about getting scratched and dirty ur in the wrong hobby lol
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:18 AM
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break the plug that's in there at the porcelain. Then you can get on it...put the new one in by hand then slide your spark plug socket over it and put a box wrench on it to tighten it.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:25 AM
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Interesting. I'm guessing you still have the cast iron manifolds? #8 was a nightmare. I got the rest from underneath. Actually even with my headers 8 and 6 are still a PITA! I still have my NGK irridiums still in there. I have 104's but I see no reason to change them right now.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:31 AM
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haha i sucked it up and finished it today guys, with this one helping from up top while i laid on the wet ground. Nothing like getting your woman to curse at your firebird with you






NEW PROBLEM. Here is a video after the start up with a very distinct knock thoughts needed.


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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:35 AM
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That doesn't sound good...
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by draggin97s10
That doesn't sound good...
any ideas? It didn't do this on first start up that i recall. What's that sound like?
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:53 AM
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Sounds like rod knock to me...
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 12:08 PM
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spun bearing causing the piston to knock?
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