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Topic: Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas?

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (2/12)
9/8/09 3:13pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

I got 2 more plugs in!

I went to SEARS and bought $60 worth of socket/rachet assessories. I found it is useful to use a smaller 1-1/2" extention than the typical 3-4" which is too long.

Also, I bought an extra long 5/8" socket and a step down to 3/4 socket so it sticks out farther than the smaller 5/8 spark plug socket.

Anyways, I have 2 left- the passenger front and driver's rear. The Drivers one I think I can get at from below if I get under the car. My jack is crapping out.

Any suggestions about the front passenger, behind the AC bracket and the heater hose in the way?

I have to admit, if I'da known it was this hard, man, I might have let someone lese do it.

But I trust my own work, too much vs. the other guys.

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (3/12)
9/8/09 3:48pm

ratray

Lifetime Member
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Erda, UT - USA

Vette(s):
1973 coupe. LS4, M-21, DARK SADDLE LEATHER, POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, POWER WINDOWS, A/C, AM/FM STEREO, YELLOW ( 952 ).

Joined: 8/1/2005
Posts: 197

Changing the plugs on the big block is a real pain. Getting the wires on good is just as difficult. If they are not on tight you'll have a miss. I used a wobley on the rachet and bought a sparkplug socket from Checker that had a wobley on it. It still took me about eight hours to change the plugs. When I was done I had to check into the Betty Ford Center. Good Luck.

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (4/12)
9/8/09 6:23pm

Gunslinger
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior

Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Put the car on jack stands and change the plugs from underneath. That's what I did on my '69 427...but I don't have headers or a/c. Mine was pretty straightforward...I can certainly see where a/c makes it a pain in the Censored

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (5/12)
9/8/09 7:44pm

anips
Former Member
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe

Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

I can't count or remember the times, days, hours, or drive around to borrow or buy something because I had to fight something because something was in the way... Wits End

because I was too hard headed to pull something that was in the way, not anymore, how long would it take to loosen the compressor, pull the belt, swing the comp out as far as it would go while still being connected to the front bracket, and pulling the rear bracket, 1/2- 1 hr. round trip? anips2009-09-08 16:52:52

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (6/12)
9/8/09 11:05pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

Thought about trying to move the compressor, but it would have to be completely moved away, not just unloosened and slid down.

I probably spent 2 plus hours last night and another 2 today. I'm 75 % done!

I looked under the car and I don't think i can get to any of the front passenger plugs from below. The vette also is concealed- there's no cheating with going through the A-arm flaps through the wheel wells like my Chevelle.

I have stock exhaust manifolds. probably easier w/ headers installed!

I'm jacking up the car and I'm pretty sure I can get the driver back firewalll plug that way.

Now, I need a new cap and rotor and a wire kit. I'm thinking a black upgraded unit along with matching 7mm wires from Pertronix. i wish they had a whole kit w/ everything together.

I'm still mulling those metal wrapped wires, but for 100 or so bucks, I'm not exactly concours correct stock anyways.

Next year I'll do the electronic conversion. I runs great with 30 degress dwell on the nuts. I'm surprised i haven't had tyo adjust 'em all summer.

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (7/12)
9/8/09 11:51pm

anips
Former Member
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sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe

Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

you have a better look at it than I do your there and I'am not but, if you where to loosen all the compressor mounting bolts, remove the compressor to rear bracket bolt, then remove the two exh manifold bolts that hold the bracket on then the bracket comes off, swing the comp. out towards the fender, does that uncover #2&4 enough to get a socket on the plugs or if not then a box end to break loose the plugs and work them by hand?

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (8/12)
9/9/09 2:54pm

ratray

I failed to mention that I did remove the compressor bolts and pulled it out of the way. Not only will it make it a little easier to remove the plugs, it will make it possible to put the new plug wires on. They're almost as difficult as removing plugs.

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (9/12)
9/9/09 11:12pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

I got the passenger #2 done. And the rear drivers was easy from under the car, too.

7 of 8 done (not including the wires, though)

The front passenger plug is left.

Think I'm gonna wait on that plug. Gotta soak the exhaust manifold bolts to get the bracket off, I'm sure. That's about the only way i can see the plug being removed.

From underneath I can't get any passenger plugs at all.

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (10/12)
9/10/09 9:44pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

Alright! Those 454 AC car owners out there- there is hope doing plugs.

I've discovered a few secrets working the past 3 days...

I'll share my thoughts of course!

For one, the drivers back 2 plugs are easily accessed from below the car.

The two front driver's are fairly easy to get out from the above, typical over-the-fender way.

The 2 back passenger side: they are hard to get. Use small rachett and only a 1-1/2 extention. Anything longer and your the rachett's handle with hit against the AC duct. The far back one i had a hard time breaking it loose, so i used a 5/8 plug socket and a closed end wrench around the end of that plug socket.

Also, I bought and used an extra long Sears Craftsman 5/8 socket- it didn't have the ability to use a wrench on it like I just mentioned, though. It didn't have the rubber seal to grip the plugs but go slowly and it works well.

And the front passenger plug is done- by taking the wheel off!

I'm doing a brake job currently (leaking caliper) and I noticed there is a A-arm flap and hole shape in the fiberglass body. Used a swivel socket on the plug with extra long extention (10"?) It's barely corked but a slight adjustment is needed to get it on square so a swivel works well.

Now, I have to change the wires, which is another story!

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (11/12)
9/10/09 9:50pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

Almost forgot...

I'm trying to take out or slip my compressor aside (brake line replacement, rrrrrr). I've unbolted 3 bolts:

1st) the large (3/4 I believe) bracket bolt by engine side.

2nd) A smaller (1/2") one under the compressor through the A-arm flap.

3rd) on the back of compressor bolt

Compressor still won't come out. It lifts up an inch and swivels towards/away from engine, but it's still hanging up, seems from the front somewhere.

I've checked everywhere. What am I missing?

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Plug Change 71 LS5 w/ AC,4 done,the rest...ideas? (12/12)
9/15/09 3:24pm

2nd2ja
Former Member
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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Vette(s):
71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

Joined: 1/8/2009
Posts: 138

Changed wires today- actually wasn't too bad.

It still is difficult reaching the #2 and #4 front passenger cylinders.

I went through the A-arm flap/wheel well for the first front one, and from above, using your right hand you can barely get it on.

I have medium sized hands. Anyone with large mitts is going to have fits.

Otherwise, I'd fire her up but I have the front passenger hard line to swap in- not looking forward to it.

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