Spark plugs R&R on a 5.0 : any pointers?

[Daryl]

Now that my new plugs are gapped (.054), does anyone have any suggestions, recommendations, pointers, do’s or don’ts , or real life experiences to share that I should be aware of before starting?

Cheers!

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

Not really, other than the rear most passenger side plug being a pain due to the EGR tube. Pretty simple otherwise, just kind of tight in some areas. Remember, they don't have to be super tight, just a 16th of a turn after they seat.

 

[Daryl]

Not really, other than the rear most passenger side plug being a pain due to the EGR tube. Pretty simple otherwise, just kind of tight in some areas. Remember, they don't have to be super tight, just a 16th of a turn after they seat.

Cool. Just what I’m looking for, thx!

 

[ttocs]

start them by hand.... Do not put them in the ratchet bit and then start torqueing them down as it is really easy to cross thread them. Give them a little wiggle while you turn them as it can be hard to get the exact angle matched up.

 

[Daryl]

Ok, got it! Thanks terrorist 5.0 and ttocs. Small bead of anti-seize as well, eh? ;-)

 

[ttocs]

yup. I have put one in enough sideways to learn that if it does not just twist itself right in do not force it. Just keep wiggling and spinnin. I like to remove one at a time because then I can look at the angle of the one next to it to match it up as I insert mine.

 

[Daryl]

Passenger side done + one (#6) on the drivers side. The remaining 3 are VERY stubborn. Shredding my forearm in doing so, but expected that. Tight spaces.

Question: Is it ok to spray some Blaster around the base of the spark plugs to help bust them loose?

I’m also going to replace the wires while I’m at it. Same MSD 8.5mm Super Conductors as before, just red though. Couldn’t find black (that’s ok they’ll match the distributor cap!)

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

Passenger side done + one (#6) on the drivers side. The remaining 3 are VERY stubborn. Shredding my forearm in doing so, but expected that. Tight spaces.

Question: Is it ok to spray some Blaster around the base of the spark plugs to help bust them loose?

I’m also going to replace the wires while I’m at it. Same MSD 8.5mm Super Conductors as before, just red though. Couldn’t find black (that’s ok they’ll match the distributor cap!)

View attachment 48072

Absolutely it is ok to spray some penetrating fluid. Now, how effective it is gonna be now that you can’t start and run the engine? I’m not too sure. Probably better than nothing.

When I first got my 95, I wasn’t sure when the last time the plugs were even touched. So what I did (and for EGR stuff and anything else that is supposed to be tight and not touched for a while) is spray some penetrating fluid on it each morning before driving to school or work, and some on the way back for a couple days. Worked like a charm. Didn’t even have to bust out a torch for my EGR stuff.

 

[Daryl]

Guess it’s worth a shot

 

[ttocs]

I forgot to tell you that at least with my supercharger intake it is MUCH easier to get to #1 and #2 from the bottom of the car if you can jack it up. The stock intake is over the same spot and I think it makes it just as hard.

 

[Daryl]

I got the passenger side plugs (1-4) all swapped out but only have #6 out on the drivers side. Tried #8 from underneath but not any better.

 

[Daryl]

Purchased an extra long 5/8” socket, which ultimately did the trick for #’s 5,7 and 8. PITA but it’s all done.

I inspected each old plug after removal and noticed a few with a bit of oil on them. Is this ok or does it sound like bad spark plug seals? Then, when I fired it up I noticed a bit of smoke. Not much, almost like a “mist”; nothing black, billowing or smelly. I’m hoping it’s just a coating (?) on new wires??

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions regarding:
1. the oil on one of the old plugs; and
2. the “mist” of smoke with the new wires upon initial start up?

Thanks everyone. Hope you all had Merry Christmas’

 

[Daryl]

Bump

 

[Daryl]

Bump

 

[ttocs]

realistically in a perfect world there should be no oil on the plug, no oil that you can see being burned. When ours was stock we never had an issue but who is stock anymore?

 

[weendoggy]

Where is the oil? Outside the plug or on the electrode? Makes a difference. Your "mist" of smoke could be a couple things. If the oil was on the outer side, it could just be burning off and if any went in the cylinder, the same thing only it might show on the exhaust. Either way, not a bad sign as long as it doesn't get worse, continue, etc. Also, your greasy hands don't help when installing so that could be a slight sign. If oil on the outer side, check the valve cover gaskets for seapage/leakage. Many times they leave a nice stain on the head to prove it. btw: I'm guessing this is a 5.0 SBF and not modular, otherwise I just said a bunch of crap.

 

[Daryl]

Yes, a SBF 5.0 pushrod. The oil was on the outside, not on the threads or electrodes, so per your suggestion I will check the valve cover gaskets for leakage or seeping. I suspected that might be the place to look but wanted to get feedback from people who actually KNOW what they’re doing vs trusting my WAG 100% ;-). So thanks, Weendoggy!