Checking Spark Plugs

[colinc01]

Guys after a run out with the missus over the weekend which meant driving at slow speeds I noticed that the engine sounded as if it was firing on 7 so decided I would check the obvious ( spark plugs ) before I give it to the hands of the experts.I have removed air intake manifolds and looks like I will need to remove the cooling water manifolds to get decent access to the plugs. Is this the best way to remove/refit the plugs? Any advice welcome

[darreni]

colinc01 said:

looks like I will need to remove the cooling water manifolds to get decent access to the plugs. Is this the best way to remove/refit the plugs? Any advice welcome

Nooooooooooooooooo! don't remove the water pipes, they're not actually in the way. the exhaust manifold is ( don't try to take this off etiher.

You will need a very thinwall plugsocket (10mm?) (i use a 3/8 sealey pro that i had ground down to fit & then only just) & a couple of u/j's - though i have actually found that wobble extension's are better than u/j's.

Note that even with the tools, its still a f**kker of a job, particularly when you find the last dealer has applied 100+ lbft to the plugs.

You really need hands the size of a child.

[joospeed]

yup indeedy .. i find these tools really useful :

snap on flexi end 3/8ths ratchet
4 inch extension (phnar)
snap on integral uj spark plug socket.

shouldn't cost any more than about 150 pounds incl vat for those .. easy peasy

[colinc01]

Thanks guys I managed to get the nearside plugs out with a Hallfords 10 mm T bar plug spanner which is a neat fit but am finding the offside rear cylinder slightly more of a challenge, guess I will be borrowing some snap on gear off my mate to finish the job. Thanks for your help guys.

[arcbeer]

Most common reason I've found for misfire has been HT leads. I'd check they're not crossing.

[colinc01]

Well managed to get to all plugs with Hallfords T spanner, and the Cerb is back on song, however the route cause is burning too much oil so I reckon top end rebuild is iminent...