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Does anyone know an easy way to get the passenger side plugs out of a 307 in a '90 Custom Cruiser? There is so much emissions crap and brackets in the way it's crazy! In case anyone forgot how terribly jammed up everything is I added a picture. 😧Thanks.
A real spark plug socket with the rubber insert and or the spring to hold the plug in the socket, many extensions, and 3/8" drive accessories... locking universal joints etc.... A midget with piano player meat hooks, Ritalin a 2 post lift, and a cold case of working fluid.
For #8 up against the AC evap box I use a spark plug socket with the nut on it so you can use an open-end/box end wrench...think it's a 13/16 or 7/8" open-end wrench I use on the socket I have. Actually have 8 new plugs awaiting installation as soon as the carb is bailed out of jail.
Installation tips:
Always put a dab of engine oil on the threads on the new plugs. Don't over-torque just enough to crush the seal washer. It's a feel. Especially since you'll never get a torque wrench in most of the holes. A dab of Dielectric grease on the boot ends.
It's tight, but frankly I haven't had a problem. If you still can't get your arms in, remove the right front wheel and go in through the wheel opening.
PITA no matter how you approach it. I found it best to go up from underneath in from behind the oil filter with the plug socket/wrench method. A bit slow and tedious, but you don't risk tearing the unobtanium fenderwell seals by removing the plastic christmas tree pins that hold them on. Because you'd have to remove it to get access through the wheel well. You can do that, but it's just added time. The seals mount differently and more rigidly than the older versions. You'll see what I'm talking about once you get in there. Impossible? No. But for me, it's always been easier by getting the car in the air and reaching up behind the engine. Sounds stupid, but it can be done. I can do it on an 80s Cutlass. Can't see why you can't get it done that way on yours.
I've had five of these cars (including three currently) and I've been able to get them all from the top. A flex-head ratchet and a selection of different length extensions helps a lot. The #2 plug under the A.I.R. pump is the worst. I've found that I have to encircle the pump with my right arm going under it from the front and my left arm going in from behind under the diverter valve. You have to do that one by feel. The other trick is to use a length of vacuum hose over the end of the new plug to get it started in the threads.
I will say the same as everyone else. Looks about the same under the hood as my Wife's 84 Riviera and I dont remember having a terrible problem getting to any of them.
It's tight, but frankly I haven't had a problem. If you still can't get your arms in, remove the right front wheel and go in through the wheel opening.
That's how I did it when I use to work in a mechanic shop but I dont remove the wheel. I use a 3 foot extension with a spark plug socket with a swivel. On the very last spark plug by the A/C box, I have a spark plug socket and at the end I can use a box end wrench on it and use my fingers to screw out the spark plug.
