Author Topic: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.  (Read 6784 times)

Offline dodj

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #15 on: September 22, 2015 - 12:04:13 PM »
Slipped a 13/16 box end in and was able to get on and turn about 1/8th turn  Enough to loosen.  Slipped a tube over the tip and finally was able to,remove it. 
I find it easy to slip the spark plug socket over the plug, then get a box end wrench on the spark plug socket. I just removed all the plugs on my 440 in about ten minutes. I used the socket/wrench combination on cylinders 2, 3, 4 & 6.  :2cents:
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.




Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #16 on: September 22, 2015 - 10:20:26 PM »
Ok . Here is the latest.   #3. Plug is now installed!  I don't know about you other guys, but the combination of the headers, power steering hoses, dipstick tube, steering box.....I could not get the spark plug socket even on the plug.   Anyway, I jacked up the front of the car.  Put jack stands under the frame and went in from the underside.  I was able to align the plug with the hole  and ever so slightly turn the plug to get it started. I think I got lucky the way the threads lined up.  Was able to screw in and then was able to final tighten with a 13/16 open wrench.  The headers still presented a close situation but it's in tight.  Tomorrow put the tray and battery back in and see if my skip and sputtering is fixed.   If not then go for the fuel filter, the plugs needed changing anyway. 
Dave or David

Offline 734406pk

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #17 on: September 22, 2015 - 10:24:23 PM »
Congrats on a tough job completed! I hope the engine runs well after all of that!
1973 Challenger 440 6 pack auto 3.91 rear
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 6.7 Cummins Fleece EFI Live
1973 Challenger 318 2bbl auto 2.73 rear 22.5 mpg RIP
1970 Challenger TA 340 4bbl auto-Sold and sad
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 5.9 Cummins Fleece tuned VGT-sold
1995 Kawasaki ZX1100E & still alive

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #18 on: September 23, 2015 - 12:15:21 AM »
Ok . Here is the latest.   #3. Plug is now installed!  I don't know about you other guys, but the combination of the headers, power steering hoses, dipstick tube, steering box.....I could not get the spark plug socket even on the plug.   Anyway, I jacked up the front of the car.  Put jack stands under the frame and went in from the underside.  I was able to align the plug with the hole  and ever so slightly turn the plug to get it started. I think I got lucky the way the threads lined up.  Was able to screw in and then was able to final tighten with a 13/16 open wrench.  The headers still presented a close situation but it's in tight.  Tomorrow put the tray and battery back in and see if my skip and sputtering is fixed.   If not then go for the fuel filter, the plugs needed changing anyway.

plug wires and new distributor rotor also?
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline brads70

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #19 on: September 23, 2015 - 07:52:54 AM »
Ok . Here is the latest.   #3. Plug is now installed!  I don't know about you other guys, but the combination of the headers, power steering hoses, dipstick tube, steering box.....I could not get the spark plug socket even on the plug.   Anyway, I jacked up the front of the car.  Put jack stands under the frame and went in from the underside.  I was able to align the plug with the hole  and ever so slightly turn the plug to get it started. I think I got lucky the way the threads lined up.  Was able to screw in and then was able to final tighten with a 13/16 open wrench.  The headers still presented a close situation but it's in tight.  Tomorrow put the tray and battery back in and see if my skip and sputtering is fixed.   If not then go for the fuel filter, the plugs needed changing anyway.


Sounds like you might benefit from these? I use them on mine. 
http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Heat-Protector-Sleeve-Spark/dp/B001TOSRQK
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline DocMel

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #20 on: September 23, 2015 - 07:15:47 PM »
71 Cuda w/4 speed, PS, coated Headmans.  I dont have a prob with the passenger side, but #2 takes a little finagling, as does 4 and 6:  Going from the bottom was the answer for me with an open end wrench and turning a little at a time

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #21 on: September 23, 2015 - 07:50:44 PM »
dip stick is an easy move
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline brads70

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #22 on: September 23, 2015 - 08:01:35 PM »
71 Cuda w/4 speed, PS, coated Headmans.  I dont have a prob with the passenger side, but #2 takes a little finagling, as does 4 and 6:  Going from the bottom was the answer for me with an open end wrench and turning a little at a time

 :iagree: 4 and 6 are the worst for me! I have to jack up the car and go from underneath too.   :pullinghair:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #23 on: September 23, 2015 - 10:53:17 PM »
Ok. Next installment of the ongoing story.   Had time to  put the battery back in this afternoon.  Was sort of difficult to crank, more than usual.  Didn't want to idle well.  Pulled her out of the garage, warmed up a little, smelled different exhaust.,,  not a rich smell, sort of a burnt smell.  Ok. Took her out the street, same skipping,sputtering as before.   I think I have bad gas and the car does too!   :bigsmile:   Anyway, any suggestions as to the next step?  There is about 2/3 tank right now.  She seems to run sort of ok as slow, moderate speed , but has definite trouble past 1/2 throttle.  I can cruise, but no  fun. .
Dave or David

Offline Strawdawg

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #24 on: September 24, 2015 - 11:47:01 AM »
did it run this way before you changed plugs?

Offline 734406pk

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #25 on: September 24, 2015 - 06:37:06 PM »
Double check you firing order since the plug change. It's easy to cross a couple of wires.
1973 Challenger 440 6 pack auto 3.91 rear
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 6.7 Cummins Fleece EFI Live
1973 Challenger 318 2bbl auto 2.73 rear 22.5 mpg RIP
1970 Challenger TA 340 4bbl auto-Sold and sad
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 5.9 Cummins Fleece tuned VGT-sold
1995 Kawasaki ZX1100E & still alive

Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #26 on: September 24, 2015 - 08:39:34 PM »
did it run this way before you changed plugs?
p

I,had a little misfire along but the  4 barrel would overcome that hesitation.  Now  the 4 barrel is way out there. 


That's why I thought the plugs were bad.   They had been since I put them in in 2007. Allexcept #3.   I did not change that one then.

Double check you firing order since the plug change. It's easy to cross a couple of wires.


I tried to only pull the wires as I changed each plug.  I don't think I crosses any but I will check.  Thanks guys.
Dave or David