Author Topic: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.  (Read 6764 times)

Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« on: September 19, 2015 - 07:32:28 PM »
Why don't engineers  try to make it a little easier to change plugs?  I know headers are somewhat in the way, but the 2 at the steering box  :pullinghair: :pullinghair: :pullinghair:are  impossible.  I have some skipping going on, misfiring, coughing and such.  I thought I would start at the plugs first.  Now to see how to get  those 2 out.⁉️
Dave or David




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2015 - 08:36:23 PM »
Simple up grade , install a Hemi !No issues with plug access !!
 I will still take changing plugs in a 440 over working on a lot of newer cars where changing a simple fan belt can be nearly impossible .
 Try sliding the socket on & using a wrench on the socket

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline 734406pk

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2015 - 08:37:36 PM »
Try a 13/16" box wrench, may be a short one or a 13/16" spark plug socket with a hex on top that you can get a wrench onto. Getting new plugs back in is even harder. Use a piece of 3/8" fuel hose to start the plug into the threads in the head and then tighten with a wrench/socket. Put a small dot of spark plug anti seize on the threads (only) of the new plugs to keep them from rusting into the head. Good luck!
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 #3 on: September 20, 2015 - 12:47:39 AM »
sometimes you gotta modify your existing tools
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 DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2015 - 08:15:41 PM »
Well, had some success today. Got 2,4,6,8,1,5,7 changed out.  On the passenger side, leave # 2 out until you replace # 4.  #6 & 8 straight forward.  #5 & 7 a little more difficult.  #1 changed , easier to get to from the front.  Leave # 1 out and can feel #3.  That's about it.  7 changed , one left.   Tried socket, wrench, no luck yet.  Can you get to that one from underneath the car?  Ran out of time today....
Dave or David

Offline Topcat

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2015 - 08:22:28 PM »
sometimes you gotta modify your existing tools

 :iagree:

Ever try changing a number 7 spark plug on a Hemi with a brake booster?
You have to get very creative.

Once I have the plug loosened, I use a flexable extention on a deep well socket with a rubber insert to hold the spark plug as I remove it. Number 7 can take up to a half hour to extract sometimes.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2015 - 08:24:03 PM by Topcat »
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline 67vertman

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2015 - 08:41:10 PM »
I use one of those T-Handle spark plug tools. plus I remove the battery and box, to get more elbow room.



Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2015 - 09:03:23 PM »
have cut a 90 degree swath out of a box wrench circle to get to a bolt.

also, for one plug, had to cut about 5 inch off of a box wrench handle, to get in there.
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 DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #8 on: September 20, 2015 - 10:11:52 PM »
I use one of those T-Handle spark plug tools. plus I remove the battery and box, to get more elbow room.

While I was working on #1, and feeling #3,  I also concluded that if the battery and tray were out of the way, I would have a little more access to #3.  That is for the next time.  Which may be tomorrow, depends how on the weather.   Thanks guys for all the  Info.
Dave or David

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #9 on: September 21, 2015 - 12:25:55 AM »
I'd put battery in trunk
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 DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2015 - 07:50:00 PM »
Ok. Removed the battery and tray.  Made for better  elbow room as suggested. Moved the wire  holder placed a flashlight in the lower part of the engine bay and could actually see the plug plainly.  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.  Have yet to get the new one in!  Will try tomorrow to jack up the car and see if I can get from underneath.  Even had the wife try with her small hands....no luck..  :hyper:
Dave or David

Offline 734406pk

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #11 on: September 21, 2015 - 08:01:03 PM »
What brand of headers do you have? Spark plug access sounds terrible! I'm running Heddman's and although not easy, it's not that bad.
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 #12 on: September 21, 2015 - 10:13:09 PM »
The headers were on the engine when I bought the car.  I really have no idea what brand they are.  I just know #3 is a PITA.  Excuse my French!
Dave or David

Offline 734406pk

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Re: Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.
« Reply #13 on: September 21, 2015 - 11:32:01 PM »
Ok , maybe Hooker headers or something like that. When it's time to replace them, you will know what not to get. Plug change should not be this difficult.
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 #14 on: September 22, 2015 - 11:49:59 AM »
I think it is a combination of the headers and the sterring box.........with all the tubes for the power steering...........and the dipstick..........still.... :working:
Dave or David