Changing Spark Plugs in a 440.

[dodj]

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. 

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

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. 

[734406pk]

Congrats on a tough job completed! I hope the engine runs well after all of that!

[cudabob496]

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?

[brads70]

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

[DocMel]

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

[cudabob496]

dip stick is an easy move

[brads70]

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

  4 and 6 are the worst for me! I have to jack up the car and go from underneath too.   

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

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!      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. .

[Strawdawg]

did it run this way before you changed plugs?

[734406pk]

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

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

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.