1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

[bingshmo]

How do you get past the exhaust manifolds to remove the 2 front spark plugs (1 on each side)?

1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+

 

[dubs283]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

5/8" spark plug socket and any extention needed

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Obviously dubs hasn't run into the problem.
Make a spark plug socket like this.

There are some spark plug manufacturers, like champion that the plug is even longer than normal. Break them off to make the removal easier, then use the proper AC or NGK spark plug that is shorter, and the socket will work perfectly to clear the rounded manifolds they had back then.

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

I read 86, sorry about that.
Remove the hose from the manifold.

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

It doesnt deem to be the hose but the hose fitting thats part of the manifold. Are you sure removing the hose is my only obstruction?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

It doesnt deem to be the hose but the hose fitting thats part of the manifold. Are you sure removing the hose is my only obstruction?

Hard to say, can't see it.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

The exhaust manifolds on my 5.7 intrude on the space a normal socket would go. I bet you have the same issue as me. Hopefully you have a grinding wheel near where you work on the boat. Grind down the hex end of the socket til a plug just fits up to the hex, you are making the socket shallower. Then remove the shoulder of the socket near the drive end til it fits into the space. You end up with a tapered socket that looks like a cone with a flat end where the drive goes.
I still break the porcelain on plugs on one hole sometimes, I need to thin down my socket some more!
Here is a link...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=405677&highlight=Spark+Plug+socket

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Ok Don S.. Figured it was one of those "you seen one, you seen em all" scenarios. Guess not. Pretty sure mines in the stock configuration and anyone changing plugs on there vortec engine must run into this same situation.
Any body???

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Sometimes one of these really help too.About any auto parts stores have them,

http://www.google.com/products/cata...nJBYTk2ATgwZjODg&sa=title&ved=0CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Thanks for trying to help NHGuy... However my motor is of the newer Vortec head generation. The plug angles are different then the old ones. I had no clearance problem removing the back 4 plugs with a standard 5/8 socket. The issue is with the exhaust manifolds water inlet or outlet hoses (not sure which they actually are) and there fittings going into the manifold. On the front 2 plugs (1 on each side) these hose fittings are directly on top of the spark plug. So close in fact you cant even get the plug wire off without squishing it.
Anybody dealt with this? Is it just the 4.3 v6? I would assume the v8 would be the same.

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

I cant find any posts directly related anywhere. And so far no one here seems to have had the same experience. It's not a side clearance issue as with older engines where you can thin down a socket. It is a directly over the top of the plug interference. Seems like I am the one missing something here. Gonna start with a fresh and un frustrated look at it tomorrow.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

I have had a couple engines where it was faster taking the exhaust manifolds off...I know you don't want to hear that..

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

You may be right Gary. I cant believe you would have to do that just to do a tune up. But I am curious as to the amount of internal corrosion and the gasket conditions anyways.
I am new to I/O's and I cant believe how hard it is to get into this boats engine compartment and work on it! No dog house to remove for full access. Just a hatch over top. Shessh!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Well sometimes its eaiser to just modify your dog house or sundeck seat setup...make them or it a quick disconnect system...Six or eight nuts..impact wrench and poof instant access...Didnt take me long to figure that out...Ive busted to many knuckles in the early gm cars...Thats never going to happen to me again..

 

[bingshmo]

Re: 1996 vortec 4.3 mercruiser lxh gen+ spark plug removal?

Thanks tail gunner, but my boats engine sits below the floor level. No seat or dog house to remove to gain better access. Just a hatch on the rear deck to open and get down in. Its a real pain to work on this boat. Gotta be a real small young buck to get into this thing. My back is already killing me!

I did remove the exhaust manifolds today to gain clear unobstructed access to the front plugs in question. Heavy suckers. A real pain!!

 

[Markdf63]

Good morning all. New to forum. Just purchased a 1995 2050 SS bayliner with a 2003 4.3L installed. Dog house walls are fixed. Having MAJOR difficulty getting to plugs. Modified socket is best bet? It's really unbelievable how difficult it is.