Spark Plug Access

[kwoolard]

1999 Sea Pro 235WA Cuddy Cabin - 5.7L Mercruiser - Alpha Gen II

I have changed the spark plugs in this boat about 2 years ago when I was converting my cooling system to closed cooling. The exhaust manifolds were off at that point.

Now trying to check the plugs and what a pain in the *****. I don't have but about 3 inches between the exhaust mainfold and the engine compartment and my engine sits pretty low in the boat compared to the floor. Are there any tricks to removing the spark plugs or am I going to be forced to drain the cooling system and remove the exhaust manifolds everytime I want to check the plugs?

Anybody have any tricks up their sleeve?

I was able to get to the number 5 plug located at the front of the engine, but what a job it was getting it back in......like trying to thread a needle in the dark!!

That particular plug had some dry carbon soot on it, what I expected because my idle mixture was set a little too rich. Will this burn off running at high rpms or do I need to remove them all and clean them?

Thanks!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Spark Plug Access

I have a similar problem with my 3.7, little room between the coolant reservoir and the plugs. I use a plug socket with a hex top. Slip the socket over the plug and use an open end or box wrench on it. If the socket is too long, you could probably cut it down some and let the plug tip stick out of the socket hole. You are right, gettin em out as a lot easier than putting them back in. Good luck!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark Plug Access

A short piece of fuel hose helps getting them back in.
You can also get a cheap T handle plug wrench at most auto parts stores.
I have good luck with a socket ground down like this,

 

[ryendube]

Re: Spark Plug Access

I feel your pain, 6' 240lbs here and theres aboat a 5" clearance around my 5.7 merc....


Old spark plug wire I cut the boot off and use it to thread the splugs in.

I also have hose clamped a screwdriver to a boot as a handle. works great.

have used a piece of metal tube clamped to it so I can bend giving me differnt angles to reach with.

you can also use a piece of hose like mentioned above but I find the boot gives you a lil more meat to hold on too.


Ive also shortened and slotted a socket so you can slide it sideways onto the spark plug . ie cut a 1/4 of the socket so its like a hose fitting wrench 5 sided. works great

 

[cr2k]

Re: Spark Plug Access

Another helpful tool is a deep offset box end wrench that will go deep enough to reach the hex on the plugs.

 

[mkast]

Re: Spark Plug Access

Another helpful tool is a deep offset box end wrench that will go deep enough to reach the hex on the plugs.

Post a picture of this item please. I haven't asked about swinging this item around the engine cylinder head/exhaust manifold,.....yet.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Spark Plug Access

Don't pull your manifolds just to change plugs. That will just give you extra work, especially if you break a plug while putting the manifolds back on. I think you can figure out how I know that one. Anyway, a length of rubber hose helps start the plugs in their holes. Extensions and universal joints help. I have a spark plug socket with a built-in universal joint. I use it and an extension and a second universal to pull the plugs and to put them back. The wires themselves are an additional problem. Some of these boat designers should have their fingers and backs smacked so we don't have to have that happen to ours. Good luck. Hy

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Spark Plug Access

I've seen those low/zero clearance engines and feel for you guys.