i can't seem to fit a spark plug socket over my #4 plug on the driver's side (the one furthest back).

it has headers on it and i think they may be the culprit. i am forced to half-*** tighten it with pliers and it always comes loose after a while.

is there something i could buy to fit over this plug in such a tight spot or should i get physical with the situation and grind the header flange?

i have seen something in a book sometime that would work, but stupidly i forgot where i saw it and what it was called.

help please.

 

WHen i had the seals replaced in the motor on my truck (it has headers too) the mechanic said he had to unbolt the header to replace the spark plug, but a grinder to the flange might help some. Try using a swivel on your socket.

 

Maybe you could buy a sparkplug with a short insulator for the #4 hole?

I have seen this done.... see if you can get a socket on the plug if you break the old one off..... then you will know...

 

Damn... post and repost...

You might want to see if a plug with a short insulator may be available, and/or workable...

I have seen this solution used in a magazine article...

 

Use a mirror and a flashlight to look in there and see what the problem is. Since it's only one cylinder, it's probably a bit of the gasket hanging down. You can shave that off with a razor knife.

If it is the header flange, You'll have to pull it off and grind it down a little. Be sure to mark the area carefully before removing the header.