Access Fiero Front Spark Plugs (Page 2/4)
olejoedad OCT 06, 07:55 AM
After blowing out debris and soaking the plugs, use a pick to loosen the buildup around the plug hex and repeat the compressed air blowout of debris and the penetrating oil.
Repeat this cycle until the plug recesses in the head are free of all debris and a spark plug socket can fully engage the hex.

Remove the air inlet tube to the throttle body and access the front bank by reaching your left arm into the space below the rear window from the driver side. There is plenty of room for your arm and the ratchet, a short extension and the plug socket.

I have removed several sets of frozen and corroded plugs this way. Just take your time and be sure the socket is completely seated around the plug hex and fully seated into the plug recess.
claude dalpe OCT 06, 09:45 AM
I no longer use the original R 42 TS spark plugs I use the AC delco 41 809 because the shells are stainless steel and it does not rust for years and no problem with the ignition.

[This message has been edited by claude dalpe (edited 10-06-2021).]

Dennis LaGrua OCT 06, 09:58 AM
This is what the pros use
It is an engine tilter made by Lisle.


You remove the two dogbone bolts, replace it with this tool and just tighten it to move the engine rearward. It provides quite a bit of working space to replace the plugs.

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 10-13-2021).]

pmbrunelle OCT 06, 07:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by claude dalpe:

I no longer use the original R 42 TS spark plugs I use the AC delco 41 809 because the shells are stainless steel and it does not rust for years and no problem with the ignition.






That's a good find.

For now, my car works with the R42TS, so I think I will stay with those, but it's a good suggestion in general.
Patrick OCT 06, 09:04 PM

Applying copper anti-seize on the spark plug threads does the trick for me. And then dielectric grease in the spark plug boots.
peterh OCT 07, 08:24 PM
Do you have a part # of the tool. I see KD tools was taken over by Gearwrench and I could not find it on their site.
ArthurPeale OCT 07, 11:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


You might want to check out the solution used in This thread for a very similar spark plug problem.






That's me! Yep, plug #5, the hex was gone, it was rounded off. The extractor had it out in about two minutes.
claude dalpe OCT 08, 10:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


Applying copper anti-seize on the spark plug threads does the trick for me. And then dielectric grease in the spark plug boots.



But this does not prevent to solve the problem with Stripped spark plug hex by rust ! Here is why I use the AC Delco 41-809
Blacktree OCT 08, 11:47 AM
Cutting holes in the firewall doesn't sound great to me.

That said, I was able to use a bar clamp to pull the engine away from the firewall. I removed the dogbone mount, and reinstalled the mount bolt. Then I used the bar clamp between that bolt and the trunk wall.
Patrick OCT 08, 12:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by claude dalpe:

But this does not prevent to solve the problem with Stripped spark plug hex by rust ! Here is why I use the AC Delco 41-809



Yes and no. Rusted plugs probably get rounded due to the fact that the threads have corroded and stuck in the head making the plug very difficult to remove. Using copper anti-seize on the threads will prevent that from occurring. In the very unusual situation where the spark plug hex does become rounded, then a proven solution was posted Here.

Those stainless steel spark plugs are very nice, but no doubt overkill for the vast majority of Fiero owners.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-08-2021).]