Spark plugs removal

Discussion of the Aerovee kit engine.

Spark plugs removal

Postby Robin Hou » Sat Apr 16, 2016 11:42 am

I am removing my plugs next week for inspection. This is my first on my new-to-me Sonerai with AeroVee 2.0. The access to plugs are very tight.

Previous owner said I need to remove intake to get access to rear top plugs. I ordered spacers from AeriConversion, so I will install them to provide better access in the future.

However, the bottom plugs do not look accessable without damaging the valve push rod tubes.

What kind of tools do you use to R&R spark plugs on your AeroVee? Any pointer is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Robin Hou
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Re: Spark plugs removal

Postby mike.smith » Sat Apr 16, 2016 5:46 pm

I have always had to remove the intakes to get to the upper plugs. One suggestion I have not been able to try yet is to start them out with a plug wrench, then use a length of rubber hose to go over the plugs and finish rotating them out. The bottom ones are completely accessible without removing anything. Those are the easy ones. So those are the ones I go to when doing a leak down test. For a plug wrench I have the kind that is made of thin sheet metal and has a removable tee handle. When you reinstall plugs DO use anti-seize on the threads. And if you feel ANY resistance on the plugs as you screw them in, STOP, remove the plug and try again. You really have to get them centered up, and they need to go in with little resistance or you are cross threading them for sure. There have been times where I had to try a dozen times to get them to go in properly, but in 2 years and many plug removals I have not stripped the plug holes. And my personal opinion is to not torque them to specs. I have snapped the insulator doing that and then it's a nightmare getting the plug body out. Just snug them down and you won't have any issues. The VW dune buggy guys say the same thing.
Mike Smith
Sonex N439M
Scratch built, AeroVee, Dual stick, Tail dragger
http://www.mykitlog.com/mikesmith
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Re: Spark plugs removal

Postby kmacht » Sat Apr 16, 2016 5:50 pm

The bottom ones are completely accessible. The pushrod tubes won't be in the way. Just use a deep well socket with a 6 inch extension. For the upper ones you can pull them without removing the intakes. You just need to either buy a thin wall socket or grind down the outside of a regular one. I'm not sure those spacers are going to work for you. I thought they were only if you had a certain manufacture head (mofoco vs cb performance?) If you raise the intake up you will also have to cut higher holes for where it passes through the fence baffle and also do something about the bracket on the bottom of the intake where it connects to the case bolt as that will be too high as well. It can be done but grinding down a socket is alot easier if you already have a built up engine.

Keith
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