So all round its clearly not rocket science but a nice tool is worthwhile if you want to spend the dosh....
meanwhile us cheapskates do it other ways....
Jonners
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.
Using Jon's rubber tube wouldn't worry me, and using the plug HT cap is cool, if it works reliably. And, I suppose, knowing such methods could be useful if I ever have to change a plug without benefit of my usual toolbox. But isn't it better to have the right tool (if it's cheap enough), rather than muck about with screwdrivers and such down the plug hole (which I bet is more than fun in poor light)? I'm not even certain about dropping the plugs down the hole when putting them back. I've always done it, and it's never gone wrong, but it still makes me cringe - just a bit.
Graham
The 16v Slant 4 engine is more fun than the 3.5 V8, because you mostly drive it on the upslope of the torque curve.
Factory 1977 TR7 Sprint FHC VVC 697S (Now all of, but still needs putting together)
B&Y 73 Dolomite Sprint UVB 274M (kids!)
1970 Maroon 13/60 Herald Convertable (wife's fun car).
So having bought a Long Magnetic Plug Socket for Sprint getting the plugs out and in is now much easier. However getting the leads back on is still tricky anybody got some tips making that easier too.
Steve Weblin - AKA vitessesteve
Current Cars - Latham F2, 69 Vitesse Mk2 Saloon since 1991 and a Sprint engined TR7. Have had several Dolomites over the years.
I have an old boot from a lead in my tool box; used upside down it is perfect for both removal and replacement of the plugs as enough protrudes the plug tube to tighten or loosen. I only need a socket for the final nip or initial untorquing.
dursley92 wrote:I bought one of the thin wall long magnetic plug spanners but it binds in the plug tube just before it reaches the plug, so I can't use it !
That is odd it works for me both on the original steel tubes and the replacement alloy ones.
Steve Weblin - AKA vitessesteve
Current Cars - Latham F2, 69 Vitesse Mk2 Saloon since 1991 and a Sprint engined TR7. Have had several Dolomites over the years.
Jon Tilson wrote:So all round its clearly not rocket science but a nice tool is worthwhile if you want to spend the dosh....
meanwhile us cheapskates do it other ways....