In a message dated 9/30/99 2:56:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
mwalter@luminet.net writes:
<< Bought some new spark plugs for my '79 Midget. Question. Do I have to move
the alternator to get to the #1 plug? Is it easy to get to the bolts, or,
as someone asked, is one of the radiator hoses in the way? Please, no flame
about looking at it first. I'm at work and the question came into my mind.
Has anyone thought of making a ratching box-end wrench (they have them now)
that would be about a inch deep? Use this to get at spark plugs where a
ratchet/deep socket won't fit? >>
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That was me who had to remove the radiator hose to move the alternator to
remove plug #1. I was in a hurry to get the car on the road for my first
drive, and rather than spend time looking for the perfect wrench and getting
my hands all smooched (is that a word?) in there, it was easier and quicker
to just take off the top hose.
If your fan belt allows enough room to get a spark plug socket on the plug
without moving the alternator, you may be able to turn the socket with an
open or box end wrench instead of the socket wrench. I could, in no way, get
a socket onto the plug.
I will be looking for a slightly longer fan belt before my next tune up.
That will allow the alternator to sit low enough to get a socket on the plug.
I looked at several Spitfidgets at the Moss Fest in NJ, and they all had the
alternator sitting lower than mine.
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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