Spark Plugs and Ignition Wire Set

[73tiiDavidPA]

So bollocks.  I was prepping the 73tii for the 600 mile round-trip to The Vintage and hit a snag.  With work and my travel schedule, I've been maintenance limited this spring and kept things to a minimum : Oil, filter, and new plugs.  The oil and filter change went fine (though I always have trouble removing the filter).  I was very proud that I thought in advance to order shiny new plugs (NGK BP5ES).  I even bought a set of BP6ES to try out and as a back up set.  From what I've read on here, the BP5ES are the way to go.  Main reason for the new plugs was that last year, when the warm up regulator gave up the ghost I was running rich... like 9 mpg rich, and while I clean up the plugs, I figured they could use replacing.  Time was not on my side when ordering, so two-day Amazon came to my rescue (well sort of...).    

 

Well crap, little did I know there are two (or more, I don't know) sizes for the ignition plug wire ends. Seems that my ignition wires are for a skinny, almost threaded end spark plug.  The plugs I bought have totally different - larger ends.  Perhaps there is something that I'm missing?  I don't think so, and figure my options are :

 

1.  Put the old plugs back in (not my first choice)

2.  Buy new ignition wires.  Due to timing this would have to be done at an Advanced Auto or Napa store.  I need to replace them tomorrow, and be on the road Friday morning.  I'm not sure of the quality / what I should be looking for in ignition wires here - recommendations?  Will all they sell in these type of stores just be crap (perhaps Napa is not crap)?  

3.  Pull the ignition wire set from the '74tii project car.  These are of unknown (figure at least 10 years) vintage. Stealing from one car to make another run though does have the Rob Siegel appeal though.

 

I realize I should have take a photo of the cap, but forgot.  If you have any suggestions regards to options and replacing it the best option, then suggestions on ignition wires that would be great.  I would call one of the several excellent suppliers from this board, but once again, I really need them the same day.  

 

The old and the new

 

 

the skinny only plug ends

 

 

 

The wire (that do fit the plugs on the '74 project car

 

 

Cheers.    

[halboyles]

Unscrew the large ends off of the new spark plugs.  Underneath should be the smaller threaded end you need.

[grizzlebar]

Grab a set of pliers and unscrew the tips?

[Mike G]

Unscrew the end of your new plugs

[Carlc939]

The fat things should unscrew, leaving the threaded bits your looking for, they can be a bit tight so use pliers, don’t squeeze too hard though. I bought a pressed steel oil filter wrench, much cheaper than hazet, works good.


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[73tiiDavidPA]

Just now, halboyles said:

Unscrew the large ends off of the new spark plugs.  Underneath should be the smaller threaded end you need.

 

Ok, got it.  I was thinking that, but was afraid to sound dumb.  When I was out in the garage, I was too afraid to damage the plug, so I thought I'd refer to the wisdom and experience of the board.  And of course the board comes through!  

 

Thanks!

[flagoworld]

There's a version that does not screw off. Or at least that is what I was lead to believe by the marketing wanks over at Amazon. Hopefully you accidentally got the correct ones that do screw off!

[Carlc939]

Yeah well guess how we know that, now.
Yeah I think there are some that don’t unscrew.
Buy that damn oil filter wrench!


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[flagoworld]

Ever since someone here told me to stick a screwdriver through the oil filter thats what i’ve done... It’s a lot of fun destroying things that are getting trashed anyways ?

 

And an added bonus is it becomes really easy to remove with all that leverage...

[Conserv]

6 hours ago, flagoworld said:

Ever since someone here told me to stick a screwdriver through the oil filter thats what i’ve done... It’s a lot of fun destroying things that are getting trashed anyways ?

 

And an added bonus is it becomes really easy to remove with all that leverage...

 

I’ve used this method for decades, but was embarrassed to admit it as I figured I was the only ‘02 owner on earth using it.... ???

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

[irdave]

36 minutes ago, Conserv said:

 

I’ve used this method for decades, but was embarrassed to admit it as I figured I was the only ‘02 owner on earth using it.... ???

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

 

I did it once in a pinch.  It made a rather large mess.  I can usually get them off by hand if I have room, but with the new engine- no way, so filters and filter wrench...  Easy peasy- can't believe I waiting this long to buy the tool.

[73tiiDavidPA]

9 hours ago, Carlc939 said:

Buy that damn oil filter wrench!

 

2 hours ago, irdave said:

so filters and filter wrench...  Easy peasy- can't believe I waiting this long to buy the tool.

 

There seem to be many of them on the market / is there a recommended one or are they all pretty much the same?

 

I'm also think I should get a spark plug gap tool.  I'm not talking the gauge, an actual tool

 

https://www.amazon.com/STM-Spark-Plug-Gapper-Tool/dp/B075NRR233/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=spark+plug+gap+tool&pd_rd_i=B075NRR233&pd_rd_r=84b8c9b4-7b03-4de0-9606-fe4c61d3e6f6&pd_rd_w=5wVef&pd_rd_wg=mn1QC&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=RSPTA07XVHQK2G2HME25&qid=1558015152&s=automotive

 

[flagoworld]

The gap tool seems like a waste of money to me given how easy it is to gap with the $1 tools from o’reillys... Or your valve adjustment feeler gauges and a hard surface works too... “tap tap tap” ?

[jimk]

Just when I thought I had found the ultimate way to waste money, the plug gapping tool tops it.

[FunkyLaneO]

31 minutes ago, jimk said:

Just when I thought I had found the ultimate way to waste money, the plug gapping tool tops it.

This one haha.  $159!!!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006K8WEMI/ref=psdc_15708921_t4_B07PFC9X17