Hey there,

Im in the process of removing valve springs in my charger. its 1972 charger. Has a 440. automatic trans.
I have easy access to #7 & 8 spark plus. Having a much more difficult time getting to 3, 4, 5, and 6. It way tight to reach from the bottom. I definitely cannot squeeze my hand through the top between the body and the headers.
Here comes my problem. I managed to remove the spark plugs. I did it in a fashion where I wont be able to put anything back due to it being so tight. I used an air compressor to remove valve springs from 7 and 8. How can I gain better access to the rest of the spark plugs?
Is it unheard of to remove the headers to gain access? Special tools? Does anybody have any special tips or tricks they could share??

I thank you all in advance!!

Without seeing your set up it's hard to say but, I'll try. First off, I'm assuming you know that when looking at the front of the engine, the driver's side are cylinders 1, 3, 5, 7 and the passenger side is 2, 4, 6, 8. That is looking front to back. It shouldn't be necessary to remove the headers but, I suppose it's not unheard of. I used to have to remove number 2 + 4 spark plugs from underneath the car. I've used a spark plug socket and a 13/16 wrench to get to a few plugs, also used a 13/16 combination wrench by itself. I guess where I'm going with this is, there is no set way. You have to get creative. lol I can't imagine having to pull the headers every time you need to change the plugs. You might have to loosen the headers a bit and that may get you some wiggle room. I have a tight fit with headers on my 440. Number 7 is the worst one for me and I've even taken a ball peen hammer and dinged a tube or two for better clearance. Someone else here may have a better way. I wish you luck.

Oh definitely. I was afraid it was going to be that answer haha I much prefer a set way vs creative. Well, i guess ill need to figure out some interesting way. I thank you for you input and will give it a try.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pow-pow301155 Pretty pricey. Got mine several years ago for about half the price they are now . Works really well though.

Elmor hit a double bullseye

The tool also looks useful. I’ve done ok with common spark plug socket and a combo wrench. Think my cars have always had Hookers, it sure if header brand makes a difference as to access.

I've always used the plug socket and a 13/16 long box wrench too.

Plus, once loosened and for starting those plugs, I use the rubber fuel line
pushed onto the plug trick. RB-block/Hookers

Joe

over the 55+ years playing with cars, i have cut, hacked, bent, welded, and machined so many different sockets and wrenches for removing plugs on all kinds of applications, i have forgotten what most of those tools were used on.
if a guy finds him/her self in a "situation", don't be afraid to experiment with different "combinations". i have a couple of buckets of broken or junk tools i can sort through and cut up/bend/machine/weld or whatever it takes to do a particular job at hand. if my "creation" works, great ! if not, try again. lots of times [maybe most actually] it takes longer to create a tool than it does removing/installing whatever it was the tool was made for !
don't be afraid to use your mind or ask around. you can do it !