Need S/Plug Wrench For Aluminum Heads?

[77 350 Shorty Wide]

Hi guys, I'm installing a set of new aluminum heads on my 350. This is the first set of aluminums I've ever used. Here's a problem I have encountered. When I went to install the spark plugs my wrench won't fit between the heads and the plug. What are you all using.

Here is what I've got.
Brand New Patriot Style Heads: Brand new Hooker Super Comp 1 & 3/4 tuned headers, using Brand New Accel Header S/plugs.
The recessed area around the plugs is to tight to let my 5/8 swivel S/plug socket to seat over the hex of the plug .

Thanks in advance for any help and Gods Bless, Terry

[Zoomad75]

Are they angle plug heads? I havent run accross a set of sbc heads I couldn't get a plug socket on. Are you saying that the socket wall is too thick? It could be something with the Accel header plugs as they are shorter than normal for extra clearance. You might see if some standard plugs will fit without having clearance problems with the headers. I run standard plugs with my headers with no problems with the plug access or standard plug socket fitting.

One tip though, make sure you use anti-sieze on the threads of the plugs before you put them in the heads. Without it you might have a really hard time removing them after they have been used for a while. Might even ruin the threads if they get stuck. Anti-sieze is cheap insurance to make sure the plugs come back out again.

[77 350 Shorty Wide]

Yes I believe the socket wall is too thick. They are straight plug and yes I did use antiseize. Again thanks for the reply, Terry

[hiway]

New to me...might try a regular deep 5/8" socket. Call patroit even. I've used Autolite 3925 or something like that in alum. heads with good results. They have a raised seating area and it keeps the socket from sliding on "past" the nut area. A shoulder sort-a-speak.

[PhilaTruck]

Might try an open-end wrench.

[JMac11]

LOL Just had this problem, the Patriot heads with the recommended plugs collide with the header, are hard to install and overall agravating. We took a 12 point 1/2 drive Craftsman socket, ground the end to where a 3/4 open end fit it, combined with massaging a new set of Hooker Comps. Hope they are worth the effort, will be trying the Accell plugs next.

[77 350 Shorty Wide]

No way an open end wrench will work. The hex nut on the s/plug fits inside of the recessed area of the head which surrounds the s/plug hole and it doesn't protude far enough outside of it to get any kind of wrench on it, the only way is to use a socket. A socket that has a very thin wall. The problem with my socket is it's too thick walled to work. I was hoping that some one knew of a brand that had a thin enough wall to work.

As for the clearance with the headers... there seems to be plenty of room with the header type spark plugs, if I could just get a socket to fit... I would be in like flynn.

Come on guys someone has to have an answer for this problem!!!

God Bless, Terry

[beaterC10]

You might try a Snap-on socket. I have both Craftsman and Snap-on and typically the wall thickness is thinner on the Snap-on.

[boxrodz]

I've had a similar problem on a different application where the socket wouldn't fit inside the access hole. Instead of ruining a good quality socket, I bought a cheap socket and grinded down the wall of the socket until it fit the access hole. The wall had enough material left to provide enough strength to remove the nut.

[77 350 Shorty Wide]

Problem solved, found a thinner walled splug plug socket at the parts store.
Thanks again guys for all the ideas & help. God Bless you all, Terry