ok so first I have to admit im getting my feet wet in this whole working on cars stuff I know the basics
I recently purchased a 67 xr7 with a 289 its been sitting for 5 years and was wasting away anyway I changed the passenger side plugs just fine but went to change the drivers side and well the 13/16th socket wont fit is there a trick to it or do I need to remove the exhaust manifold to replace the spark plugs? help would be greatly appreciated
thank you in advance
Try using a spark plug socket instead of a regular socket. There are two size sockets go for the larger size.
The cheaper brands of spark plug socket (Harbor Freight, Kobalt etc) are too thick because they are made of inferior quality steel. You may have to find an older real American made socket either used at a local pawn shop or on eBay. There are very few modern sockets that will fit. Matco, Cornwell, MAC and Snap On brands are still available if you have a tool truck coming to a business near you.
If you can find a USA made Craftsman spark plug socket, that should also fit. In a 1970 with a 351W (taller deck height version of your 289) I could always manage with only 1 or 2 “&%$&%$^#” words. The last plug on that side is a bit tight if you have a brake booster, so I would do 1 that last.
I haven’t checked out what Lowe’s is selling yet after they took the Craftsman line, but you do have to be careful. Not sure how many Sear’s are still open near you, but the last time I went in one they were pretty bare and more are closing every time you look…
thank you for all your responses I will look into all those sources the plugs that are currently in there are autolite brand so im sure they were changed at one time I did try a spark plug socket but it was an off brand I guess that’s what you get for buying cheap crap I was beging to wonder if the exhaust manifold was stock or not but the theory of the cheaper brand sockets make sense being the thicker sidewalls of the socket
I have on last question for all of you Did the xr7 in 67 come with dual exhaust or single ? the car is all original to the best of my knowledge im the 3rd owner of it so im trying to make sure its unmolested lol
An XR7 could have come with either dual or single exhaust. The XR7 is really just an interior improvement package (leather seats, overhead console, woodgrain dash, etc). The original exhaust was dictated by powertrain options. A 390 GT car, for example, would have come with dual exhaust from the factory. I believe that dual exhaust could also be ordered on other engines but I’m not certain.