Author Topic: Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428  (Read 3171 times)

Offline 351tony

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 15
Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428
« on: October 04, 2012, 05:42:43 PM »
G,Day
We need a simple way of removing a set of spark plug from an FE 428
The FE is still sitting in engine bay.
This FE has smog equipment still attached.
Cheers Tony.
5T09A  GT 4spd Built 7/13/65
9T02R  SCJ 4spd Built 3/25/69

Offline Brian Conway

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1623
Re: Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2012, 09:55:43 PM »
G,Day Tony.  I don't have any smog equipment on my car and it is still a bit of a chore.  I don't even start with the plugs until I have removed the valve covers.  A swivel plug socket, patience and an extension are the tools that I use.  Brian
5RO9A GT  4 Spd Built 5/29/65
9TO2R SCJ 4 Spd Built 9/19/68
Owner Driver Mechanic
San Diego, Ca.

Offline cobrajetchris

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 335
Re: Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2012, 12:14:23 PM »
 The easiest way I have found to remove the plugs from an FE MUSTANG is remove the smog tubes, & the valve covers like BRIAN mentioned and it's not that bad of a job. You will most likely need to buy a set of valve cover gaskets but they probably leak anyway as FORD went cheap and used only 5 bolts to hold the valve covers on and should be more like  8. You can try to remove the plugs without removing these parts but your in for a EXTREMELY frustrating job. There is 2 things I have always been jealous of the CAMARO that FORD should have done: Subframe the car instead of unibody rails and aprons that are weak, rust out, and make it very hard to work on if you have a big block. The other is integral power steering instead of the junk power assist with so much hardware and a not as positive steering. I know I am getting off thread here but I have fought these items on 69-70 MUSTANGS for years. If the 69 MUSTANG was not so damn good looking I would probably own a big block CAMARO!  ;)
CHRIS KNOBBE
69 MUSTANG COUPE, DEARBORN BUILT 06/10/69 OWNED SINCE 1978
70 BOSS 302 MUSTANG, DEARBORN BUILT 10/24/69 OWNED SINCE 1987
69 R CODE MACH1 AUTO, DEARBORN BUILT 10/10/68 OWNED SINCE 2006
69 R CODE MACH1 4 SPEED (factory black) SAN JOSE BUILT 12/30/68 OWNED SINCE 2007

Offline Bob Gaines

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 8956
Re: Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2012, 01:30:50 AM »
G,Day Tony.  I don't have any smog equipment on my car and it is still a bit of a chore.  I don't even start with the plugs until I have removed the valve covers.  A swivel plug socket, patience and an extension are the tools that I use.  Brian
+1 . This is the way regardless of smog tubes installed or not.
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline 351tony

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 15
Re: Spark plug removal on a 1969 FE 428
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2012, 03:03:08 AM »
G,Day Brian,Chris,Bob

Thanks for your thoughts and methods on spark plug removal.
Cheers Tony.
5T09A  GT 4spd Built 7/13/65
9T02R  SCJ 4spd Built 3/25/69