That darn 3rd spark plug on the passenger side....

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johnnywiffer@aol.com - 16 Aug 2006 00:40 GMT

So I finally got the 3rd spark plug in the Hawk.

No, I didn't get it thru the passenger wheel well, although I DID
take off that wheel and TRY!! Unfortunately, I found that I had to be
MORE of a contortionist using THAT method than that of which I was
capable. So, I thot, I'm gonna take off the valve cover and/or the
heater. That spark plug IS goin' IN today!!

While I had the wheel off, I noticed that the brakes (at least on THAT
wheel) were almost new but the wheel cylinder boot had rust under
it...so it obviously needs a new cylinder (I guess 30 years is just too
long without an overhaul!) I slapped the wheel back on and just about
that time, my wife came out to bring me some icy water. It was so hot
today in San Antonio that it seemed I spent more time wiping the sweat
from my eyes than I spent working!

"Which one isn't going in?", she asked idly, as I guzzled the
water. "Oh, that one you can't see-ya gotta do it by feel," I
said, between slurps and dabbing my eyes. "I'm just afraid I'm
gonna cross thread it."

She slithered her hand down the space and looked away...."Well, I
think I could only get it about half way in", she said.

Sure enough, SHE HAD...Bless her little hands!! I couldn't believe
it but I tightened it up, attached the spark plug wires, split ends and
all and turned the engine over.

I had taken the gas tank to be cleaned but I had bought some gas a few
days ago (before the price went down from $2.86 to $2.79!) . I
didn't expect the fuel pump to work but I was ready with starter
fluid, just to see if MAAAAYBE.....you know....well, it didn't!

No spark. Took off the distributor cap-points not opening very far.
I had gotten a rotor, cap, points and condensor in Sacramento a couple
of years ago...but by this time, even in the shade, I was REALLY just
too hot and sweaty to continue.

Soooooo...I'm in here typing this. Gonna look for those parts and
maybe go back outside and battle the mosquitoes a little later. I
think this thing just MIGHT run!!

One thing, it has no throttle return spring. Dunno what length it
needs, nor where to attach it. Oh well, think of it as an
adventure....

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Grumpy AuContraire - 16 Aug 2006 02:35 GMT

> So I finally got the 3rd spark plug in the Hawk.
>
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
> needs, nor where to attach it. Oh well, think of it as an
> adventure....

Throttle return spring(s) should go from the bell crank to the valve
cover and from the carb linkage to a point near the radiator inlet
(Should be a bracket with hole(s) in it) on the engine block.

JT

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RoadRaceLark - 16 Aug 2006 02:41 GMT

> So I finally got the 3rd spark plug in the Hawk.
>
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
> needs, nor where to attach it. Oh well, think of it as an
> adventure....

> Just a little "shop short-cut"....next time you need to install a new sit of
> plugs, cut off about a 3 to 4 inch piece of 3/8 rubber fuel hose, push it down
> on the porcelin end of the plug. That allowes some flexibility, but stiff enough
> to turn and start the plug. It really works. Also the tool stores sell spark plug
> flex sockets that can work in some places. Hope this helps.
> Dan Miller

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Dave's Place - 16 Aug 2006 03:03 GMT

>Bless her little hands!!

Another good reason to marry a woman with little hands, eh, Calvin?

I remember you telling me what your grandpa told you.

Signature

Dave Lester
Dave's Place
Home of the Internationally Renowned Studebakers, 'Sheba and Goliath
See pictures at www.davesplaceinc.com

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Bill Glass - 16 Aug 2006 03:28 GMT

Where do you live, are there homes for sale? That is 87 cents less a gallon
than what I paid today
for gasing up the Hawk. That equates to almost an eleven dollar savings.

BG

> So I finally got the 3rd spark plug in the Hawk.
>
>(before the price went down from $2.86 to $2.79!) . I

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Grumpy AuContraire - 16 Aug 2006 17:00 GMT

I believe that he lives in good ol' San Antonio...

JT

> Where do you live, are there homes for sale? That is 87 cents less a gallon
> than what I paid today
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> >
> >(before the price went down from $2.86 to $2.79!) . I

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TomNoller - 16 Aug 2006 16:10 GMT

The V8s in my Stude's have all been fairly easy to get to (no Hawks) but I
can relate to the aggravation of replacing the plugs in a SBC in my '74
Avanti. Whoever engineered exhaust manifolds above the plugs never had to
change them.

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