How the heck are you supposed to get the front 2 plugs out without removing the pump? Will an offset open ended 5/8 wrench get deep enough?

 

don't fight it. Just take the a/c compressor off. its not worth the grief trying to work around it.

 

Do you mean the A/C compressor?

If so, you need to unbolt it from its mounting points and gently set aside leaving the A/C hoses attached. Then you'll be able to access the front spark plugs.

 

Yeah I meant the ac compressor... what a pain.

 

Welcome to the pure joy of V12 ownership.

It is a love affair very few survive and remain sane.

 

This might help. This tool has got me out of a few jams.
Hf tool sku# 98484


https://m.harborfreight.com/t-bar-with-3-8-eighth-inch-flexible-ratchet-98484.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

 

It's quicker and easier to removed the AC compressor than to fight the plugs. Trust me! Been, there, done it.

 

Look at it this way, at least you'll save yourself $500 getting a Shop to change the Spark Plugs for you.



Changing the Spark Plugs on a V12 is almost a 'rite of passage' Once you've got that Air Con Pump out of the way.

 

It can be done. With a Sanden aircon compressor it is much easier. With the original compressor it is more difficult. There are a number of solutions that do not involve moving the compressor (which I for one did not want to do):

1. The JEC actually sell a special short plug socket than can be fiddled over the plug and undone with a tool from the side
2. In my own case I cut down a plug socket, that also had a hex on its exterior, just enough so it could be slipped over the plug without moving the compressor. The top of the plug was level with the top of the cut-down socket
3. Then I bent a large ring spanner that fitted the hex to just about 100 degrees, (instead of 180) which enabled me to put it over the cut-down socket with the other end of the spanner pointing upright.
4. Then, with a large lever on the upright, I turned the arrangement to loosen the plug.

FYI, I have done something similar with the throttle pedestal, bored holes in it so I can undo it easily once the capstan is undone. This makes the back 6 plugs a cinch.
If you would like a pic of the arrangement, I'll take one!
Greg

 

Mine with the Sanden conversion.

ALL spark plugs are simple on a cleaned out V, but the fact you can see the front 2 and actually use a "normal" socket arrangement on them, is a bonus.

 

It really was easy just unbolting the ac and tipping it forward... really the worst part is having to loosen and retighten the belt tensioner. I hate those things! I have everything out of the Vee since I'm redoing everything... I can't imagine trying to do all the plugs with everything crammed in it. I am however loving working on this car because of the challenge. Like a Stockholm syndrome sort of thing. Ha

 

i might need to get one of those sandens someday... I'm not even sure the ac works in mine... haven't had it running long enough to find out. I have a feeling it doesn't.

 

I'm just drowning in the wisdom of this statement. Coming from a complete non mechanic (me) to anyone else who may stumble across this thread in the future - remove the compressor.