HEMI SPARK PLUG TUBES

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Ok, where to start? I had a valve cover mishap, so I got another cover (aft mrkt I'm sure). Both chrome, not that, that should make a difference. I cant get the plug tubes to seat all the way down on the head. Both old an new cover "look " the same, dimension's wise. Have had the tubes in an out w the old cover previously-never an issue. At first I thought gasket issue, but old an new gaskets were .250. Current gasket set Felpro 1629, dont remember what I used previously. I found I had an issue when trying to install the plugs - plugs wont thread properly, already F up one plug in the process. (take tubes out for testing plugs, thread to head just fine). I made a "custom" gap checker tool out of an old coat hanger. Sure as ****, a gap between the bottom of the tube an the head. Always used a soft blow hammer to seat the tubes, I dont wanna beat them to death. I'm reusing the tube seals as they look good (should be easier??). I'm afraid to torque the gaskets to hard (distortion/leaks?). I do have an old ROCKET cork gasket that is thinner, but - not an issue previously - plus this is in my Chally not my GTX (of course its the one on the pass side). Clearance is minimal at best, I really dont wanna pull things apart again. GRRRRRRR My hair is grey enough, (BIGS you dumazz) what the H am I missing/forgetting??? THANKS

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Ok, where to start? I had a valve cover mishap, so I got another cover (aft mrkt I'm sure). Both chrome, not that, that should make a difference. I cant get the plug tubes to seat all the way down on the head. Both old a new cover "look " the same, dimension's wise. Have had the tubes in an out w the old cover previously-never an issue. At first I thought gasket issue, but old a new gaskets were .250. Current gasket set Felpro 1629, dont remember what I used previously. I found I had an issue when trying to install the plugs - plugs wont thread properly, already F up one plug in the process. (take tubes out for testing plugs, thread to head just fine). I made a "custom" gap checker tool out of an old coat hanger. Sure as ****, a gap between the bottom of the tube a the head. Always used a soft blow hammer to seat the tubes, I dont wanna beat them to death. I'm reusing the tube seals as they look good (should be easier??). I'm afraid to torque the gaskets to hard (distortion/leaks?). I do have an old ROCKET cork gasket that is thinner, but - not an issue previously - plus this is in my Chally not my GTX (of course its the one on the pass side). Clearance is minimal at best, I really dont wanna pull things apart again. GRRRRRRR My hair is grey enough, (BIGS you dumazz) what the H am I missing/forgetting??? THANKS

Mic the tubes if their aftermarket vs the old ones? Can you open the tube holes a smidge?

 

[Fran Blacker]

What your saying the spark plug tube hits valve cover but the spark plug isn't tight, correct?
Take that VC put it on a flat surface measure from flat to top of VC check the one that works same way.

 

[6PKRTSE]

There are different length tubes, as there are different height rocker covers and also different thickness gaskets can all play in the issue you are having. As mentioned, measure your tubes o.a.l. Measure the depth from the top of the cover (installed) to your spark plug seating surface. You may just need different tubes.

 

[rickseeman]

I sounds like you are using those garbage GIGANTIC o-rings Mopar was selling for the last 20 years. Good luck getting the tubes in the valve covers with those. (Don't hammer plug tubes in.) Call Egge 562-945-3419 they have the right ones

 

[Broken Mopar]

Make sure you take the crush washer off the plugs before putting in new tubes or they may not oil seal.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I sounds like you are using those garbage GIGANTIC o-rings Mopar was selling for the last 20 years. Good luck getting the tubes in the valve covers with those. (Don't hammer plug tubes in.) Call Egge 562-945-3419 they have the right ones

I will have to look around. I have the o-ring dash number written down somewhere for the correct size for these o-rings.

 

[rickseeman]

You are free to spend 10 years looking like I did. But it ain't a standard o-ring, that's why you aren't going to find it.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Let me attempt to clarify the scenario here .... there are points here that dont correspond to my original statement. Let me try again -

MW - tubes are original

Fran - The tube is not contacting (bottoming out) in the head but appears to be seated just fine in the cover. covers "look" the same measurement wise.

6PK - covers "look" the same measurement wise. Granted who know who made them?????? I believe a longer tube could cure the issue.(??) Do tubes come in increments of 1/16th? 1/8? I need a little, not allot. 1/4 inch more would be to long. Never played the tube merry-go-round.... Also O ring part#? educate me please

rick - just like the tubes, the O rings are original. Yes they are fat. I am unaware of another size, educate me please.

Appreciate everyones two cents, thanks

 

[rickseeman]

When you say original are you saying original to the car? I assume you have those huge ones that Mopar sold for over 20 years because you said you can't push them in the valve covers with your fingers. I put a little oil on the o-ring first, and around the opening. Rubber doesn't like to slide on anything. The originals are about .075" diameter. If you have a dial caliper, measure one. Report back.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Try an install without the o-ring and see if the tube seats properly.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Thank you all for the comments. It has given me a few ideas to try. I've concluded the issue is somewhere in where the o-rings fit the VC. Leaning toward the VC, and seating of the tubes. i've done a little tube research, the only longer tubes I have found are 1/2 longer.... way too long for my application. Stay tuned, I will update when I can get in the garage and its below 80 degrees in there. Of course it's supposed to be 90's here this weekend so bear with me

 

[Bird 426]

There is another o-ring available, they are thinner in thickness if I remember. It's been 52 years ago or so. I just ran into a similar problem by trying to use Cometic valve cover gaskets instead of the Ray Barton supplied valve cover gaskets. The spark plug tubes were a little short. The valve cover gasket may be a little thick . Oh, and I called Rick about it, problem solved, listen.