26sonic

I need to change my spark plugs on my 2002 31sonic , any tricks ? looks kike the starboard side is going to be fun?

ttuton

Its not easy! Just have several different length socket extentions and u-joints. A short handle socket wrench might help too. I had to lay sideways on top of my engines to get at several of them.

FIXX

iTrader: (2)

take a 2x12 and lay it acrodd the flame arrestors and lay on it and pop you head in the gunnel to change them..come up for air after each plug..

26sonic

ok thanks guys so i should not have to remove anything to change plugs except maybe the plastic black engine covers?

45SS

Find a 500 boat and it will be a lot easier.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Disconnect the engine hatch from the ram and stand it straight up vertical. I suggest doing so by suspending the front of it from the rafters of your garage.

If no garage available, you could rig something up with a couple of long 2x4s to hold it near vertical and then tie it off so it can't move to the front of the grab rails on the gunwales.

Doing this saved me an hour+ of fumbling and cursing the last time I changed plugs. I did not remove the plastic covers, just laid across them.

Plum_Crazy

This was the most frustrating maintenance I've ever done on my 31 and I've changed a propshaft. I also changed out the plug wires at the same time. I'm glad I did because I broke a couple trying to get them off. If I have to do it again, I plan to pull the exhaust risers on the outsides.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Is there room to crawl up in the gunwale to get to the outside plugs? I can't remember if Sonic mounts the batteries or trim pumps in there or not.

Plum_Crazy

On mine, the trim pumps are in the way.

Z06

I removed the exhaust risers which made the plugs much easier. Upon doing so I also noticed the water diverters (if you have silent choice) in the mercury down pipes all 4 had blown out. It also makes it possible to get the block plugs out on each side of the block to drain the internal dexcool coolant. You will find spark plugs are a breeze compared to finding and removing/replacing the block coolant plugs. Have a good mirror and flash light handy.