I'm changing the spark plugs in my 03 496 mag ho.. what is the easiest way to get to the back one on the port side of each motor?? Looks like oil lines of some sort in way..

I have done mine on a twin 496 28 foot Pantera it's a bit tight in there but here's how I do it crack them all loos the get a 12inch length of vac / hose and push it over the end of the plug and twist them out , this way you won't drop them in the bilge . Have fun.

Just discussed here:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...ny-tricks.html

That particular plug is a real ***** on the early 496HOs. Try the techniques discussed in the thread above.

Also, I have two newer tools which make changing plugs a lot easier:
1) flexible head ratchet
2) 8" extension with a wobble head

I don't see how I can even get the boots off past the 2 other lines on top of them.. it's just the back one on the port sides

You will get there. I have at least 2 or 3 spark plug boot pullers, but have never had much luck with them.

I did just pick this one up on a whim from Harbor Freight a few weeks ago, but have not tried it:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]524114[/ATTACH]

Try a totally different approach. Lay across the top of the engines as described in the other thread.

It used to take me 2 hours per motor. 1 hour for 7 plugs. And a second hour farking around with that last one; rear most, port side.

Climbing down the gunwale on the port motor helps (which I can do on my boat).
Laying across the motors for the starboard motor helps.
Get rid of the hatch. Stand it straight up, and suspend it from a rafter (indoors) or a tree (outdoors). This alone saved me at least an 60-90 minutes getting better access.

It CAN be done. I've done it, twice on each motor. Again, find a totally different angle than you have been trying so far.