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Subject: Access for spark plug change on IV-P
I have a Continental TSIO-550-E in my Lancair IV-P.  It's time for the
condition inspection and I intend to examine, clean, re gap and swap top
for bottom spark plugs.  The issue is getting access to the top row of
spark plugs.  The intercoolers which are mounted in the Lancair provided
baffles will need to be loosened or taken off entirely.  Does anyone
have an efficient method of  loosening the intercoolers to get at the
spark plugs?  Take off the front connections and swing on the back, take
off the back and swing on the front, or do I need to take them off
entirely?

Barry,

I just completed a conditional including removal of all 12 plugs.  My
ES-P has a TSIO550 fitted into a IV-P cowl so my situation should be
similar.  I can remove all the plugs without any engine disassembly but
it took the creation of several modified (cut, bent, and welded)
wrenches.  The tools are now labeled with the cylinder numbers that they
fit, e.g. #2,4,6 bottom, #3 top, etc.  The first such job was a real
pain but now it is do-able, aided by a sense of humour and a little
extra free time.

Robert M. Simon
ES-P N301ES