I just did a tune-up on my Jalpa today and have to say, I sure envy you guys with the later serial numbers with the access built in behind the passenger seat to get at plugs 5-8. Sheesh, its so tough to get at those plugs without the advantage of that access panel!

But, now that its done, it sure runs nicely! New cap, rotor, plugs and wires!

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Mike
Jalpa #12071

Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines -- Enzo Ferrari

I miss my Jalpa, but I dont miss changing the plugs.

Didn't I read in the forum somewhere where one of you guys made an access hole in an earlier Jalpa to get to those plugs?

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Jalpa #ELA12131

No idea how you guys without the access panels do it. It is a huge pain with the access.

How did you do it? What ever tools you used would make it easier for me. I used a socket, angle joint, extension and short handled socket wrench. The angles are all screwy so I had pretty bloody knuckles by the time I was done.

Mike,

Have you looked into cutting a hole? If you are ever in Portland send me a note and you can take a look at mine. I hope to be in Seattle for the Italian car show this August.

I think the access problem is in the US air-boxes, which probably is why Lamborghini didn’t think of an access panel initially.

With my custom intake manifold it is actually quite easy to get to all 8 sparkplugs (without an access panel).
I use a sparkplug socket, two short extensions and a ratchet wrench. First the sparkplug socket with one short extension is lowered into the sparkplug hole, then the second extension is attached and the 3 parts lowered onto the sparkplug. After that the ratchet is attached, the sparkplug unscrewed and the tools are taken apart in reverse order while lifting the sparkplug up. When installing the sparkplug it is important to make sure that the socket to sparkplug joint is the one that separates first.

Laust

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Jalpa TT #ELA12161
Espada #8356

When I drop the engine to install my new headers and exhaust, I'm going to look at cutting some sort of access.

How do I get to them? Here is how:

1. Remove the airbox (thank God my car is a Euro model, so I don't have to contend with those USA monsters!
2. Pull the plug wires off and move them out of the way.
3. Drop the spark plug socket into plug #5 hole
4. Drop in a 2" extension
5. Drop in a 3" extension.
6. At this point, you now have about 1" sitting above the valve cover.
7. Attach a stubby ratchet and break the plug loose.
8. Spin it until you know the plug is out
9. Remove the (2) extensions, one at a time. I find its easy to use a magnet to pull the spark plug socket up and out so I can grab it with my hand.
10. Now, repeat 3 more times for cylinders 6, 7 and 8
11, Then, install the new plugs the same way you took the old ones out!

Yes, it its a pain! No kidding.... it takes me about 10 minutes to remove, gap and install new plugs for cylinders 1-4. And, over an hour for cylinders 5-8.

See photo.

Attached Images

CIMG0605.JPG (134.3 KB, 18 views)

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Mike
Jalpa #12071

Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines -- Enzo Ferrari

It looks we do almost the exact same thing. The only difference is that I replace the 2" extension with an angle joint. Gives me a little more wiggle room.

Disappointed you didn't have a magic socket tool available at any part store.

if my purchase works out i am going to put in an access hole to do the plugs and valve adjustment.

USA spec cars suck.