<VV> (more) Popping Plugs

[Smitty Smith]

Smitty Says:  Boy we can work this one to death.  JR suggests pulling a pushrod (or two) to disable the plugless cylinder.  I know that will work and I know there will be more power available.  Several things come to mind for consideration.  One (in my case) Just leaving the plug out and driving home,  Pulling the camper, I am WOT with all 6 firing.  The noise is horrendous with a plug out.  Two, pulling a valve cover on the side of the road (or anyplace) to pull the pushrods is likely to lead to a broken gasket, which could complicate the hell out of the remaining trip.  Three, Using the KD tool it is a "stand up behind the car job".  Unless it is cyl 3 or four (requiring carb removal) it will be done as soon as pulling the pushrods.  Just use a litle grease on the threads to catch as many chips as possible and have the piston down so you won't bore a hole in it with the tool.  Yes I always carry a 35 mil film can of bearing grease in my travel tool box.  Four, you semi
 professional types think back on this.  In almost every case I know of where an engine suffered a broken crank, some time shortly before the engine was driven on 5 cylinders for an extended period of time.  Valve seat failure, bad cam, plug out, broke pushrod.  Just my personal observation.