Thread: Spark plug install

Just to double check: It is possible to change out all the spark plugs without moving the engine forward correct? My arms are skinny enough I think I can reach all the back ones. The back left plug (left as in if you are facing the engine) looks tight. I'm going to put in the 605's this weekend.

I don't know how tight the engine compartment is in the new bodied cars but I did a full tune up (ap104s, wires, coil packs, pcv valve and fuel filter) last weekend in my 98 GTP and even with the engine rocked forward the plugs/wires were a P.I.T.A. It was more of getting in a reasonably comfortable position to see what you are doing (while laying on top of the engine) than reaching them. This was my first one on a 3800 so maby the fellas with more experience can give you better tips.

I personally would not do it without rocking the engine forward but I have heard of people doing it and not pulling the engine forward. Im with hotshot though, even with it pulled forward it was a bit of a pain.

I would also be concerned whether or not you could get enough room to get the #6 plug out with its proximity to the O2 sensor. Even with the motor rocked forward this one plug was most of the pain for me.

i have to agree with hotshot on this i hate changing the plugs on my 98 especially when the wires don't feel like coming off, but i would go ahead and just rock the engine

Gotcha. Tonight I'm going to pretend that im changing the plugs and so how much of my hand I can get in there and fiddle around with the spark plug socket tool. To rock the engine forward you take off the front two motor mounts then take a ratchet strap and pull the engine forward?

just found a post on rocking the engine: http://www.grandprixforums.net/f18/i...ange-5842.html

I'm going to try to find a way to do it without rockign the engine though.

My mechanic did it without moving the engine forward.

Originally Posted by _nick_

I just sat up on top of the engine to get at the back ones, sorta laying on my stomach feet off the ground. My arms aren't small or delicate either, I did it no problem. Just have a good extension set on hand, different sizes...i had to put a few odd sizes together to be able to get the ratchet on a few of them. Use a piece of rubber hose on the end of the new plugs to start the thread & avoid cross-threading....

what do you mean a rubber hose on the end of the new plug?

i know what cross threading is but i didnt realize it was something i was going to have to worry about

oh yea do i have to put anything on the new spark plug threads to lubricate them? i remember seeing some kind of spark plug anti-sieze packets at the counter of the auto parts store a few weeks ago. do i need this?

Using anti-seize will make it a lot easier on you when you have to change them again.

Not sure why everyone is so concerned about rocking the engine forward. It's just two bolts.

Ok thanks. I'm probably thinking way to hard on this but my paranoia is getting in the way.

You can use anti seize on the plug threads if you want. Unless you plan on leaving the plugs in for years, I wouldn't worry about the anti seize with iron heads.

You will want to put a little dielectric grease on the inside of the plug boots so the DO come off easier the next time around.

Also if you take off the black tubular alternator bracket off and leave it off, changing the plugs the next time without rocking the engine will be much easier.

What out for the manifold heatshields. They have no problem cutting your hands when you least expect it.

Headers and PRJ wires make changing plugs easier too.

Not sure why everyone is so concerned about rocking the engine forward. It's just two bolts.
I agree. I was hesitant to do it because it sounds like a big deal but it really was simple.


What out for the manifold heatshields. They have no problem cutting your hands when you least expect it.
LOL you are dead right man, a week later and I still have cuts.