how hard is it to change spark plugs
With the coil packs and valve covers off and the AIR tubes disconencted, it took about 15 minutes. Even #8 was easy from the top, just takes some time to get the socket on there then its easy.
I did mine when I swapped on the new headers. I did #8 from the bottom, all the rest from the top. I got it done in just a little over 30 minutes, with some chit chatting , and some BSing. They arn't bad to do, they're just knucklebusters...something you gotta get used to I guess.
Rob
Rob
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From: Lakeland, FL
Originally Posted by Ferocity02
With the coil packs and valve covers off and the AIR tubes disconencted, it took about 15 minutes. Even #8 was easy from the top, just takes some time to get the socket on there then its easy.
Originally Posted by Mike K.
damn #8 I always have to get from the bottom? What kind of socket wrench/extensions are you using. I want to duplicate your setup next time cause it is still a pita from underneath IMO.
Yeah the plugs are a pain. I would recommend at least removing the coil packs for added room. I changed mine with valve covers and coil packs still on. driver side was a breeze, front 2 on passenger are easy. I actually had a harder time on the 3rd one rather than the last one. but the last one is easier if you get it from bottom. remember to use anti seize compound so removing them in the future is easier.
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plugs 1-7 were always a breeze, just #8 was a b!tch
the one thing that makes #8 EASY from the top, is this rachet
found here: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944835000
this rachet is the best thing I've bought for this car, the only thing it's missing is a latch or lock or something, to lock the head in position
If you have that, along with a decent extension set, standard sparkplug socket, and a swivel-socket, your good to go
the one thing that makes #8 EASY from the top, is this rachet
found here: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944835000
this rachet is the best thing I've bought for this car, the only thing it's missing is a latch or lock or something, to lock the head in position
If you have that, along with a decent extension set, standard sparkplug socket, and a swivel-socket, your good to go
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With a good set of swivels and various size extensions, you can get them all from the top easily with the coil pack removed on the passenger side. The first time you change your plugs will take the longest simply because you have to remove the dreaded "hidden" coil pack bolt from the passenger side, but no one ever puts it back 
It took my a little less than an hour for all 8 plugs my first time. There is really no need at all to go from the bottom.
These work great:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=31203
Tommy
It took my a little less than an hour for all 8 plugs my first time. There is really no need at all to go from the bottom.
These work great:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=31203
Tommy
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
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From: Tulsa
That back coil rail bolt on the passenger side is a MAJOR BEOTCH!!! I had my cat's off (getting ready for LT swap) and STILL wasn't able to get at it from underneath.
I ened up using a 1/4 drive and deep socket 10mm and just jammed on in that bolt and moved the heater hose out of the way even though the hose didn't want to budge much. I was able to bust the bolt loose a bit, then was able to undo it all the way by comming from underneath with a homemade (read hack sawed!) stubby 10mm closed end.
In all, I think I spent more time just busting the wire boots off the dang plugs. Those boots are on there TIGHT!
I ened up using a 1/4 drive and deep socket 10mm and just jammed on in that bolt and moved the heater hose out of the way even though the hose didn't want to budge much. I was able to bust the bolt loose a bit, then was able to undo it all the way by comming from underneath with a homemade (read hack sawed!) stubby 10mm closed end.
In all, I think I spent more time just busting the wire boots off the dang plugs. Those boots are on there TIGHT!
TECH Enthusiast
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Originally Posted by onyxxtreme
plugs 1-7 were always a breeze, just #8 was a b!tch
the one thing that makes #8 EASY from the top, is this rachet
found here: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944835000
this rachet is the best thing I've bought for this car, the only thing it's missing is a latch or lock or something, to lock the head in position
If you have that, along with a decent extension set, standard sparkplug socket, and a swivel-socket, your good to go
the one thing that makes #8 EASY from the top, is this rachet
found here: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944835000
this rachet is the best thing I've bought for this car, the only thing it's missing is a latch or lock or something, to lock the head in position
If you have that, along with a decent extension set, standard sparkplug socket, and a swivel-socket, your good to go
There is no way to get to #8 from underneath on a '98 with stock exhaust. You can see it, but you can't touch! You can only get it from above, with much agony and suffering in the process. Anti seize is our friend.
On The Tree
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The first time I did mine I didn't remove anything and got #8 from the bottom. You'll need a stubby extension and a lot of patience. It took me about 3 hrs. A prybar is also useful removing the boots. Good luck and have fun. 
Last edited by JHarmon; Feb 10, 2004 at 11:44 AM. Reason: ommission
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From: south Louisiana
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I'm no expert, but if it is taking anyone more than 2 hours, they are definitely doing it the hard way. Just remove the passenger coil pack. And remove the air tubes from both exhaust manifolds, and you will be done in an hour...
Thread Starter
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From: north jersey
thanks for the tips guys
i have a lot of work this weekend
1st do sparkplugs,i also have to change the driver side window motor,and power steering pump pulley that some how got a chip so wish me luck
thanks again
i have a lot of work this weekend
1st do sparkplugs,i also have to change the driver side window motor,and power steering pump pulley that some how got a chip so wish me luck
thanks again
Originally Posted by TaTommyWS6
let me know how the window motors goes, mine is slow to not working in the winter...
Tommy
Tommy
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Originally Posted by bayou_z28
installuniversity.comhas some good tips
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 134
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Originally Posted by TaTommyWS6
I'm no expert, but if it is taking anyone more than 2 hours, they are definitely doing it the hard way. Just remove the passenger coil pack. And remove the air tubes from both exhaust manifolds, and you will be done in an hour...
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From: Northern Va
Originally Posted by JHarmon
....I also have big hands. I'm 6'4" and wear a size 14 shoe so you can imagine how hard it is to get my biga$$ hands in those little confined spots. You regular size people have it much easier in cramped areas...
You must have it tough. I'm six foot (185) and have problems squeezing my arms (large forearms) into certain areas. I gotta see you slide under the car while it's on the ramps.