Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 315
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From: Hawaii
Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Unfortunately, I'm not good with my hands and have very large hands. I really don't want to risk damaging the car or myself....so I need your advice regarding bad mechanics who may not change all the plugs...specially the dreaded #8. Is there a way to tell that all plugs have been changed just by looking? Should I take it to a Chevy dealer later?
Please help!! Used, '98Z, 29,200 miles...auto, flowmaster exhaust. Daily driver. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Please help!! Used, '98Z, 29,200 miles...auto, flowmaster exhaust. Daily driver. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 712
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From: Dallas,Texas
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself ask for the stock plugs back..
It can still be faked but its a try.
# 8 is way back there.. get to it from
the bottom.. maybe get a friend to help
Here is one method to change the plugs..
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=48
It can still be faked but its a try.
# 8 is way back there.. get to it from
the bottom.. maybe get a friend to help
Here is one method to change the plugs..
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=48
TECH Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Lewisville, Texas
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Get a twelve pack of beer, ice it down and go get one of your buds to help with the #8 plug. The drivers side bank and the passenger side first 3 are cake. The #8 is easier to get to from the bottom. Hell, pay my airfare and I'll fly out to Hawaii and change them for ya, free!!!
Mark <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Mark <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 148
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From: Sacramento/Marysville, Ca
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Its really not that tough man...check out http://www.installuniversity.com/ I looked at this site for my first plug swap and it really helped me out...thank god for people like that guy who make everyone elses life easier...good luck..
-Dave
-Dave
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Hawaii
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself TA_2001, Mark, Dave
Hey thanks guys for the replies!!
Mark...trust me...if I had the dough you'd be soaking up sun/surf bro'!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Yeah, I'll ask for the plugs back and then maybe, just maybe I'll give it a try someday
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
Hey thanks guys for the replies!!
Mark...trust me...if I had the dough you'd be soaking up sun/surf bro'!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Yeah, I'll ask for the plugs back and then maybe, just maybe I'll give it a try someday
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Wilmington, DE
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself do it yourself, what's the worse thing that can happen you can't get number 8 and leave it like the dealer would, someone out there I'm sure will give you a hand, mine's a 99 so number 8 came out from the top.
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself The plugs arent as bad as everyone thinks. They are tough especially if you have big hands and arms. The #8 is easiest to get from underneath the car. I found the best way to do it was stated before "get beer, Ice it down, call a friend to help" Now I have been to Hawaii a number of times and seen a ton of those beautiful, tiny waisted, skinny, thin armed, small handed (see where I am taking this) island women. Offer her the beer to get under there and pull the plug (with close supervision).
You win every way you look at it. Plug gets changed, you get cold beer and you get some good eye candy.
All that aside, just be patient and take your time doing it. Dont rush it and its not a bad task.
You win every way you look at it. Plug gets changed, you get cold beer and you get some good eye candy.
All that aside, just be patient and take your time doing it. Dont rush it and its not a bad task.
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On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: kissimmee,fl
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Leave yourself plenty of time the first time you do it yourself. It gets easier every time you change them. I ghange mine every 20,000 miles, i only have 22,000 miles on my 1999Z so I just did my first change on mine,but i've done it for plenty of friends for free, by free I mean I did it for free beer. Installuniversity rules. <img border="0" alt="[hail]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" /> PS: I have very large hand and arms too. Use duct tape to tape up sharp objects and have long sleeves on.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 356
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From: Tucson, AZ
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Yeah a lot of people take one look and just say: "It's impossible" then tell everyone it is impossible... as if their "expert" opinion from having just opened the hood and taken a glance really made them any kind of expert.
I tried it myself when everyone local called me an idiot and said just have it done. Well I got it done in less than two hours my first time including the #8. Now I can change all of them in about 45 minutes.
The best way to do is I beleive is dictated on Install University - remove the bolts on the coil packs and slide them up, this makes it MUCH MUCH MUCH easier. Also add like 10 extra minutes taking it apart and putting it back together if you have a strut tower brace - those inside bolts suck.
I tried the #8 from the bottom and couldn't get it done, it was MUCH easier from the top if you give yourself enough clearance with the coil packs. The worst part about changing them the first time is it seems like GM puts thread locker (the red stuff!!!) on those damn spark plugs... you have to fight with them the first time, if you change them yourself, chances are unless you supertorque them (not a good idea for many reasons) they'll come off much easier the second time around.
I tried it myself when everyone local called me an idiot and said just have it done. Well I got it done in less than two hours my first time including the #8. Now I can change all of them in about 45 minutes.
The best way to do is I beleive is dictated on Install University - remove the bolts on the coil packs and slide them up, this makes it MUCH MUCH MUCH easier. Also add like 10 extra minutes taking it apart and putting it back together if you have a strut tower brace - those inside bolts suck.
I tried the #8 from the bottom and couldn't get it done, it was MUCH easier from the top if you give yourself enough clearance with the coil packs. The worst part about changing them the first time is it seems like GM puts thread locker (the red stuff!!!) on those damn spark plugs... you have to fight with them the first time, if you change them yourself, chances are unless you supertorque them (not a good idea for many reasons) they'll come off much easier the second time around.
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 31
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From: Marietta, Georgia
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Come on. Just do it yourself.
My NGK TR55's just came in today. Tomorrow or the day after I'm going out to get the tools I need, exhange the 15w-30 oil my brother got for the 5w-30 that he was supposed to get, buy another Mobil 1 oil filter, and spend an afternoon during spring break with my brother working on our car. Just get some buddies of yours to help you out. From the instructions on InstallUniversity the change looks easy.
The only problem will be the time. If you don't have a day to change the plugs, then take it somewhere to get it changed and tell them you want the stock plugs when they're done. If you do have a day off, have some fun and do the work on your own. I can tell you that the satisfaction I got from installing my Loudmouth on my own was well worth the time and effort, as well as the minor scrapes on my knuckles. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chris
My NGK TR55's just came in today. Tomorrow or the day after I'm going out to get the tools I need, exhange the 15w-30 oil my brother got for the 5w-30 that he was supposed to get, buy another Mobil 1 oil filter, and spend an afternoon during spring break with my brother working on our car. Just get some buddies of yours to help you out. From the instructions on InstallUniversity the change looks easy.
The only problem will be the time. If you don't have a day to change the plugs, then take it somewhere to get it changed and tell them you want the stock plugs when they're done. If you do have a day off, have some fun and do the work on your own. I can tell you that the satisfaction I got from installing my Loudmouth on my own was well worth the time and effort, as well as the minor scrapes on my knuckles. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Chris
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself I going to do mine pretty soon for the first time on an LS-1.
I had it down on my 94Z, I'll let you know after I'm done. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
I had it down on my 94Z, I'll let you know after I'm done. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself I am glad so many people like the instructions. I recieve a lot of email about the spark plug document.
If I was not lazy, I would make a few changes to the directions.
Remove the passenger side coil pack rail completely. Leave the back bolt off of it and the next time you remove the coil pack rail, it will take 2 mintues. Instant access to your plugs on that side.
To the point: You can do the drivers side!! No excuse there man. Do those four at the least. Then tackle the first two on the passenger side. After you do that, you will do the back two with no problem.
Now, go change the drivers side and report back. We will convicne you to do the passenger side. YOu can at least cut down on the labor cost if you do half of them, right???? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Go for crying out loud, stop reading this crap. It is still daylight in Hawaii, lucky dog!!
Eric
www.installuniversity.com
If I was not lazy, I would make a few changes to the directions.
Remove the passenger side coil pack rail completely. Leave the back bolt off of it and the next time you remove the coil pack rail, it will take 2 mintues. Instant access to your plugs on that side.
To the point: You can do the drivers side!! No excuse there man. Do those four at the least. Then tackle the first two on the passenger side. After you do that, you will do the back two with no problem.
Now, go change the drivers side and report back. We will convicne you to do the passenger side. YOu can at least cut down on the labor cost if you do half of them, right???? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Go for crying out loud, stop reading this crap. It is still daylight in Hawaii, lucky dog!!
Eric
www.installuniversity.com
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 315
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From: Hawaii
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself You guys are too much!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
okay, okay I have a vacation coming up in June and I think I'll give it a whack. Like you guys said, I can at least do the easier ones right?
NataSSInc LMAO!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I just pray I don't damage anything on my pride/joy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Embarrassed]" src="gr_emb.gif" />
And wizkid you are da man!!!
<small>[ April 03, 2002, 02:26 AM: Message edited by: MTWallet ]</small>
okay, okay I have a vacation coming up in June and I think I'll give it a whack. Like you guys said, I can at least do the easier ones right?
NataSSInc LMAO!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I just pray I don't damage anything on my pride/joy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Embarrassed]" src="gr_emb.gif" />
And wizkid you are da man!!!
<small>[ April 03, 2002, 02:26 AM: Message edited by: MTWallet ]</small>
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 31
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From: Marietta, Georgia
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by BIGSAM99Z:
<strong>Eric, installuniversity kicks a$$. Keep up the good work. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hear, hear!
Chris
<strong>Eric, installuniversity kicks a$$. Keep up the good work. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hear, hear!
Chris
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2001
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Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself I just did mine on Friday.
The driver's side plugs are a piece of cake. I don't think I've ever had it easier. (No, not even on my thirdgens where I can see the whole motor). I didn't even have to take the STB off to do those.
The first three on the passenger's side aren't bad if you pull the AIR tube off.
#8 is a royal *****. I could NOT get it from the bottom, so I resigned myself to getting it from the top. I could not get any of my tools on that damn rear bolt, so I ended up having to disassemble the coil pack rail one cail pack at a time so I could use an open end wrench on the evil fifth bolt. Once I had the coil packs off it was not hard at all.
All told it took me 4 hours; 40 minutes for the driver's side, 1 hour and 20 minutes for the passenger's side, and 2 hours to disassemble everything.
Next time I'm sure I can get it in under two hours.
The driver's side plugs are a piece of cake. I don't think I've ever had it easier. (No, not even on my thirdgens where I can see the whole motor). I didn't even have to take the STB off to do those.
The first three on the passenger's side aren't bad if you pull the AIR tube off.
#8 is a royal *****. I could NOT get it from the bottom, so I resigned myself to getting it from the top. I could not get any of my tools on that damn rear bolt, so I ended up having to disassemble the coil pack rail one cail pack at a time so I could use an open end wrench on the evil fifth bolt. Once I had the coil packs off it was not hard at all.
All told it took me 4 hours; 40 minutes for the driver's side, 1 hour and 20 minutes for the passenger's side, and 2 hours to disassemble everything.
Next time I'm sure I can get it in under two hours.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself Hey fellas,
Install U is the ticket. Kudos to wizkid for a great site. Try getting a flex head ratchet. It provides you access to stuff you ordinarily couldn't get to. Also, I like to go after the #8 plug first. That way you aren't tired and flustered when you go after it. I get it from top-side just fine. Changing plugs on the LS1 is easier than a 3rd gen 305.
Have fun with it,
KB
Install U is the ticket. Kudos to wizkid for a great site. Try getting a flex head ratchet. It provides you access to stuff you ordinarily couldn't get to. Also, I like to go after the #8 plug first. That way you aren't tired and flustered when you go after it. I get it from top-side just fine. Changing plugs on the LS1 is easier than a 3rd gen 305.
Have fun with it,
KB
Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself When changing the plugs be sure to use anti-seize on the spark plug threads. You have carbon steel touching aluminum. Over time, the two will tend to gall, and the anti-seize prevents galling and makes removing the plugs easier in the future. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 37
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Re: Help - scared to death of changing plugs myself I did that. This isn't my first aluminum headed car (ZZ4 has aluminum heads).
Anti-sieze is your friend even if it smells nasty. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Anti-sieze is your friend even if it smells nasty. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />