changing spark plugs
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 114
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From: Chicago
changing spark plugs I haven't yet, but will soon be changing my plugs. I hear it's a real pain. I remember someone saying a swivel head socket wrench makes things easier. Is it possible to change all 8 plugs without disconnecting coil packs or whatever. What tools would I need and does anyone have a part number for a swivel head socket wrench? Thanks.
Re: changing spark plugs If you got little girly hands and arms, maybe just maybe, but it is too easy to take off the coilpacks. when you remove the bolts, i suggest leaving the rear bolts off each side, you dont need them and they are a real PITA. You can use either a swivel head, long handle ratchet (3/8ths or 1/4") or after the broke free, I use a craftsmen 1/4" ratchet and the deep 5/8th for the rear plugs, and maybe a short extension for the others.
If you can find it, theres a compnay makes some realy cheap, crappy tools, but one thing they have that works nice is a 'T' Handle, long handle 3/8" Ratchet. you can use like normal ratchet or use the 'T' at the end it eliminates the handle turnign business. Had one a few years ago, still trying to find a replacement.
If you can find it, theres a compnay makes some realy cheap, crappy tools, but one thing they have that works nice is a 'T' Handle, long handle 3/8" Ratchet. you can use like normal ratchet or use the 'T' at the end it eliminates the handle turnign business. Had one a few years ago, still trying to find a replacement.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 69
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From: Norfolk VA
Re: changing spark plugs If you can find it, theres a compnay makes some realy cheap, crappy tools, but one thing they have that works nice is a 'T' Handle, long handle 3/8" Ratchet. you can use like normal ratchet or use the 'T' at the end it eliminates the handle turnign business. Had one a few years ago, still trying to find a replacement.
Looked on mine and no name on it, but did a search and found it. Good ol' JC has them, I should have known. I agree unless you have skinny little arms, you won't be able to get the back plugs without removing the coilpacks. I have 3 bolts in each side now, they come off in seconds. Can someone explain why GM used the bolts they did on the coilpacks?
Shorty 10mm Gearwrench works great on the rear bolts.
Re: changing spark plugs I just used a 3/8 in rachet, swivel, and a 3" extension and did them in about an hour and a half for the first time. I removed the #8 plug from underneath and didn't remove any coil packs. I would have been done faster but the spark plug wire on the #8 spark plug was a PITA to get off and I lost my 3" extinsion in the suspension and it took me a while to find.
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2002
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Re: changing spark plugs
A 1" long 3/8" drive extension is your best friend. It puts the ratchet in the perfect position on those tight ones (#6 and #8).
Having lots of diffenent sized extensions (and some with swivle heads) are invaluable!
It took me less than an hour the first time I did them...
Tommy
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From: Deep in the seedy underworld of Koonerville
Re: changing spark plugs Even with little arms and hands it still looked like I got in a fight with a cat after I was done without taking the coil packs off. 
A 1" extension and a swivel head ratchet are definately your best friends for this job.
A 1" extension and a swivel head ratchet are definately your best friends for this job.
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Re: changing spark plugs
Even with little arms and hands it still looked like I got in a fight with a cat after I was done without taking the coil packs off.
A 1" extension and a swivel head ratchet are definately your best friends for this job.
A 1" extension and a swivel head ratchet are definately your best friends for this job.
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