Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

[milcop688]

Hello guys,

First post...I changed my plugs and wires today. I was a little hesitant to attempt but money's tight and didn't want to pay a mechanic. Anyway, I did 5 of the 6 with little problems. They were actually easier than I thought they were going to be. I started with the easiest and worked my way to hardest. Which is where I stand now...I cannot get the #4 plug (middle passenger side) out. I've tried from the top and I've tried from the bottom, but I just can't seem to get my hand in there and make any progress.

Any tips you guys can offer would be great.

My car is a '96 3.8 with stock exhaust manifolds.

I look forward to your replies and THANKS

Dave

[Camaro Dom]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

patience really dude. it's do-able with a standard plug socket and a ratchet. i know i've done it b4. really there isnt any advice we can give you other than what should be obvious (i.e. taking out whatever might be in the way and spraying some penetrating oil on it...)

[Dawizman]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

I've found that with the stock manifolds that one is easiest to get out with a plug socket and a stubby 3/4" wrench.

[silvachris1]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

I've found that with the stock manifolds that one is easiest to get out with a plug socket and a stubby 3/4" wrench.

Depends on the year of the car though. The 2000+ or something have tubular manifolds, so they should all be really easy with them. Earlier 3.8 cars are a pain though, doesn't matter what you do.

[hockeyman]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

I've found that with the stock manifolds that one is easiest to get out with a plug socket and a stubby 3/4" wrench.

That is what I use on my 96 3.8, and it works great!

Get under the car, slide the spark plug socket over the #4 plug, and then slide a wrench over the hex-end of the socket and turn. It took me about 2 hours to figure that one out when I first did it :rant: What a PITA!

[Vanquish]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

As everyone else has replied, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. It takes patience and a lot of blood on your knuckles. Just make sure that you have a nice selection of stubbies and extensions and you should be all set for a nice little time :)

Also, it may be easier for you to remove a few things that may be in your way from getting at the #4 with a little bit more ease, so try that if you still can't get at it.

If you are able to get at it, and it still doesn't want to come, try putting some lubrication oil on it and see if that helps any. And remember, when you put your new ones in, make sure you put a think coat of anti-seize compound on each of the plugs, to make them come out that much easier the next time you have to change your plugs.

[bluovlh8er]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

put the socket on first (regular). then a 3 inch ex. then a 1 inch ex. go to the top and put a socket wrench on and your good. (or a 4 inch ex. lol.)

[deskpro590]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

How about getting that bloody plug tightened? I can Hand tighten it..actually finger tighten.....but reaaaaally difficult to get (open end ratching wrench) - (well you can bend that piece of aluminum in a little) tight enough to be safe to drive.......my Trailblazer was a dream to change compared to this.....

The #4 plug is my only obsticle left.

[silvachris1]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

How about getting that bloody plug tightened? I can Hand tighten it..actually finger tighten.....but reaaaaally difficult to get (open end ratching wrench) - (well you can bend that piece of aluminum in a little) tight enough to be safe to drive.......my Trailblazer was a dream to change compared to this.....

The #4 plug is my only obsticle left.

Brough back from the dead, but that's ok. Have you tried changing the plugs from the underneath the car? I assume you have since you got the rest of the plugs done. Anyways, I've found that if you can get a deep well socket on the plug from the bottom, you can then feel the socket from up top. Then you can guide the ratchet into place from the top, and tighten it down.

[bluovlh8er]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

the tread is 9 months old, i think he figured it out by now.

[deskpro590]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

Success! With the aid of a Go Through Wrench (Oreilly Auto Parts $44) and the grace of God I was able to install the last plug. Man that was a good strong happy fun week of trying and buying tools.......at least I got some new tools out of the deal. Midas was going to charge me $300 to change them....

[silvachris1]

Re: Help w/ #4 Spark Plug

Psst, bluovlh8er, I was responding to the dude who broght the thread back to life. DeskPro590 asked a question on the like 2 days ago.