I feel like a retard for asking, but how do I replace the spark plugs on the passenger side? The driver’s side ones are easy enough.

The last time I tried replacing them (had access to hoist) it took me almost 3 hours! Afterwards, my arms were bruised and my knuckles scrapped to s#!t. I’ve had my mechanic replace them ever since.

The problem I’m having is with the passenger side. Anything that could be in the way is. There’s the A/C, hoses, regulators, shields, smog equipment,….not too mention the plugs sit down pretty deep on the engine! The plug closest to the distributor is the most challenging!

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Do it from below.

 

spray the plugs with a little liquid wrench or other penetrating solvent/oil before you try and take them out. i, like you, once spent 4 hours fooling with multiple universal joints and extensions trying to get the last two. (thouhgh that was an 87, this is a 92 now) but when i did this last summer, it took almost no effort to get them out, and the whole job took maybe an hour with just a pair of jackstands. i would invest in a couple different size extensions and maybe 1 universal if you don't have them. but with the liquid wrench, you save yourself a lot of that knuckle-bruising.

 

Yep, the best way is from below, I just drive it up on ramps, then you just need a few different lenght extentions and I use a open end wrench on on of them.

 

My first ever post was "I can't believe changing plugs is this hard". I had to check because it took me 6 hours!

Managed them all from underneath using ramps. Ended up also using a 2 foot breaker bar, just to get one of the plugs to undo by about a 1/16th. Also ended up buying a palm socket wrench to use on a couple to get started back in.

 

WD-40, let that set for a few minutes, then take a ratchet to them. You can sorta see them through the gap between the head and the exhaust manifold. I've never had to do it from below. I probably could, but it would be just as hard because i have those heat sheilds on that came with the 350 (the manifolds that came with the 350 went down and under the plugs.) so it would be just as hard.

 

Just wanted to thank you all for your comments.

It was a cold day to do a tune-up, but I couldn't wait any longer. I took the money I would have spent at my mechanic getting new wires, plugs, and an oil change......and bought the parts and materials myself. I also bought a car ramp, and a good tune-up ratchet set. All in all, I'd say I saved about $100.00, but I got some tools and a ramp out of it.

I almost s**t my pants trying to get my car up top that ramp, but I did. The job took me 3-4 hours (replacing the plugs, and an oil change).

It was a great experience, and I'll definately be doing my own oil changes and tune-ups from now on.

I'm now going to tackle replacing the rear speakers.

Chubb

 

I removed all the unneccesary things from the engine bay. Took me 10 minutes to change them all start to finish in the dark.

 

I manage to wiggle my hands & ratchets into those little spaces we have for the passenger side plugs. Don't ask how, I just manage to do it.

I spend a lot of time with my head facing the other direction with my eyes closed, looking like I'm pinching one out trying to break a spark plug loose

 

You and me both. I get all mine from the top.

 

Ya, I always though it was 4thGen/LT1 that was a PITA to change, all my 80's GM cars, are straight from the top 20 min max. I guess it would take longer if a plug was seized on, could be my luck.

But Congrats on taking that critical first step in the direction of backyard mechanic
Now that you maintain your car little jobs like that we be faster and easier as you do it Congrats!!

 

Yes plugs are on the TO DO list for when the RS gets out of the shop today or tomorrow. I have a feeling one of the plugs isnt gapped right, because one cylender seems to be missing...

It's gonna be fun! :lala:

 

i changed my plugs the other day at work, i have no a/c (not even the blower box) so the pass. side was cake got the first 3 out on the driver side easy, the last one was a little tricky but got it by laying on the motor, feet out the pass side and head aginst the master brake guys at work had a good laugh at that one

 

Bought my GTA in October of 2000. 1st time ever changing plugs on the car took me a week. Basically, one a night after work. Didn't take long for me to pull and throw all of the smog stuff as far as I could. Takes me anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to change plugs...and do a compression check now. I'll always remember that 1st week with this car, though I'm beginning my 1st rebuild now. Lots of Kudos to the helpful guys here at thirdgen like Vader, RB, Five7kid, Traxion, Glenn, and others