Don't laugh, but is there any trick to getting to the rear 3 spark plugs on a GM Minivan (Transsport, Venture, etc.)? I've heard that you can "rotate" the engine 8* towards the front to gain access, but I have no clue on this and I will NOT pay $300 for some shop to do it for $10 worth of spark plugs ... my God!

 

Wow! And I thought the #6 and #8 on a ThirdGen were "challenging". BTW - if you're using platinum spark plugs, they should be worth more like $38.00, but I get your point. I'll bet you're right - GMT probably has a tip. EngineBoy may be of help, too. I looked at those things a couple of times, It looks like a real PITA, especially if you try to squeeze a 3.4 DOHC engine in there. That's why I bought an Astro

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

[This message has been edited by Vader (edited September 23, 2000).]

 

Believe me ... I tried with all of my heart to get an Astro ... she insisted on this (used) Montana ... (TransSport whatever). Now she knows to listen to me next time. At least I get to drive the GTP now!

I got Bosch Platinums for less than $38. Not much less, but they were in the $20's ... around $4 a plug or slightly less.

 

Just have a few beers first..you'll manage

 

I'm not much help here....the only one I've done plugs on, I had the motor/transaxle/front crossmember out. (these engines come out easy from the bottom)

Can you reach around from the pass. side and work by brail??

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

GO #3

[This message has been edited by Engineboy (edited September 23, 2000).]

 

Yes, I can help you. There are two ways to do it. On some of the engines, there are mounts on the front of the engine called "dog bones" because they resemble that. If you put blocks around the rear wheels (keep the vehicle from moving) and put the tranny in nuetral. Now undo the dogbones and the engine will "rotate" foward some. This works better on the cars, but yes, you can do it.

How I do it, is on a lift. They are VERY accessible from underneath. You can do it with the vehicle on jackstands, however positioning will be awkward. I have tried both ways, and I find this by far the easiest. Good luck.

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"I used to have a handle on life, but then I used it as a plunger and broke it" -The Wave

ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA
'87 Trans Am-K&N,Cold air induction, SSM SFC, Boxed LCAs, 8mm Accel wires, Flowmaster, 16" GTA rims.
'97 Bonneville SSE

If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen

 

GMTech, I have the van on ramps and from underneath I'm having a hard time even seeing them. I have the dog bones undone and am going to try accessing them around the engine. Number 1 around the alternator and the other two around the other side. Looks promising now. Forgot about the neutral crap, now it's forward enough. Thanks for the tip. My original idea was from underneath, but I can figure out a way to do it. I know I can lower the engine too, but what a PITA so far!

[This message has been edited by Allan (edited September 23, 2000).]

 

It's rum and coke today, my friend!

 

got it! Reached around the alternator for Number 1, then the other side for 3 and 5. Now that, that's done, time to lower the engine a bit to get the front 3. The hard part is over ... time for another drink! Thanks a lot GMTech! You da man!

 

Yes, I'm replying to myself a lot lately! LOL! Okay ... got all spark plugs and wires replaced. Used Bosch Platinums because I don't want to have to do that crap again! Runs awesome now ... like a brand new van! Now I have to wait for the fuel system service equip to some in then I'll do the fuel injector cleaning ... hope this works!

 

Thanks a lot GMTech and Engineboy ...