LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Spark plug removal.

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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:45 AM
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MARKTHOMASBRAND's Avatar
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Spark plug removal.

Hi all,
Have managed to change 7 out of the 8 plugs.
How do you remove the one closest to the fire-wall on the passenger side.
I can pull the plug wire off but can't get near it to undo it,do I need to drop the starter or am I missing something here?
Regards,Mark.
Old May 2, 2008 | 02:03 PM
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Short answer...determination!
It's a PITA, but you can do it. What I do is basically crouch down on the radiator support and shock tower and reach down there. It helps if you put the socket and extension on the sparkplug by feel. Then you will be able to see the end and pop on the wrench, then many short ratchets and its off. Good luck.
Old May 2, 2008 | 03:01 PM
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Thanks for the reply .
I'll go back to it another day,pretty much had enough now,my hands and forearms are sore and it's getting dark here.
I found the the plug under the alternator to be not too bad,have heard that people struggle with that one and sometimes remove the alternator to gain access.
I should have done the plugs on the passenger side a few months ago when I had the cat and y-pipe off,so it's my own fault. LOL
Regards,Mark.
Old May 2, 2008 | 08:13 PM
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a loyt of people say that they can get it from underneath the car?......havent tried it but...id do a search and check that out
Old May 3, 2008 | 04:37 AM
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Hi,
I did the other 3 on the passenger side from the top,that rear plug looks pretty impossible from underneath unless I drop the y-pipe.
Will have another go at it early next week from the top.
Damn LT1 engine bay,if all else fails I'll just pull the motor .
The car is running sweet with 7 new plugs but obviously 8 would be better.
Thanks for the reply,Mark. .
Old May 3, 2008 | 05:48 AM
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Number 8 is the most difficult one to get to.Just spray the exhaust bolts down with WD-40 and remove the y-pipe...easier access..means less
Old May 3, 2008 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by lovescamaros25
Number 8 is the most difficult one to get to.Just spray the exhaust bolts down with WD-40 and remove the y-pipe...easier access..means less
I only replaced the cat/y-pipe a few months ago,that was a nightmare in itself,sheared studs and all that.I should have changed plug number 8 then
Regards,Mark.
Old May 3, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by MARKTHOMASBRAND
Hi all,
Have managed to change 7 out of the 8 plugs.
How do you remove the one closest to the fire-wall on the passenger side.
I can pull the plug wire off but can't get near it to undo it,do I need to drop the starter or am I missing something here?
Regards,Mark.
I'm trying to remember how I did it - probably from underneath?
Either that or you have to "lay across the car" from front to back,
using your left arm to gain access. If you have smog pipes in the way,
it might be easier to just remove them. Or maybe I had my brother
do it (he has thinner arms than me ).

(Now that I have headers on, I can get to it from up-top, but I still have
to get the #6 plug from underneath).
Old May 3, 2008 | 02:12 PM
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On my '94, for number 8, disconnected battery, remove two starter mounting bolts leaving electrical wires on starter hooked up. Slide starter forward a few inches, used a spark plug socket with a hex end and a box end/opened end wrench on the spark plug socket.
Old May 3, 2008 | 03:35 PM
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Thanks for all the tips guys,will have another go on my next day off work (wednesday).
Regards,Mark .
Old May 7, 2008 | 09:50 AM
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Managed to change the #8 plug today.Got at it from the top with my left hand whilst kneeling above the radiator,took me about 30 mins.
Have used the AC Delco platinum plugs and I only do about 5,000 miles per year,so I should never have to change the damn things again .
Thanks for all the tips guys, now it's time for a well deserved cold beer .
All the best,Mark.
Old May 7, 2008 | 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by MARKTHOMASBRAND
Managed to change the #8 plug today.Got at it from the top with my left hand whilst kneeling above the radiator,took me about 30 mins.
Have used the AC Delco platinum plugs and I only do about 5,000 miles per year,so I should never have to change the damn things again .
Thanks for all the tips guys, now it's time for a well deserved cold beer .
All the best,Mark.
Good to hear.
Old May 7, 2008 | 11:28 AM
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Good Stuff, ive bought some headers recently, and when i install them, i will replace the plugs and wires while i am at it,( but these will be temporary) i will then replace them once more with NGK TR55 IX plugs and MSD Wires wwhen i rebuild the engine, good to hear you got them replaced though
Old May 7, 2008 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by KajunKadillac
Good Stuff, ive bought some headers recently, and when i install them, i will replace the plugs and wires while i am at it,( but these will be temporary) i will then replace them once more with NGK TR55 IX plugs and MSD Wires wwhen i rebuild the engine, good to hear you got them replaced though
Thanks man,it was an ordeal but the car runs sweet now,just been for a cruise with the t-tops off,we have nice weather here for a change .
Old May 7, 2008 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
Good to hear.
Thanks for the info,your method is the way to go .



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