How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug - Page 2

C5Longhorn · 05-13-2006, 11:01 PM

Excellent tip. I used it today. It greatly shortened the time it took to change the plugs.

Thanks again.

Rick

GirlBear · 05-14-2006, 12:59 AM

Nice post! Although I found it easier to just remove the wheel and that flap (just tore it off). Then went straight in , also i popped out the rubber stopper in the plug socket. Don't worry i replaced the flaps.

Hunter1 · 05-24-2006, 11:33 PM

Has anyone else thought to lift the engine up about an inch after that it is a shot above that steering rod.

CreekBandDad · 06-21-2006, 09:26 PM

I have a '99 Blazer and this came in very helpful. I had to pull the air filter unit off first as that was above the steering shaft.

The other thing that is helpful is a spark plug boot puller. I used one my neighbor had and I am going to order one of my own. It was the OTC-7078. It is currently available on americanhomeoutlet.com for $4.95 each. Search for otc7078.

Brian_D · 06-22-2006, 10:55 AM

Thanks Rlith for the excellent tip! As a side note, I found a "pickle fork" makes a perfect pry bar for the steering shaft. Also, a few squirts of Dupont Silicone Spray applied to the rubber in the spark plug socket makes for easier socket removal AFTER installing new plugs.

midnight_lost · 07-22-2006, 01:13 PM

I just used a breaker bar witch had enough clearence to loosen the plug until I could just finish removeing it by hand and to put the plugs back in I've always used a 6-8in piece of vacum hose to help fight cross threading.

bmitchum1 · 09-04-2006, 02:59 PM

This is the most helpful peice of info. Thanks a bunch. I changed my plugs about 6 months ago and couldn't get to the # 3 spark plug

Now with the help of you I can.

rlith · 09-04-2006, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter1

Has anyone else thought to lift the engine up about an inch after that it is a shot above that steering rod.

Problem with that is that you stress the motor mounts

riptide44 · 10-27-2006, 11:39 PM

well i'm new here ..... someone mentioned lifting the flap inside the wheel well to get at the #3 spark plug -- that is the way i've seen most gm techs do it and is also how i do it - i just use a 5/8 spark plug socket followed by a swivel ( or knuckle ) then a couple of 3 inch extentions on a 3/8 ratchet - its really crampped in there for big hands but it does work - and might as well do number 5 plug while you are there .

CustomDeluxe · 04-04-2007, 12:55 AM

Thank you for this write up, after an hour of finageling and cursing I came in to do some research. After finding this thread, everything was back to normal in 20min. You are a life saver. kudos!

comp · 05-11-2007, 07:10 AM

good thread

frankiem · 06-12-2007, 09:14 PM

The way i change the #3 plug is I use a snap on spark plug socket with a 18mm stubby wrench this allows you to get right in there behind the steering shaft and take the plug right out. sometimes it is also easier if you cut the rubber over the shaft. Then to put the plug in i use a little piece of 3/8'' rubber hose on the end of the spark plug to help me start the plug in the hole GOOD LUCK

rayh059 · 06-30-2007, 02:05 PM

I didn't have a problem using a wobble and an extension from the fenderwell. I believe I have a plastic cover over the area you show the bolt at, I'm not exactly sure. It was easier getting the plug out than it was getting the wire off

ZL1power69 · 06-30-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayh059

It was easier getting the plug out than it was getting the wire off

true. the second easiest way to get this plug is to put the plug socet over that plug and use a wrench from up top.

Paul T · 08-06-2007, 08:37 PM

Many Thanks to TOM B and RLITH and everyone. The link to RILTH was absolutely amazing advice. I may have given up on getting the Number 3 Plug out but the pictures along with the advice regarding the disconnection of the intermediate steering shaft from the steering box for access was right on the money and nothing short of pure brilliance!

So then, did the "tune-up" get rid of the misfire? Unfortunately the answer is no. But because at the very least I have 6 new plugs/wires, the misfire no longer stalls me and I could get to work.

Right now I still have two error codes. The P0300 (Random Misfire) and the specific P0305 (Number 5 Cylinder Misfire).

Have poured in to the fuel SEA FOAM and have driven the Blazer 120 miles without success. My biggest obstacle is being totally down and missing work which of course isn't good.

I don't know if I have the talent to pull-off an injector replacement in a short period of time. I know the injector is about $90-100.

Any idea on labor or how labor intensive this kind of a job is?

Thanks again to all. I know that at some point I will get to the bottom of it. Soon I hope.

Paul T

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