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01-08-2006, 05:26 PM | #1 | |
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How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
So many threads have gotten started asking how to change the #3 plug because the intermediate shaft is in the way. "Typically" people say to wedge the socket on, use a wobble, this that an the other thing. They end up fighting with something they don't have to.
So I've decided to show the "EASIEST" way to change the #3 spark plug, (It is by no means the only way). My how-to can be done in about 5 minutes. Tools needed. 11mm socket Socket Wrench 2 or 3 Extensions Flathead screw driver (or prybar if rusty) Step 1: Turn your wheels straight and leave the ignition key forward enough to keep the steering wheel unlocked. Step 2: Open the rag joint cover at the base of the intermediate steering shaft. Step 3: Remove the 11mm bolt at the base of the intermeiate Here in the picture we see the plastic rag joint cover. The red arrow points to the circled 11mm bolt that has to be removed. Here is a pic of the bolt removed Step 4: Use a large flat head screw driver at the base and pry outwards. The steering shaft will start telescoping in on itself. (If your intermediate shaft is a bit rusty, simply spray the shaft with wd40 or similar and use a prybar instead of the screwdriver. Don't worry about prying to hard, the shaft can take a lot. ) Step 5: Lift Steering shaft out of the way (don't worry, the top is fairly mobile) Do not worry about how you put the shaft back on. The shaft and the splines on the steering box are keyed. (Meaning it only goes on one way) Avoid spinning your steering wheel all the way around though. You don't want to bust the clock spring in the steering wheel. Here we now see the # 3 plug fully accesable. Simply use a couple of extensions and a spark plug socket to remove. When putting in new spark plugs, even if you are told they are pre-gapped, take no chances. Check your gap with a gap tool. It's a .25 cent tool, get one! Also you can spread anti-seize on the threads of the sparkplug so you don't have difficulty later. Also use dialectric grease inside the plug boots. This way you won't have a prob when you need to pull them off later and it will create a better contact between the wire and the plug. Here is a shot of the AC-Delco Rapidfires that I installed. Note the gold tone, that is the anti-seize. Total time to change all 6 plugs was 20 minutes. This includes collapsing and reinstalling the intermediate shaft. This way you don't have to worry about trying to work other tools in there.
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95 s10 Blazer, EGR Mod, ZQ8 Steering box mod, 99 Center console shifter mod and more... See everything at www.pghconsulting.net/teal |
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01-08-2006, 06:10 PM | #2 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Good post, wish I would have had it a couple of months ago when I did my wire/cap/rotor/plug change!!!
Heh, will keep this in mind for next time though! =)
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01-08-2006, 07:04 PM | #3 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Another great thread. Now that people can see how to do it, maybe they'll believe us when we tell them it's easier than fumbling with multiple swivels and extensions.
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01-08-2006, 07:31 PM | #4 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Hey the pic worked the first time this time lol.
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1991 Chevy S-10 Blazer 5.7 V8 RIP 1999 Chevy Blazer 2dr 4.3 |
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01-08-2006, 09:28 PM | #5 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Great post!
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01-09-2006, 08:46 AM | #6 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Pretty awesome!
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01-09-2006, 08:17 PM | #7 | |
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Thanks again rlith, first it was the door hinge bushing post and now this!!! you are a life saver
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01-09-2006, 11:28 PM | #8 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Great info. I wish I had that last fall when it took me 2 hours to change all my plugs. LOL.
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01-10-2006, 04:24 AM | #9 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Glad its not this difficult on an 89 model . But a body lift helps with clearance . Another good job . Rob
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01-10-2006, 09:38 AM | #10 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
I might actually need this for v8 because from plug 3 on back its a no go lol.
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1991 Chevy S-10 Blazer 5.7 V8 RIP 1999 Chevy Blazer 2dr 4.3 |
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02-14-2006, 12:05 PM | #11 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Thats awesome, just another idea as well...snap-on makes an offset sparkplug socket that works great too
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02-14-2006, 04:58 PM | #12 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
I guess my question would be....would this effectthe air bag system in any way?? Just dont want to set off my airbag over a spark plug...lol
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02-15-2006, 06:24 AM | #13 | ||
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Quote:
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95 s10 Blazer, EGR Mod, ZQ8 Steering box mod, 99 Center console shifter mod and more... See everything at www.pghconsulting.net/teal |
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03-07-2006, 07:18 PM | #14 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
good advice, dude master, i also found on my 2001 jimmy, the flap behind the front wheels/tires, if lifted up, gives good acess to the other 5 plugs, and nothing above has to be removed. i got off easy last time i changed #3, as i used a wobble socket extention and ground a few mm's off both ends of the spark plug socket. it was still hard, but went better that witha regular socket. p.s. are the ac/delco's you put in working well, i put in a set of bosch platnum +2's and i don't think it was worth the money. thanks for the info/helpand graphics are always good!!!
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03-30-2006, 01:49 AM | #15 | |
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Re: How-to change the PITA #3 spark plug
Thanks for the easy steps, even on my 2001 blazer it was almost exactly as you wrote. Im a complete car novice (can hardly change my own oil if i had to) And i got this granted it was a biatch my engine cavity had about 10x the wires as shown in your pictures but with a little TLC you can make it happen!
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