Rotating engine forward to get to the spark plugs

[Glen_T]

Okay, now that I read the posts again, I see that you all are talking about two different things - rotating the engine vs. dropping the subframe.

I'd still recommend the rotation method...still a pain, but that is what the engineers intended when they shoe-horned this engine in there.....Glen

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by Glen_T

Okay, now that I read the posts again, I see that you all are talking about two different things - rotating the engine vs. dropping the subframe.

I'd still recommend the rotation method...still a pain, but that is what the engineers intended when they shoe-horned this engine in there.....Glen

That was my thinking too GlenT. I was wondering which bolts the other gent was talking about. I am never comfortable having to support the engine on a jack becasue I need to somehow get it back into position afterwards.

My question on the rotation though is:

Is the engine pretty much balanced and when these "dog-bone" bolts are removed does the engine fall (rotate) backwards or forwards on its own? Does it require a lot of force to move (rotate) it? and hold it. I want to pull the engine forward (rotate) and then tie it into position using a few straps and then when finished rotate it back.

[hufhouse]

It's not hard to get it back in position. As I recall, it goes back pretty close and then you just jiggle it a little to get the bolts in. Nothing you can't handle.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by hufhouse

It's not hard to get it back in position. As I recall, it goes back pretty close and then you just jiggle it a little to get the bolts in. Nothing you can't handle.

After the Rotation method ???


Thanks

[hufhouse]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

After the Rotation method ???


Thanks

Yes. Remove the "dog bones", block it, put it in neutral, ratchet it forward.

When you ratchet it back, it will return almost exactly to its original position.

At that point, you can just jiggle it a little bit to get the "dog bones" back on. I'm a wimpy office boy and I did it.

[wruf]

I just did a complete tune-up on my 99 Venture.

I rotated the engine forward. No big deal, other than when I called a buddy to help "rotate the engine" he was convinced I meant rotate the wheels. "Engine's never get rotated" he said.

I followed the Haynes manual exactly. Make sure to have a come-along or ratchet strap to rotate and hold the engine in place.

It might should complicated but I was able to get it done myself within an hour.

FYI, change the plugs AND wires at the same time. No point in going through the motions again. While you've got the engine rotated, do everything you can while you have "easy" access.

[Rat407]

Just replaced the spark plugs on our 02 venture. Maybe it is just me but I didn't see the need to do anything to change the plugs. I'm 6' 220 and my big hands and arms didn't have any problem getting up to the back three plugs at all. The space up along the exhaust was just enought to get in there and remove the wires and pull the plugs. I agree that it isn't the most fun to change but not that bad either. This is the first time that they have been touched and the vehicle has 92k on it. I should have just waited untill I hit 100k since all six were still gapped at .060. They all looked great. Maybe all my years working on jet engines in the Air Force and all the tight places I have had to work made this easier. Some times I wonder if engineers really care how they make things. You should see some of the tight spots one has to work on some of these jet engines.

[cbec1999]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

My question on the rotation though is:

Is the engine pretty much balanced and when these "dog-bone" bolts are removed does the engine fall (rotate) backwards or forwards on its own? Does it require a lot of force to move (rotate) it? and hold it. I want to pull the engine forward (rotate) and then tie it into position using a few straps and then when finished rotate it back.

bump, on this question.

2nd bump...
Does anybody know the answer to these two questions? Neither was answered...

Thanks.

[auto4me]

Just replaced plugs and wires on an 1998 Venture. Probably could do it without rotating the engine. But it only took 10 min to do it so went ahead and do it to get more room. The tough part was to pull the wires off the 3 back plugs. Also installing the 3 back plugs. The rest was pretty easy. Dealer wanted $550.00 to do the job. Parts was $95.00. Not bad for over $100 per hour after tax.

[N7OKN]

Well I'm still having a problem, I can't rotate the engine because there's a bracket in the way thats mounted to the engine that will hit the radiator fan if it is rotated. The four inches it will go as it is is not enough to do any good. I spent an hour and a half trying to remove the bracket, but couldn't find a hidden bolt somewhere on the left side. This isn't the same diagram found in the Haynes manual, it's a different configuration. I have an '01 Venture. Am I missing something?