I own a 1995 Buick Riviera Supercharged with 3800 motor.I recently went to do a tune up and while I was changing the spark plugs discovered it was impossible to gain access to the 3 rear plugs along the firewall.My question is how do you get to them? I went under the car with a light and found there was limited access around the cat converter,but its still pretty difficult gaining any clearance.Any suggestions? someone told me the engine has to be rocked forward at an angle....but I definitly dont want to have to do this just to get to 3 spark plugs.

Thanks

I own a 1995 Buick Riviera Supercharged with 3800 motor.I recently went to do a tune up and while I was changing the spark plugs discovered it was impossible to gain access to the 3 rear plugs along the firewall.My question is how do you get to them? I went under the car with a light and found there was limited access around the cat converter,but its still pretty difficult gaining any clearance.Any suggestions? someone told me the engine has to be rocked forward at an angle....but I definitely don't want to have to do this just to get to 3 spark plugs.

Thanks

I'd like to know what's involved with doing this too!!

-edwinn

I've changed mine twice already, and I did it from underneath for those back ones you talked about. It is a PIA to do, but a long extention and I believe a universal joint on one of them is necessary if I remember right.

I have more problems gettting the boot off the old plugs than anything else. If you plan on keeping it for a while I'd recommend swabbing a little dielectric grease in there when popping them back on.

I've changed mine twice already, and I did it from underneath for those back ones you talked about. It is a PIA to do, but a long extension and I believe a universal joint on one of them is necessary if I remember right.

I have more problems getting the boot off the old plugs than anything else. If you plan on keeping it for a while I'd recommend swabbing a little dielectric grease in there when popping them back on.
A GM dealer told me about tipping the engine, and about loosening the intake plenum. First time I stopped in there, it was 200 (a nice round number) to change the plugs. A couple days later the price jumped to ~450. The hell with that.

It might be a good idea to change plugs after 13 years and 115,000 miles? The wires are in good shape since I've kept 'em free of grease and dirt (except the far back ones.) Also hit them with Armour-All to keep them from dry rotting. The boots look to be getting a bit cruddy. Haven't dared to pull the wires off the plugs. Thinking it would be best to change wires and plugs before long.

-edwinn

Wow, even $200 is a lot to change the plugs! It only took me a little more than an hour. 2nd time took me about 2, but I changed the wires at that time (about 200K mi.)

Yes, at 115K those are overdue. Even the new iridnium (spelling?) plugs are only good to about 80K in my book.

Wow, even $200 is a lot to change the plugs! It only took me a little more than an hour. 2nd time took me about 2, but I changed the wires at that time (about 200K mi.) Yes, at 115K those are overdue. Even the new iridium plugs are only good to about 80K in my book.

Looking back over the price quotes from 2007, the $200 was to change the wires only. The more recent quote for plugs and wires installed was around $435. I've mapped out and sketched where the wires go. Probably before winter I'll be looking to have this done. How did you get to the back plugs again? Do you have a lift? I've got plenty of socket wrench extensions and U-joints, etc. but cannot afford to have the vehicle out of service for more than a day or two.

-ed

Ed,

When I did mine I just pulled the vehicle up on car ramps and slid under with a creeper to get at some of the back ones. I think the one on the pass. side in the back you can get at from top. It seems to me I used a long 12" extension and perhaps another 4" with a universal joint on it.