Spark plugs rear of engine

What is the best way to change the 3 spark plugs in the back of the engine, any hints or ideas

Try this link http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=242211&highlight=spark+plugs This should help you as the Venture is a sister van with the same engine.

I changed my plugs a few months ago, it was hard but I was able to do it. What I did was: 1st. Remove the bolts on the top two motor mounts and rotate them back. 2nd. I removed the radiator cooling fans (this will make sense in a minute). 3rd I removed the air intake and air flow meter. 4th I used a ratchet type tie down strap and attached it to the large eyelet by the right hand motor mount, I fed the strap over top of the radiator over the body cross member down in fronf of the radiator and under the lower cross member and attached the end to a secure place on the frame. 5th Set the parking brake and chock the wheels, put the tranny in neutral. 6th tighten the ratchet to rotate the motor forward (with the fans removed you can rotate the engine farther forward. 7th I removed the wiper push rod. 8th I was then able to reach over top of the engine to get to the back plugs, I had to do it by feel because you can't see them.

It was hard, I'd say it took me at least 2 hours to change the plugs and I have skinny fore arms.
That is how I did it. I looked at the suggested site from the previous post, it seems that the guys that took off the coil packs all have had some kind of problem with the running of the engine. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them if I can.

Good luck,
Dan

Something I didn't add in my previous post is that since this is a difficult job and you want to do it right the first time, make sure you stick with AC Delco plugs. A lot of the aftermarket plugs do not perform well in these engines and you get problems such as a "miss", poor fuel economy, shorter plug life, and hard starting .

the best way is to pay a shop to do it.

the best way is to pay a shop to do it.
Not neccesarily,while it may be the best option for some, there are plenty of members on this site who are DIYers and enjoy doing it themselves.

What is the best way to change the 3 spark plugs in the back of the engine, any hints or ideas

I started to try removing the engine mounts and rocking the engine forward, however, after trying to get to the O2 sensor near the same location, I realized it would be less bolts to remove if I removed the exhaust. Two bolts that attached to the engine and two bolts that attached to the muffler. Disconnect the 02 sensor wiring behind the catylitic converter and the exhaust comes out easy. Now you have plenty of room (well, enough room) to remove the 3 rear spark plugs from underneath.

Like the engine mount method, plan on a couple of hours for the project.

keep an eye on the "doughnut" gasket at the collecter when you put the exhaust back together. I had one get a little crossways and it sounded like a logging truck.

Attempting to replace the back 3 plugs, I tried pulling the cat pipe (no good), and I tried going in through the wheel well (no good), finally I rotated the engine forward.

Loosen the two front mounts and attach the two tie down hooks to the two engine lift loops and run the strap in front of the hood latch plate.

Disconnect the intake tube at the throttle body and ratchet the engine forward so the exhaust heat shield gets close to the radiator fan.

Remove the left coil only for acceptable access. Loosen the wiper strut and rotate out of the way. My sparkplug boots must have been glued on so I used a 45 degree plug wire puller.

This way works fine as long as you have a fair assortment of extensions.
FYI my factory plugs were very eroded on the ground strap (90,000m) so they were replaced with another type of plugs. Champion double platinums, one range colder.
Steve
2000 pontiac montana