Easy Spark Plug Question...

Does the '02 Venture come with OEM platinum plugs? Trying to decide whether I need to check/replace them.

My 98 does so I would imagine yours does too.Give the dealer a call to find out for sure. I replaced mine at 85000 kms and they were in good shape, but some have had them in for 170,00 kms and they still work great. These plugs are one of the few things GM have, that are any good. They must get them made by Honda!! Ha!

Unless '98 is a huge difference, how on earth did you reach the back 3 plugs. I can't see them - or even touch them with my fingers! Much less get a ratchet on them. Getting at them from under the car doesn't seem to be all that much of a picnic either.

You have to rock the engine forward to get to the rear plugs. There are two "dog bone" struts in the front that attach to the top radiator support. Unbolt these from the engine (I find it's easier to just remove them completely) and use a common ratchet strap hooked from the engine support bracket to the top radiator support (or some other sturdy location). Rock it forward. Then remove the coil pack (2 bolts up front, 2 nuts in the rear). This should get you access to the rear although it is still awkward.

The alternative is to go at it from the bottom and/or side. I've never gone this way but some have. You can also squeeze your hand through where the exhaust pipe goes up if your hands are small enough.

It's definitely not easy to get to it, but it's not complex either. If you never have rocked the engine or removed the coil pack, I'd plan on a couple of hours at least to get it apart and back together.

Here's a little hint... when you are reinstalling the coil pack, leave the nuts off the back two studs. Put a little bit of medium loc-tite on the front two bolts and tighten it down. It's more then enough to hold everything together, and it makes removing the coil pack significantly easier if you were ever to have to again. Those back two nuts are a PITA to get to.

Very detailed explanation cdru, thanks much. I guess there is a flex connection somewhere in the exhaust to allow the motor to pivot forward?

IMHO you could get the spark plugs out with alot of extensions, and some swivel adapters. All you would have to do is go from underneath the vehicle between the firewall. Plenty of room to work...

I tried pulling the motor forward, but I must have big forearms since I still couldn't fit my arm back far enough to reach the plugs... I installed the front three and paid the local shop $60.00 to put in the back ones. I didn't realize that the stock plugs were so well built so I made an assumption that the Bosche platinums were better and used those. The shop questioned this, but since I already purchased the plugs and put three of them in the front, I said to do the same to the back. Has anyone heard if there are any problems using Bosche Platinums in this motor?

Search "spark plugs" here. I have read a few posts about people reporting "missing" after installing Bosch plugs.

I've used bosch single tipped platinum plugs in my van since I bought it with no real problems that can be attributed back to them. Just my .02 worth.

I would stay away from Bosch plugs.
I had my plug changed at 180,000 km with Bosch and at 220,000km vehicle started to miss and hesitate. Had plugs changed to NGK platinum and problem went away.

I tried pulling the motor forward, but I must have big forearms since I still couldn't fit my arm back far enough to reach the plugs... I installed the front three and paid the local shop $60.00 to put in the back ones. I didn't realize that the stock plugs were so well built so I made an assumption that the Bosche platinums were better and used those. The shop questioned this, but since I already purchased the plugs and put three of them in the front, I said to do the same to the back. Has anyone heard if there are any problems using Bosche Platinums in this motor?


You should have went with the GM plugs. Probably the last time you would change them anyway.
Many mechanics have told me to "steer clear" of Bosch Platinum. They give rough idle , misfires , etc. They also say that the only vehicle that calls for them, is Volkswagon!

Just changed the plugs for the 1st time today in our 2001 Olds Silo with 50K miles. Wow, what a pain! I thought I would save some time by going from below, but it still took me a couple hours with most of it on those back 3 plugs. Cylinder #5 wire was the bear to get off. Finally had to use some taped over pliers and lever it off. In addition to the extensions, I had to use a short breaker bar on the ratchet handle to pop the plugs as there is very little room down there.

I would guess that the GM designers and engineers who own this van don't do their own maintenance.

Just did mine this past Saturday, sure was a PITA on the rears. I did all of them from the top and removed the coil pack as well. I re-installed the nuts on the back, passenger side from top with ratchet, driver's side from bottom with combination wrench. The hardest part was to get the boots off the plugs in the rear.
I bought the GM plugs and wires from gmpartsdirect.com.
What glorious engineering :screwy: