95 Z34 Spark Plugs

[titania]

I currently own a 95 Z34 with a V6 3.4L engine. In an attempt to do some general maintanence on my car to save both time and money I ran in to a problem with the spark plugs. #'s 2,4, and 6 run up and into the front of the engine and are easily accessible. But I have been unable to locate the others with a cursory glance. I read an article from one consumer who said you cannot change the plugs yourself. Is this true? Please help?

[lerseygbody]

yes u can reach those plugs, allthough it is a bit tricky, what u must 1st do is locate the motor mounts that are at the front of the motor, up high by the rad support, once u find them, take the bolts out, after u have done that u can move the whole motor forward allowing u to gain access to the plugs at the rear of the motor,,,,,, i know it sounds odd but it works......................................if have any other ?'s drop me a line,CHRIS

[av8rdavid]

Even easier...Get a couple of 3/8 extention sockets, a swival wrench, and a plug socket..Tape them together (to avoid getting them stuck in the deep black hole) and remove the rubber weather strip thats in front of the wipers...That will give you clearence Clarence!

[Shan23]

First off,im glad i came across this site as well as this post. I have a 96 Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L and im having a problem w/ getting to the back 3 plugs. I seen a post from awhile back on this site where someone said to locate the motor mounts n pull the engine forward but I went to a couple of local car care places and i was told that the upper intake gasket and the throttle body gasket had to be removed and replaced in the process of changing out the back three plugs. Obviously if you can just locate the motor mounts and move the engine forward that doesnt need to be done,correct? I bought this car used (at an auction) and didnt get to speak w/ the previous owner. The few minor repairs ive done so far everything has been,or appeared to be original (front three plugs by the looks of them and fuel filter,rusted on) should i proceed to have the gaskets changed as well or not worry about them??

[kamikaze_k77]

Regurading the question of the intake gaskets, I don't see why they would need to be removed for the spark plugs, BUT, i have a the same '95 Z34 and had to get the gaskets replaced. My car wouldn't idle in cold weather due to the leaky gaskets. Several other people that i have talked to have had to get them replaced. So, if you have the extra $, i would suggest doing it before problems come.

[audiopro]

has anyone had any luck with these other ways of changing plugs?

i just take the intake plenum(sp?) off and they are right there! the only problem is the gaskets if you are not carful you can tare them! but i have been lucky i guess not to tare them!

[Shan23]

Hey,in response to the back 3 plugs,you do have to remove the plenum. Tearing a gasket was the least of my worries.. It took me n my younger brother 4 hrs in his auto shop class to remove the plenum,unhook everything,replace the plugs and put everything back together. Needless to say we were congradulated on workin on the wonderfully messed up 3.4L and conquering it. Its a pain in the rear but it saves you $$ on taking it in,i found anywhere between $86-$125..and that wasn't at a dealership..approx $400,including labor.

[HellzX]

Remove the engine mount bolts. Attach a cum-along strap to the engine, and a secure spot outside the engine. Start tightening the strap and it should bring, and hold, the engine forward. Then you are free to change the rear 3 spark plugs. Doesn't take more then an hour to do.

[bud36light]

first off this motor has semi rigid mounts and will only rock as much as they are worn out. To change the rear plugs is really simple. Move the weather stripping out of the way and use a really thin 3/8 extention probably 12 inches or better. Works on my 95. If you still dont have enough notch the cowl back about an inch or so. Just enough were the weather stripping will still cover. BTW make sure its cold motor too. Need any more help PM me