Spark plugs (rear)

[prb_nearnorth]

Hello:

2003 Chev Impala, 3.4 L

According to the service manual, it is time to change the spark plugs. I have removed the front plugs and inspected them and they look fine. However, my problem is accessing the rear spark plugs. According to my Haynes manual, I must remove the intake manifold to get at these plugs. Can someone tell me if this is really necessary? Any tips for replacing these plugs? If I do have to remove the intake manifold, then I assume that I will need to replace the intake manifold gasket also, correct? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has already been through this process. Thanks in advance.

[rustysurfsa]

You can never tell if your plugs are ok just by looking. Plug the spark plug in and ground it on the engine or something have someone turn over the engine, not start it. If the spark is blue your fine, if the spark is orange it's time for new plugs. My mustang was also very hard to get the plugs out i almost had to remove a couple things, I got a long extension and some rachet adapters that allowed me to turn at diffrent angels and got them out like that.

[SLJ2137694]

Originally Posted by rustysurfsa

You can never tell if your plugs are ok just by looking. Plug the spark plug in and ground it on the engine or something have someone turn over the engine, not start it. If the spark is blue your fine, if the spark is orange it's time for new plugs. My mustang was also very hard to get the plugs out i almost had to remove a couple things, I got a long extension and some rachet adapters that allowed me to turn at diffrent angels and got them out like that.

The color of the spark is going to tell you more about the ignition coil, not the condition of the plugs.

[rustysurfsa]

If your coil is fine then it does tell you the condition of your plugs. Dude I've been doing this a long time, I know what I'm talking about. Right now I can take a old plug and new plug and they will have diffrent color sparks on the same coil. I've done this many times.

[prb_nearnorth]

OK --- how about my problem accessing the rear plugs on this vehicle?

According to my Haynes manual, I must remove the intake manifold to get at these plugs. Can someone tell me if this is really necessary? Any tips for replacing these plugs? If I do have to remove the intake manifold, then I assume that I will need to replace the intake manifold gasket also, correct?

Thanks for your input!

[rustysurfsa]

If it's in the way remove it. And yeah change the gasket or you might get an air leak.