Changing spark plugs

[Rhcmlc]

I'm thinking about changing the spark plugs on my 3.1 L v6 Malibu, but need to know how difficult it is to change the rear spark plugs. Any advice is appreciated.

[Jay99]

I've done it once (about 6 months ago) on my 99 Malibu...
If you have a good set of tools with a decent selection of extensions then you should be fine...
The only painful experience was the removal of 2 of the spark plug wire boots. It took me forever... there's just not enough room to maneuver your arm to an efficient angle as to apply max pull.
So my advice to you would be to first (before you even bother buying spark plugs) try to remove those 3 boots in the rear. Should you not be able to remove all of'em then you may have to let a mechanic do the job.

[DaYtOnAt2]

It really isn't all that hard but then again I am a mechanic. But I still don't recall having to use any special tools. A swivel and a longer extention (18" or so) works good.

[burly]

I had to use a universal joint and a couple of extensions to do the job. I suggest you wear a glove or wrap a towel around your knuckle when you do it though, because when you go to pull the boot off its on there pretty tight - same with the first turn of the spark plug.

[DaYtOnAt2]

I second that! Btw update a shorter extension 3" or so would be a good idea for the #3 cyl (middle rear). Just did one yesterday...

[bottomtech]

If your car is a '96 or newer, you should have 100,000 mile plugs. They do last that long, too. A 5-inch extension and a flex head ratchet make easy work of it. The only problem is the boots. The best way for them is to twist until the entire boot comes loose from the plug and gently pull. It is real easy to yank the boot off and leave the terminal on the plug.
Also, check all the plug wires at the coils. They tend to micro-arc (rust) on the terminals and give you all kinds of little gremlins. If you find any, replace the coil and wire.

[gapboi210]

It really isn't that hard. You can't see them but u can go off of feel. The worst thing is leaning over the motor it is a back breaker. I changed mine at 68K and it was time. 100k my ass. Maybe under perfect ideal conditions not the real world. I didnt need a universal or anything. Just take ur time and all i needed was a 4 inch or so extension. I went one plug at a time so i didnt get the boots switched.

[bcopeland]

True that, gapboi210. 100K and mine were little nubs. Reaching back there is not too bad. I did it with a short extension and great "feel".

[JoePete]

What plugs do you guys recommend?

[wymi]

Originally Posted by JoePete

What plugs do you guys recommend?

AC Delco, 41-979

[zz519]

you'd better change the wire set as well if it is original. It is also easy to destroy the old wire while you're trying to pull off the plugs.

[tractorboy]

I highly recommend a spark plug boot puller. Also if you can blow out around the plugs before removing with air. a section of gas line cut about 8 inches and slipped over the new plug makes easy instalation. Never remove a plug / bolt from the engine while hot.

[wymi]

Originally Posted by tractorboy

I highly recommend a spark plug boot puller. Also if you can blow out around the plugs before removing with air. a section of gas line cut about 8 inches and slipped over the new plug makes easy instalation. Never remove a plug / bolt from the engine while hot.

I agree with all of this, good advice, stone cold engine is a must.

[RJ MALIBU]

delco or delco plats only!!!!!!!!

[gapboi210]

I would definitly say go Ac-Delco! I went with Bosch Platinums and had a rough idle and a "miss" in high rpms. Switched to a set of Bosch Platinums +2. Same problem, finally got some Ac-Delco even though they seemed of lower quality but the car ran smooth at high rpms and did not shudder while idling anymore. They can be hard to find outside of the dealership though.