Spark plug change?

bswanzek · #1 06-07-2004, 08:55 PM

I need to replace the spark plugs in my 2000 Impala, 3.8L. The back plugs look really tough to get at. Does anyone have any tricks to make this job easier?

Thanks

soundfiend · #2 06-28-2004, 01:07 PM

you will need to purchas a spark plug boot puller (really technical name huh?). the back plug boots tend to melt to the plug and if you simply try to pull them off you will rip the wire out leaving the boot on the plug. guess how i know that. you will need to remove the distributor pack from the top of the back of the engine above those plugs. that is the only way you will get enough room to put any tools back there. the whole project took me about two hours. good luck

TP_Nate · #3 10-13-2004, 09:58 AM

regarding the 2001 Impala we have a 3.4L and have heard of a clamp tool you can use to pull the engine forward. What is the name of this tool and where can you find it? Thanks for any advice.

bermis519 · #4 10-16-2004, 09:32 PM

It's not that hard to replace the back plugs to actually need something to pull the motor forward. One you would be putting stress on the motor mounts and if you do it wrong you might compromise them. Just make sure when you replace spark plugs, would hurt to spend the 30 some bucks and throw new wires on it too...then it will make it easier for you to pull them off not having to worry about pulling out the wire from the boot. Trust me..live and learn..lol....

mike

TP_Nate · #5 10-18-2004, 11:27 AM

Found what I was lookin for. the lisle engine tilt. Its a real tool won't hurt the engine, specifically designed for the GM transversally mounted engine. changing the wires as well.

The tool attatches to the torque struts (dog bones).

Shadetreeme · #6 11-18-2004, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TP_Nate

Found what I was lookin for. the lisle engine tilt. Its a real tool won't hurt the engine, specifically designed for the GM transversally mounted engine. changing the wires as well.

The tool attatches to the torque struts (dog bones).

Is the tool a dealer purchase tool? or can I get it at a local parts shop?

3.4imp · #7 11-18-2004, 05:43 PM

actually you don't need 2 unhook rear engine mount and tilt engine unless you wanna do extra work. all you need 2 do is remove your strut bar to get to the back ones. and when i used the boot puller, every boot that I used it on it broke them. the ones I used my hands on came off just fine. lets face it if your car has 100,000 miles or so and you wanna replace the plugs (what factory recommends), you should replace your plug wires also

Shadetreeme · #8 11-19-2004, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.4imp

actually you don't need 2 unhook rear engine mount and tilt engine unless you wanna do extra work. all you need 2 do is remove your strut bar to get to the back ones. and when i used the boot puller, every boot that I used it on it broke them. the ones I used my hands on came off just fine. lets face it if your car has 100,000 miles or so and you wanna replace the plugs (what factory recommends), you should replace your plug wires also

3.4imp
Thank you for your advice. And your time for responding. I will do that next time I change the spark plugs. I myself don't trust anything to pull the boots out but my hands. I usually twist the base until they come loose. My forearms are pretty sore the next day but I have peace of mind.

dpannazzo · #9 08-19-2005, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TP_Nate

Found what I was lookin for. the lisle engine tilt. Its a real tool won't hurt the engine, specifically designed for the GM transversally mounted engine. changing the wires as well.

The tool attatches to the torque struts (dog bones).

Hello Nate,
I would like to know how the tool worked out and if you were able to change the rear plugs and anything else you may have had to do such as loosen or disconnect bolts to move the engine forward.
Please respond as I amvery curious to know and also complete my tuneup.
Thank You,
David.

montecarlossfan · #10 08-19-2005, 03:43 PM

when i did the plugs in my 2000 monte with a 3.8 , i pulled out the front mounths, pulled the motor by the alternator bracket bar...and using a large zip tye , zip tied it forward...made it easy enough...even a come along would work....it helps if u have the car parked down towards a slight incline..

57chevyragtop · #11 08-20-2005, 06:47 AM

Having just purchased an 02 Impala 3.4 w/61K I decided to check plugs/wires. Now I thought it was done like the early Luminas pulling the engine forward (3.1) which it was designed for. Not so with the Impala. There is room to get at the rear plugs though it is tight and I did break #1 wire due to the tight fit GM wires and did only pull boot! I went w/aftermarket 28 buck set of wires. (50 for GM wires is nuts) Now the plugs being Iridium and 6 bucks ea. one has to wonder what the the advantage is over platinum as the center electrodes were so weak they broke when checking gap (yes I was gentle). so I replaced them as well since they were worn .070+. Also note that if you get or are using Chiltons manual the gap specified for the 3400 E is .045 This is wrong! GM and Alldata have it at .060 which is correct.... I do have a question though...what is the correct AC Platinum Plug number to use if one wishes to replace the Iridium? I will also point out here that if you do get the plug wire puller try to find the one with the offset at the boot grip rather than the inline. I will post a source(s) if I locate one.

montecarlossfan · #12 08-20-2005, 08:49 AM

i went to autozone and asked for platinums, and it looks like acdelco changed over to iridium on tthe platinum number anyway

victimizati0n · #13 08-21-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermis519

It's not that hard to replace the back plugs to actually need something to pull the motor forward. One you would be putting stress on the motor mounts and if you do it wrong you might compromise them. Just make sure when you replace spark plugs, would hurt to spend the 30 some bucks and throw new wires on it too...then it will make it easier for you to pull them off not having to worry about pulling out the wire from the boot. Trust me..live and learn..lol....

mike

the engine is made to move around.

There will be no damage to the mounts.

ogre73 · #14 08-21-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57chevyragtop

Now I thought it was done like the early Luminas pulling the engine forward (3.1) which it was designed for. Not so with the Impala.

I had no issue with pulling the engine forward after I released the mounts at the dogbones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57chevyragtop

I went w/aftermarket 28 buck set of wires. (50 for GM wires is nuts).

I would strongly suggest against going with anything on these newer Impalas other than the factory ACDelco parts for the plugs and wires. I had a very bad experience with putting platinum plugs in with the factory wireset and a misfire problem. I had worse luck when I changed to the Autozone wires. You can read about my troubles with that here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=354316

As a matter of fact, I consider that misfire problem a heavy contributor to the catalytic converter problem that surfaced later.
Jim

Mikey-Mike · #15 08-22-2005, 10:41 AM

I changed my wires & plugs in my 3.4 Impala. I was able to get the back plugs out no problemo & there was plenty of room to work back there I thought.

I used "Taylor Spiro Pro" wires from Summit Racing and Split Fire Platinum plugs.

Everything worked well but I will use "Bosh Platinum 4+ Gapless Spark Plugs" this yr., because they are the Ultimate.

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