How do you change Back 3 Spark Plugs?

[OSUCowboy27]

2000 Chevy Venture

How do you change Back 3 Spark Plugs on the 3.4L ? I have heard that the front motor mount must be removed and motor rotated forward as far as possible. Is this true or is there another, easier way?

[bigjetguy]

That's the deal, the same goes for my 2000 grand prix. So I get a double whammy.

[timeflies]

No need to rotate engine as I was told that sometimes this causes damage to exhaust link which is flex. Anyhoo, first two plugs can be reached by going along the same channel as exhaust pipe from header runs. Last plug remove right side tire and you can reach up by body work to change it. This one is blind, but it's possible. Canadian Tire (and I'm sure other stores) sell a plug changing kit which has a ratchet handle that is curved as well as the head goes back and forth. It wouldn't have been possible without this specialty ratchet. Total time to change all plugs: 3 hours. Hopefully 2 or less next time.

[gadan]

did you also change the wires?

[timeflies]

No, I didn't. Wires are for next year to change

[gadan]

I was able to change all 6 spark plugs yesterday, but the car is shaking a little bit now at idle speed (it was not shaking before). I don't know if I did something wrong, but I'm going to change the wires next weekend and hopefully that will fix the problem.

[gadan]

Today the car is shaking a little bit less than yesterday. Do you think is normal for the car to shake a little bit after replacing the spark plugs. I replaced them after 118000 miles with the same type, Bosh Platinum 4.
Thanx once again to everybody for all your BIG HELP.

[timeflies]

After I changed the plugs to Bosch Platinum 4 I have a bit of shaking as well. I don't know if I accidently bent in one or more of the electrodes closer to the center electrode. I don't think I did. Anyhoo, they are pre-gapped plugs and the gap is smaller that it calls for in the manual. I also talked to a mechanic who said to replace plugs only with OE ones because otherwise I'll get some shaking/missing. OE plugs were $20.00 a set, Bosch Platinum 4's were on sale for $8.00 a set. 'Nuff said! Shaking/missing began right after plug change so I know that's what it is. Performance/fuel economy is way up since plug change. We'll see what happens. BTW repair manual I bought has detailed instructions how to change back 3 plugs including removing coil pack and rotating engine. I'll still do it the way I found out b/c I can imagine that that flex piece in the exhaust would be very expensive as it would be a specialty part.

[gadan]

Originally Posted by timeflies

After I changed the plugs to Bosch Platinum 4 I have a bit of shaking as well. I don't know if I accidently bent in one or more of the electrodes closer to the center electrode. I don't think I did. Anyhoo, they are pre-gapped plugs and the gap is smaller that it calls for in the manual. I also talked to a mechanic who said to replace plugs only with OE ones because otherwise I'll get some shaking/missing. OE plugs were $20.00 a set, Bosch Platinum 4's were on sale for $8.00 a set. 'Nuff said! Shaking/missing began right after plug change so I know that's what it is. Performance/fuel economy is way up since plug change. We'll see what happens. BTW repair manual I bought has detailed instructions how to change back 3 plugs including removing coil pack and rotating engine. I'll still do it the way I found out b/c I can imagine that that flex piece in the exhaust would be very expensive as it would be a specialty part.

You sure you paid 8 dollars for the set?, I paid 6.99 each one, anyway... Maybe I bent one of the electrodes, I did not rotate the engine, just went under the car following the exaust, I'm lucky I have long arms! I now get a check engine light, code P0303 (misfire cylinder #3), last weekend I tighted a little bit the spark plug in cyl 3 and the light went off but came up again. Next thing is replace all the cables, and if the shaking persist, then I'm going to take out the spark and put it back.

[bj3731]

The same thing happened to me a few months ago, but I never paid any attention to it.....now it's misfiring really bad, and was wondering if the plugs are the problem?? I also used the Bosch platinums, and I replaced the wires w/ the upper level ones from AutoZone. Now its misfiring, w/ the same code (for cyl. #3). I tried a new coil, checked the plug, and all the wires, and not getting better. Any ideas how to contiue?? Do I purchase the delco plugs instead?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[alphalanos]

most likely its the gap. your car must require a different gap measurement than usual. id get some OEM plugs if you really want the shakng to go away.

[broughy84]

get rid of the bosch plugs, they are cheap. I have seen probably 100's of vehicles with these in them and they will miss after the owner changes them. You get what you pay for, they are prone to cracking. Bottom line, stay OEM.

[dinamobuc]

Have you guys tried over the top of engine with the coil pack out?

[broughy84]

not easy, but i would say it could be done.

[Nick99z]

changed spark plugs, used the remove coil pack (ICM) method.

Now I get the service engine soon light.

Used OEM Delco plugs.