spark plug removal

[sschust]

I am changing the spark plugs on my 1999 4.3l chevy s10 pup. Does anyone know how to change spark plug on driver side that is located behind the steering coloumn

[Philo]

Originally Posted by sschust

I am changing the spark plugs on my 1999 4.3l chevy s10 pup. Does anyone know how to change spark plug on driver side that is located behind the steering coloumn

I have a '94 4.3. It is difficult. I used a sparkplug wrench with a hex fitting at the end that connects to the rachet. Rather than use the ratchet, I used a box end wrench on the sparkplug wrench. It still took half an hour to get the old plug out and the new one in. I did not care if I cracked the ceramic on the old one, but be careful when tightening the new one - it is very easy to crack when using this method.

[atomicpulse]

I actually just changed mine, and what I did was just disconnect the steering column, which allows you to move it out of the way and change the sparks plugs very easy and quickly.

[smokey041369]

the easiest way to can them is use a swivel on the end of a long exstention

[wehswarriorS-10]

you can get to them from the fenderwell too i think

[jdk2269]

We went in through the fenderwell on my 95 S10. its a pain but it allows for easier access.

[www451oa]

I have a 94' v6 4.3 and I've found the Best and quickest way is to remove the front tires, and go through the fenderwell like JDK2269 metioned. Once you remove the tire, the spark plugs are right there, and very easy to get to, with plenty of room to work with.

[Bookie1962]

I myself jack up the left side under the frame, turn the wheels to the right, and go through the inside fender well. You can get to the back 3 plugs with little to no problem. I also do this for the back plug on the passenger side, but i turn the wheels to the left. This might take a few minutes longer, but it is so much easier.

[oldcrow]

Originally Posted by atomicpulse

I actually just changed mine, and what I did was just disconnect the steering column, which allows you to move it out of the way and change the sparks plugs very easy and quickly.

Could you give some details on how to get the steering column out of the way?

[BlazerLT]

With a couple of long extension and a swivel on the plug socket end get it from the wheel well.

Be patient and don't cross thread it!

[sector95]

atomicpulse hit the nail on the head.... you *have* to disconnect the steering shaft..... had to do the same thing on my '93 4.3L. You can leave the shaft hooked up and try swivel adapters, but the chance of a cross thread are too great. It's not that hard to remove the shaft:

Up under the power brake motor is the connector; a single bolt/nut on a pinch clamp. Loosen the bolt and slip the shaft off; you will have to telescope the steering shaft into itself a bit to remove it from the connector.... a little WD40 might be required to loosen the connectors and the slip shaft.

A good Chilton's manual is a handy thing to have when your working on your truck. It will often answer your questions and give you a picture of how to do it.

Good luck...

Mike

[BlazerLT]

No you don't HAVE to.

I did mine without doing that.

[rlith]

Easier to disconnect the intermediate shaft. SImply remove the 11mm bolt at the base, and the shaft telescopes into itself. It's keyes so it really only goes back on one way.

[ALMB~Nova]

removing the steering shaft is not the best way to do this. have patience-go through the fender well. If you think these are hard to do, just try to change plugs on a V8 S10 with headers. ( Had to make a special box end wrench to do 4 of the plugs)

[rlith]

Easier to just pull the bottom of the intermediate shaft... Kinda hard to mess that up.