Advice on Changing 97 Blazer Spark Plugs

[sock_s]

I am about to change the spark plugs on a 97 chevey blazer v6 4wd. I looked in a haynes manuel for advice, but it is too generic. Any advice on trouble spots and/or hints. I hear number #3 plug is a pain...

[tom3]

Go over the tire through the splash shield, pretty simple. The #3 (or #5?) is some easier if you put a jack under the oil pan, use a wood block of course, and lift the engine about an inch that the rubber mounts will allow. This will help clear that steering shaft.

[BlazerLT]

Do the front two from under the hood.

Passenger side middle and back go through the passenger wheel well. You will have to lift the flap, but they are right there and are easy with an extension.

Driver's side middle is the pain in the ass. Remove the driver's side wheel completely and go through the wheel well with two extensions and two elbows.

Drivers side rear is simple.

Remember to put antiseize on the plugs when you reinstall them and make sure the plugs are gapped properly. Don't just take them out of the package and put them in.

Also, get the AC Delco Platinums, they are the best for our trucks hands down.

[crazys182003]

I guess I am just very flexible. I changed my spark plugs about a month or two ago without doing anything but standing in front and being under the hood. I used extensions in some areas but then not in others. I never removed any wheels or jacked anything up. I got a 92 but I would think that most are setup similar.

[chcknugget]

92's have more room for movement if I'm not mistaken.

If I were to do it again I would do each side one at a time by taking the wheels off and going in through the wheel well. It'll save your nuckles and it's somewhat easier to pull the boots off and thread the new plugs in. I tired doing it the "lazy" way from the top and screwed it up. Instead of taking an hour, I ended up with a broken plug wire (though it had seized to the block and plug), 2 stripped out spark plugs and about 4 hours of wasted time and heartache (though it was hard to see because the job extended into the night...). I accomplished the drivers side by going from the top but I did the passenger side through the wheel well. It takes 1.5 minutes to take a wheel off and move the mudflap. If you run into unexpected troubles (like mine) you'll be at a better angle to deal with it too.

[blazing]

Originally Posted by tom3

Go over the tire through the splash shield, pretty simple. The #3 (or #5?) is some easier if you put a jack under the oil pan, use a wood block of course, and lift the engine about an inch that the rubber mounts will allow. This will help clear that steering shaft.

this is the way i do it to, but i remove the bolt for the motor mount on drivers side, it gives me plenty of room to take plug off,
on my 98 if i dont theres no sockit that fits inbetween steering shaft
and manafold

[BlazerLT]

You DO NOT have to remove motor mount bolts.

Also, you use swivel extentions.

[chcknugget]

I used a flat wrench to tighten the spark plug socket on #3. No matter what I did I could not get my combinations of swivels and sockets to fit. The silly thing is I couldn't get that socket on the plug unless I put the plug in it and threaded it all in together. Only when the plug was tight in the block did the socket have enough clearance to come out.

[blazing]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

You DO NOT have to remove motor mount bolts.

Also, you use swivel extentions.

it takes me about 1 minute to remove the bolt to save 1 hour of fighting it

[blazing]

Originally Posted by chcknugget

I used a flat wrench to tighten the spark plug socket on #3. No matter what I did I could not get my combinations of swivels and sockets to fit. The silly thing is I couldn't get that socket on the plug unless I put the plug in it and threaded it all in together. Only when the plug was tight in the block did the socket have enough clearance to come out.

thats how it is on my 98 also, thats why i have to remove the motor mount bolt, lift motor alittle then i get it with a socket i grinded down
to make as smallest i can then i go through the tire wall with a swivel, now when i do it i have socket already made with a 1 swivel, it takes no time now,

[cubanlorenzo]

i just went through the wheel well and it was no problem, with a spark plug socket, entension, adn a nice swivle. shouldnt take more than 30 secs to get it out

[troubles789]

I take the front tire off to make it a straight shot with a long extension. Can do without removal of tire, but why bust them knuckles up when you dont have to.

[sock_s]

Thank you all for your advice. Going through the wheel well worked like a charm not to mention swivel extensions. I could not have done it without the swivel extensions. Thanks again!

[BlazerLT]

Glad I could help you!