Spark Plug Change & Timing Belt

[peabodyn]

Want to change the spark plugs on my 99 LXI Coupe.

I know I need to remove the Plenum (Intake manifold).

I understand there are 7 bolts in the front and 2 in the rear -

My questions:

Does the fuel rail have to be removed ?

By taking off the manifold - does that disturb the fuel injectors?

Is there a gasket that must be replaced when the manifold comes off?

Any pictures would help.


ALSO - how can I tell if the timing belt has been changed - the car has 93,000 - what is the recommended interval?

I'm a pretty good mechanic - but just got this car and don't want to screw it up.

Thanks

[das2123]

There are actually 10 bolts you have to remove from the upper intake manifold. 7 in the front, and 3 on the backside. You also have to remove the 2 bolts that connect the EGR valve to the intake, the throttle cable, the air intake tube, all hoses that connect to it, and all vacuum hoses that are connected. Label everything and you should be ok!

I have no clue about the timing belt. I'll see if I can find out for you though.

[Erbey]

Originally Posted by peabodyn

Want to change the spark plugs on my 99 LXI Coupe.

I know I need to remove the Plenum (Intake manifold).

I understand there are 7 bolts in the front and 2 in the rear -

My questions:

Does the fuel rail have to be removed ?

By taking off the manifold - does that disturb the fuel injectors?

Is there a gasket that must be replaced when the manifold comes off?

Any pictures would help.


ALSO - how can I tell if the timing belt has been changed - the car has 93,000 - what is the recommended interval?

I'm a pretty good mechanic - but just got this car and don't want to screw it up.

Thanks

I to wish there was a picture step by step manual to show me how to do this too...

[das2123]

Originally Posted by Erbey

I to wish there was a picture step by step manual to show me how to do this too...

Get a Haynes manual and it will help you out quite a bit. That is what I used.

[Sea Cliff Wizard]

Who designed this engine? To change the spark plugs...remove the intake plenum. First remove the plastic crap...that is the easy stuff....clamps and one bolt. The plenum is held with 7 bolts in front and two in the back. Do not touch the throttle body mounts and hoses on your right(facing engine). Disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle body. Disconnect the two electrical connectors and one vacuum connector on the left (your) side. Remove the two bolts from the EGR tube(hopefully not galled) from the Plenum. Lift the plenum and rotate toward your right...the three back plugs are now accessible. If you didn't screw up the EGR tube and Plenum gaskets...put them back.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by Sea Cliff Wizard

Who designed this engine? To change the spark plugs...remove the intake plenum. First remove the plastic crap...that is the easy stuff....clamps and one bolt. The plenum is held with 7 bolts in front and two in the back. Do not touch the throttle body mounts and hoses on your right(facing engine). Disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle body. Disconnect the two electrical connectors and one vacuum connector on the left (your) side. Remove the two bolts from the EGR tube(hopefully not galled) from the Plenum. Lift the plenum and rotate toward your right...the three back plugs are now accessible. If you didn't screw up the EGR tube and Plenum gaskets...put them back.

Way to repeat what I already said. That was an informative post

[RW5207]

Check out the gallery at http://www.sebringclub.net for some informative pictures and a how-to.

http://www.sebringclub.net/gallery/1GenSparkPlugs

Russ