V6 plug replacement

[dirtmover]

Any tips on getting to the rear plugs on a '94 3.1l V6. There's not much room in there!

[GTP Dad]

It is difficult to take these plugs out due to the clearance. You can try a universal and a small extension and rachet. The way that it is normally done is to get an engine tilter and move the engine forward. You can also do this by removing the top motor mounts and rotating it forward by rocking the vehicle until the engine is moved toward the radiator. Can be a pain to get it to move back into position.

[Ridenour]

There equally tricky on the 3.4 too. I always was able to pull it off using an elbow, with 2 extensions, along with a mirror. Always works.

[tommy00gt1]

Hello everyone.. Ridenour, do you use that method from the top, or bottom? I ask because I read somewhere that they can reach those rear plugs by removing the passenger tire, and reaching up through the wheel well somehow. Just wondering as I'll be changing mine come spring. Thanks!

Tommy

[Ridenour]

Never heard of it done that way - maybe on a Firebird or something

I do mine from the top, and find myself frequently laying on the upper intake manifold.

[MT-2500]

Get i on a hoist and look at them from the bottom end.
Some you can get from the underside.
Also some the alternator removed helps.
But on the 3.1 tilt the engine forward as much as you can and sometime removing the map sensor or a little stuff on the back of plamtuim helps.
Also it might be a good time to replace the plug wires and be sure to us ACdelco spark plugs.
MT

[Taz_Tuff]

Good luck, I torm my hands and elbows apart a few weeks back doing mine on the 3.4....... Was worth it but wow, I was hurting...LOL

[tommy00gt1]

Yeah, I thought it a bit strange when I read about the guy changing them that way... I guess I'll find out when I change mine in about four months when Springtime comes. A bit cold here in New England now!
Take care... if I don't get to chat with everyone here; I wish all a nice holiday!!

Tommy; from Massachusetts

[dirtmover]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

You can also do this by removing the top motor mounts and rotating it forward by rocking the vehicle until the engine is moved toward the radiator. Can be a pain to get it to move back into position.

I take it that you are referring to the mount above the accessory belt. Is it simply a case removing the three bolts, allowing the engine to drop and rotating it forward or do I need to completely remove the mount? Should I be supporting the engine from below while doing this?