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#1
08-06-2007, 03:22 PM
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Removing sparkplugs
I have a 2002 Lasabre 3.8 Buick and want to replace the spark plugs. I tried to pull the metal cylinders off the plug but was afraid that was not the way to do this as it might damage something.
My question: What is the proper way to remove the plug boot to get to the plug? Thanks in advance 
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#2
08-06-2007, 04:57 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
I made a sort of pry tool out of an old end wrench. I have heard that twisting them might break loose the stickiness. Problem is I couldnt get my hand in there with enough force to twist them.
__________________
Daily Driver: 2008 Chevy Impala - 30000 mi Others:1993 Chevy S10 - 85000 mi, 2000 Saturn SL2, 1987 Buick Lesabre RIP, 1999 Buick Lesabre
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#3
08-06-2007, 04:59 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
You should just be able to pull on the metal cylinder, which will likely catch the plug wire boot, and therefore pull the boot off the plug. If the cylinder slips past the boot, then no big deal either. Just pull the boot.
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#4
08-06-2007, 05:33 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
Twist the boot until it rotates on the plug, then pull straight off. Pull by the plug only, not the wire! When reconnecting the wire, apply generous amounts of silicone grease inside the boot to prevent sticking next time. The metal cylinder you speak of is a shield around the plug to protect it from heat.
__________________
2010 Mazda CX-7 2.5L 12000 miles 2003 Chevy S10 Extreme 4.3L 57000 miles 1995 Buick Lesabre Custom 86000 miles RIP 2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE 130000 miles RIP 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE 91106 miles Totaled by attempt to steal the car!!    R.I.P. 1978 Ford Fairmont 83000 miles 
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#5
08-06-2007, 06:31 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
Ok, now for the hard question: How do I get to the three plugs on the firewall side of the engine short of removing the engine?
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#6
08-06-2007, 07:41 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
I spent more time then I wanted removing my plugs. I had to reach around the top of the motor. I'm left handed and when my left had was scraped up enough, I used my right had.
It defiantly is easer to use a right hand. Now for the important part. I told a macanic how hard it was to get to them. He looked at me like I was crazy. He explained if you take the wheel off you can just reach in and get to them easy. I looked at it and it does seem to be easy to get to them from that way. Chris.
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#7
08-06-2007, 10:22 PM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
My 97 has a black squared stabilizer bar of some sort that runs right above the rear of the engine (side to side). I usually remove it and it is easier to get to the plugs or the O2 sensor. It is kind of hard to get to also.
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#8
08-09-2007, 10:54 AM
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Re: Removing sparkplugs
On my 2000 LeSabre I found the most difficult part was not changing the plugs, but getting the boots off. Twist them back and forth while pulling straight up. Do not pull by the wires, but by twisting the metal sleeves. I found it easier to get access to #4 and #6 cylinders from the top using the same procedure in twisting the sleeves. #2 was a bear to get to from the top. Even with the right front tire removed, it was still too far away to be accessible. The easiest method to get to this plug was to jack up the car from the front, put some jackstands under it and crawl under the car. The #2 plug is very easy to get to from underneath the car. Also, as chemtool mentioned, put some silicone grease inside the boots unless they already come with it.
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