Changing spark plugs

[jtc001]

I have a 2001 Silverado with the 5.3 - 8. I'm planning on changing the plugs this weekend (85K miles - never done before). A couple of questions -

1. Do I do it on a stone cold engine or a warm engine?
2. I've always had vehicles that required spark plug changes at 25K miles. With the mileage and age, what are the chances that the plugs will be frozen?
3. Do I use anti-seize on the new plugs or just put them in without anything?

I am using the AC-Delco iridiums.

Thank you

[masapell]

Disclaimer: Not based on scientific research, training, or my brother-in-law's misguided advice. Just my personal experience!.

Ok, now that I got that out of the way. I did mine at right over 100k and had no problem with any frozen plugs. The only one that was the least bit tricky was the back, passenger side plug that I used a swivel on. I did mine on a cold engine (not freezing cold either!) and had no problems. I did use a SMALL amount of antiseize. I also used dielectric grease on the boots (Accel Extreme 9000 wires). As for plugs, I used the Delco Iridiums.

Anyway, that was my experience. It was not bad, but I did not get in a hurry, nor did I force anything. It was pretty straight forward and did not take that much time. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Matt

[MT-2500]

Use the Ac Delco plug the latest Ac delco book calls for.
Always check gap but they are pegaped and if not gaped right pitch them back and get some that are right.
The good book says not to set gap on them just check it and make sure.

My 2004 ac plug book calls for Ac delco 41-985 gaped at .040

Life of plugs can depend on how it is drove.
Hard driving tends to eat them up faster.
I would start checking them at 75-85K miles.
New plugs should helps some on gas mileage.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jtc001

I have a 2001 Silverado with the 5.3 - 8. I'm planning on changing the plugs this weekend (85K miles - never done before). A couple of questions -

1. Do I do it on a stone cold engine or a warm engine?
2. I've always had vehicles that required spark plug changes at 25K miles. With the mileage and age, what are the chances that the plugs will be frozen?
3. Do I use anti-seize on the new plugs or just put them in without anything?

I am using the AC-Delco iridiums.

Thank you

use silicone grease on wire boots and torque to 12ft lbs. unless the plugs coming out are corroded don't use antisieze. if you decide to, use copper based type. measure all wires, my wires where 550 ohms ........i have over 110,000 mi on 5.3l and with bosch +2 the plugs look very clean at 50,000mi. my original delco's from day one had platinum chip fall off of 2 plugs at 40,000mi. so since this occured i decided to go with bosch +2........so far going on 8years no problems and 18-19mpg......

[SteveNixon]

I am planning on replacing my plugs and wires on my 04 5.3. It seems that most members on here either recommend the bosch +2 or the acdelco.

any other suggestions?

[jtc001]

Thanks all. I may have been worried just because it is different from what I'm used to.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by SteveNixon

I am planning on replacing my plugs and wires on my 04 5.3. It seems that most members on here either recommend the bosch +2 or the acdelco.

any other suggestions?

Run a search on the forum here and you will find most Go for Ac Delco plugs.
I always just drop the Bosch in the trash can.
Good luck
MT

[silveradofirerescu]

One more piece of advice is when you are pulling the boots off, make sure you pull them off inline with the plug. If you pull them at an angle they can be very difficult to remove if not impossible. Good luck!

[FF18]

When you pull the boots off, only pull one off at a time!

[jtc001]

Job done! No problems with getting the old plugs out. I have enough universals, various length extensions, etc, that it went rather well. Pulling the boots off was the most difficult job - a big pair of water pump pliers seem to work the best. No problem with removing one/many boots - the wires come from the coils immediately above the plugs!

Now to monitor the gas mileage to see if new iradiums make a difference.

Thanks all.

[Tdragone]

How has your mileage been with the new plugs?

[jtc001]

I changed both the air filter and plugs. Unfortunately, no change in gas mileage. In the winter, with a dedicated set of snow tires, i getting 14 to 15.