How to Get to Spark Plugs to change 3100

[Griz2ly]

This is my first time with a GM and i was wondering how to get to the plugs and wires of a 3100 engine. I have a '96. what do i need to take off. i don't wanna do any extra work.

[Rayz]

on a 94 you can reach through the steering rack holes to get to the rears on my 2000 you have to remove the coil pack I'm not sure on a 96 it should be one or the other

[Griz2ly]

i will try that today. thanks. i hope thats all to it.

[96GreenGaGT]

on the 96 you might be able to get to them... since there is about a 4 - 6 inch gap between the block and the firewall... you can actually see the spark plug wires.... so you might be able to get in there without removing anything... just might be a PITA to do. one of these days i'll stop being lazy and getting around to checking my spark plugs... though they are supposedly new i'm not taking his word for it.

[voyager]

the front 3 are easy.

you can change the rears without removing anything, but it's a PITA. i usually do it that way but i'm used to it. you can make it easier by taking off the upper motor mount - support the engine with a block of wood and a jack, then unbolt the motor mount. the engine will rock forward on the lower dogbone mount and give you an extra 4-6 inches.

if you're lazy, it's up in the air wether this approach is better or not - you'll have an easier time at the plugs, but you'll have to get out the jack and fool with putting the motor mount back on.

use an universal joint and an extension, and replace the plugs and wires one at a time so you don't get any mixed up. it's hot back there so let the engine cool.. have fun!

[RocketFast321]

Originally posted by voyager
the front 3 are easy.

you can change the rears without removing anything, but it's a PITA.


It's pretty easy with long arms. :)

[Griz2ly]

i got it done yesterday. that thing took a few hours. now my car is running bad. also my temp hand ain't working.

[voyager]

uh oh.

unplug anything? get the wires mixed up? get crud on the new plugs trying to put them in? there are a few things that could have gone wrong..

so did you have fun? i told you to have fun.
=)

[SlamedAM]

hehe a swivel and lots of cuss words usually do the trick for my rear plugs. :) Careful not to unplug the alternator pigtail.

My "ASE Certified Mechanic" friend did my plugs with a swivel and an extension and unknowingly unplugged my alternator pigtail and I was stuck dead on the side of the road 45 min from my house (driving) wondering what the hell was wrong with my car. :/

[startacv6]

If you look on the rear head closest to the abs system you will see a brass insert on your rear head with a single wire comming from it and that is your temp sensor which will break off inside the the boot. so maybe with all the reaching behind the motor you might have snaped the wire off inside the little rubber boot and it is 17.85 at the parts store, I hope this helped

[Griz2ly]

sorry i didn't respond earlier but i got it done. the temp gauge problem is is fixed. one wire going into the harness looked like it rotted loose. not really but i just taped it up a little bit. temporary fix. now i can't get my car's idling to smooth out ever since i changed those wires. and my check engine light is on. too lazy and too broke to take it somewhere so they can hook it up to the computer.