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Changing Spark Plugs

EARL1989

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EARL1989 Enthusiast

EARL1989

Posted
Posted

I have a 2003 Silverado I was wondering if it was any trouble changing plugs on this model? And what plugs would yall run in this truck I am pretty sure I am going to go back AC DELCO or NGK. Thanks

Spurshot Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted

'morning Patrick.

I have a 99 GMT800 (new sierra) 2500 that is essentially the same body as yours. It's a snap to change the plugs. I do it so seldom, I've forgotten the socket size, but 5/8" comes to mind. Use a socket made for sparkplugs with the rubber insert to protect the new plug. Also, I'd use an anti-seize on the thread. 'Careful not to get any out near the electrode. It'll short the plug and cause problems. I've used Autolite, AC and Bosch. After the problems some people have reported with the Bosch platinums, I wouldn't buy them again. But, I haven't had those problems ... yet.

 

Do yourself a big favor, if you haven't already done this, change your fuel filter. Do it at the interval recommended in your manual, (30,000 for my 99). A plugged fuel filter will kill your fuel pump. A fuel pump installation at the dealer will be about $1000. I'm speaking from direct experience here. I was a bonehead and forgot to change the filter for way too long. Some trucks like mine have the filter tucked in the frame channel under the driver and they are easy to change. Some have them in the tank. They are a pain to change as the tank either has to be dropped or the bed lifted off to pull the fuel gauge float and filter out as an assembly.

EARL1989 Enthusiast

EARL1989

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the help ya I believe my fuel filter is under the driver side. I ve had this truck for two months 3 weeks after buying trannsmission fell out. Trying to keep from having any more problems cause I am still working off that $2200 bill.

2COR517 Enthusiast

2COR517

Posted
Posted

I agree with Chuck. Use the right tools, high temp never sieze on the threads, and change the fuel filter. You might want to spray the filter threads down with some penetrant after work a couple of nights. I would use AC Delco platinums, gapped at .040. Since you are changing plugs, it's a good time to run some Seafoam through the engine. Do this before you do your plugs. Do a search, there's plenty of reading. And make sure the truck is stone cold when you do your plugs. The old ones will come out much easier, and you won't burn yourself on that hot exhaust LOL.

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

That's a lil antiquated don't you think LOL....I mean we all obviously have computers....make yourself an electronic maintenance record and keep track of it all the easy way! :thumbs:

Spurshot Senior Enthusiast

Spurshot

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

That's a lil antiquated don't you think LOL....I mean we all obviously have computers....make yourself an electronic maintenance record and keep track of it all the easy way! :rollin:

 

 

 

I like that idea. Old school might not be as bad as it's sounds.

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

That's a lil antiquated don't you think LOL....I mean we all obviously have computers....make yourself an electronic maintenance record and keep track of it all the easy way! :rollin:

 

 

 

I like that idea. Old school might not be as bad as it's sounds.

 

 

To each their own but I'm not crawling under my truck to find out when I installed a fuel filter....not when I can open up an excel spreadsheet and get the same information. :eek: LOL Not to mention what actual maintenance records can do for the resale value.

brims Senior Enthusiast

brims

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

That's a lil antiquated don't you think LOL....I mean we all obviously have computers....make yourself an electronic maintenance record and keep track of it all the easy way! :rollin:

 

 

 

I like that idea. Old school might not be as bad as it's sounds.

 

 

To each their own but I'm not crawling under my truck to find out when I installed a fuel filter....not when I can open up an excel spreadsheet and get the same information. :eek: LOL Not to mention what actual maintenance records can do for the resale value.

 

 

This is what I do, I have a spreadsheet to track my gas mileage, when I did oil changes, maintenance, repairs, modifications, everything. It's great. I know how much gas I've used each month, how much money spent a month, etc. I started doing this back when I was 16-17 for the Chevelle I was driving, it has now grown into a monstrosity.

Sly Enthusiast

Sly

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

 

+1 When the hard drive crashes on your computer you can just look at the fuel filter!

txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

I do both. Put in the 'puter and write it on the filter (if there is one I can change :confused: ). With 6 vehicles to keep up with, it's easy to notice date and mileage on filters (air and fuel) and such while I'm crawling around underneath the things working on something else

Stylous Enthusiast

Stylous

Posted
Posted

So meanwhile...back to the thread! :confused:

 

I went w/ Bosch Platinum +2. I noticed improved performance/response at the pedal immediately and like spurshot I have had no issues and I am 8,000m into them.

 

I also changed my wires at the same time with Bosch ones. You didn't mention how many miles you have on there but it may be time for wires as well.

 

And I would take a sharpie and write the date on each wire so you...jk!

WaterGuy Enthusiast

WaterGuy

Posted
Posted
After you change the fuel filter, write the date and mileage on it with a Sharpie.

 

That's a lil antiquated don't you think LOL....I mean we all obviously have computers....make yourself an electronic maintenance record and keep track of it all the easy way! :confused:

 

 

As I get older, the length of my memory span is getting shorter.

 

It's like having the TP next to the toilet ... not having to look up an Excel sheet to check what I should do next. It's right there in plain sight.

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