Cylinder 3 Spark Plug 4.3l W

[Blazerbill]

What was GM thinking when put steering shaft in the way of this plug.

 

Here's my Guess .....don't change the plug change the engine.

 

Tryed socket with 3/4 wrench no room to turn socket, swivel is of no help either this leaves one thing left, remove steering shaft ? Or better yet remove engine mount bolt/nut and lift one side remove plug ? Or should i wait for missfire code to set and deal with then?

[Jsdirt]

Oh don't you just love that??? If I had a nickel for every time I've cursed GM engineers while bleeding from the knuckles ....

 

What I do, is get a spark plug socket - plant that thing on the plug as far as it will go. Then get a swivel and put it on your the end of your extension, which you'll have on the 3/8" drive ratchet. Now you WILL NOT be able to seat the swivel completely into the socket -- so just put firm pressure on it, & begin loosening. Worked for me every time. The swivel will only be inside the socket maybe an eighth of an inch - so it helps to hold it with the other hand to keep it from slipping out.

 

When I got that plug out of my '00 Jimmy, it was the only AC Delco plug in the whole truck -- and there was no electrode left -- meaning it was factory original at 146,000 miles! So how many mechanics passed over that one, you think?

[233monte]

I don't ever pass over that one!!! I think the key is to have the right socket. I have a snap on 5/8 plug socket. I blieve it is shorter than the craftsman and less bulky. Anyways after you loosen it shoot some WD40 in there and turn it out by hand. Also it helps to Jack up the front of the truck, even remove the wheel if it helps you, and go inthrough the side.

[Jsdirt]

Good point - I forgot to mention that! Thru the wheel well is the best way to tackle it.

[markw8]

I did both my s-10s with the wheels off.

 

Mark

[Blazerbill]

I don't ever pass over that one!!! I think the key is to have the right socket. I have a snap on 5/8 plug socket. I blieve it is shorter than the craftsman and less bulky. Anyways after you loosen it shoot some WD40 in there and turn it out by hand. Also it helps to Jack up the front of the truck, even remove the wheel if it helps you, and go inthrough the side.

 

$uck snap-on tryed thier shit still have plug in hole, have Mac,Stahlwille,SK, NG, have Matco Same #hit, have tryed them ALL.

 

Almost did swivel half in thing, thought well if i here crack then i'm up $hits creek.

 

Have not tryed high dollor china suff yet

 

Trade 4Tundra is Looking pretty good right now.................Edit:Grammer

[Blazerbill]

I did both my s-10s with the wheels off.

 

Mark

 

 

Will pay $20, i'll take wheel off Again?

[Blazerbill]

Oh don't you just love that??? If I had a nickel for every time I've cursed GM engineers while bleeding from the knuckles ....

 

What I do, is get a spark plug socket - plant that thing on the plug as far as it will go. Then get a swivel and put it on your the end of your extension, which you'll have on the 3/8" drive ratchet. Now you WILL NOT be able to seat the swivel completely into the socket -- so just put firm pressure on it, & begin loosening. Worked for me every time. The swivel will only be inside the socket maybe an eighth of an inch - so it helps to hold it with the other hand to keep it from slipping out.

 

When I got that plug out of my '00 Jimmy, it was the only AC Delco plug in the whole truck -- and there was no electrode left -- meaning it was factory original at 146,000 miles! So how many mechanics passed over that one, you think?

 

I will _never Bleed over any repair like this one. going to get an RPGa next

[Jsdirt]

Oh I hear ya!

 

It's been a while since I've done this ... and the more I think about it, I think I had to do a combination of the half-in thing on both the swivel & the socket .... can't really remember. But try it the first way I described & if that don't work, try a few different combos of that half-in deal. You'll get it.

[markw8]

Tire off is by far the best way.

 

Mark

[Blazerbill]

Update, removed three bolts holding steering box to frame pry up on box remove plug insert new reinstall bolts off to alignment shop for toe set.

 

Outstanding GM, Thank you

[grose67]

I allways take the tire off and use a socket that is made so that a wrench will fit on the end. ALternate between regular wrench and stubby wrench.

[Blazerbill]

I allways take the tire off and use a socket that is made so that a wrench will fit on the end. ALternate between regular wrench and stubby wrench.

 

So i thought too, this one has an orange collar over steering shaft making impossible to use socket with hex outside top of socket, with tire on or off made no difference.

 

I have changed out more spark plugs, then there are Kias on the road never have i seen this & hope not to anytime soon.