Changing Plugs On A 2001 S10 4.3l

Disco Dave · December 18, 2010

I did some searching to see if this had been covered before but I can't see any previous threads on this. I have a 2001 s10 4x4 with the 4.3L. The #3 plug (I think, middle on the left) is pointing right at the steering column link. Any tricks to getting this plug out? Is the column made to be removed easily for this? Seems like an unnecessary amount of work for a plug.

Thanks for the help.

1999Yukon · December 23, 2010

Try this link to Blazerforums.

http://www.blazerforum.com/forum/showthrea...move+spark+plug

Short of undoing the steering column there's no easy way. I haven't done it that way myself so can't recommend it. It usually takes me about an hour to get that sucker changed using a shorter plug socket (they do make them) and a 3/8" breaker bar to get it loosened. It's tight and awkward but if you have patience it will work. Once loose you can spin the socket and plug out by hand, again awkward and time consumimg. I think I've tried over top and from the left side with the tire removed and a combination of these two accesses works as you get fed up or tired. Put anti sieze compound on the new one and install with short socket. Spin on by hand and then get that breaker bar on to give it the final tightening, side ot top whichever works for you, it's tight either way. Don't reef on it as they don't need a lot of torque. Patience, patience , patience and you will get it done. I've searched for a ratcheting wrench that would fit over the end of the socket but the angle is always wrong so resort back to the old slow way. Apparently GM has a tool for this, about $60 but i"ve never seen it. Stick with the delco plugs if you can. Tried the NGK's last time and they dropped my mileage by 2 mpg on the highway. Don't forget to check the gap (.060"). Don't mix your plugs either, I've read that you can have problems.

Good luck

Disco Dave · December 23, 2010

Thanks for the info. I did actually get the NGKs, and the ACs that came out looked fairly clean. But the gap on the ones that came out seemed a little big (the .060 gauge was a loose fit). If it seems to run rough or my mileage drops (it wasn't that good in the first place in my opinion) then I could probably just switch back to the ones that came out. I was changing them as it feels from time to time that it runs rough at idle in traffic, but this did not change that at all. Maybe I'm just feeling a vibration from elsewhere, as I don't seem to have any issues while driving.

ChevyTech77 · December 23, 2010

#3 and #5 plugs are done through the left front wheel opening with the left front tire off or hanging from a hoist.

Swivel spark plug socket also helps with #3 but is not necessary.

markw8 · December 26, 2010

Yep. tire off, thru the fender.

Mark

Disco Dave · December 26, 2010

#3 and #5 plugs are done through the left front wheel opening with the left front tire off or hanging from a hoist.
Swivel spark plug socket also helps with #3 but is not necessary.

I did all 6 (well five so far ) through the wheel wells. I didn't take the tire off yet for any of them but I will for that #3. My first approach will probably be the standard spark plug socket with a wrench.