Spark Plugs

[FrankenChevy]

I have a 2001 Silverado with 5.3L. It has 110k miles and has never had the plugs replaced. My question is, how hard do you think it will be to get them out? Also how hard do you think the wires will be to get off the plugs? I live in Pennsylvania but the truck has very little rust.

 

Thanks

 

 

Chuck

[CapitalTruck]

You won't have any problems...wires can be a bear, just buy new wires so you can pull the crap out of the old ones when removing them. Use ACDelco wires and slide the old heat shields of them (after you take them off the old wires). Buy a universal joint for your ratchet so you can get the passenger side rearmost plug out that's up against the firewall. I would recommend ACDelco Iridium plugs for replacement. Use some big pliers and grab and twist the top of the spark plug boots if you can't get them off. Since you're replacing them you don't have to worry about destroying them.

[FrankenChevy]

Thanks a bunch, I will be getting new wires and plugs. I will get the ACDelco Iridium plugs.

 

 

 

Chuck

[bossier62guy]

I like to put a little anti-seize on the spark plug threads and I replace mine every 25K miles. I'm assuming since you're going to put iridiums in that you are banking on longer intervals thus making the anti-seize even more important in my opinion. Some dielectric grease on the tips of the plugs before the wires are installed can also be a plus for removing them later. You can pick up better wires than AC Delco's for less money too.

[Bad Bowtie2]

Yes, add a dab of dielectric grease each end on the new spark plug wires.

[txab]

I have a 2001 Silverado with 5.3L. It has 110k miles and has never had the plugs replaced. My question is, how hard do you think it will be to get them out? Also how hard do you think the wires will be to get off the plugs? I live in Pennsylvania but the truck has very little rust.

 

Thanks

 

 

Chuck

Make sure you get the correct plug. GM changed the recommended gap from .060 to .040

 

 

 

Service Information 2000 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD | Sierra,

Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document

ID: 1903277

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

#03-06-04-060A: Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping - (Feb 12, 2007)

 

 

Subject: Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping

 

 

Models: 2004 Buick Rainier

 

2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

 

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

 

2004 Cadillac CTS-V

 

1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette

 

1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro

 

1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado

 

2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

 

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

 

2003-2004 Chevrolet Express, TrailBlazer

 

1999-2004 GMC Sierra

 

2000-2004 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

 

2001-2004 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali

 

2002-2004 GMC Sierra Denali

 

2003-2004 GMC Envoy XL

 

1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird

 

2004 Pontiac GTO

 

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

 

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V-8 Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, G, S, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)

 

 

 

Attention:

Please disregard the Set Gap Per Vehicle Specification statement on the

side of an ACDelco® Iridium Spark Plug Box. The statement will be

removed from the boxes in the future.

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This

bulletin is being revised to bring attention to the Set Gap Per Vehicle

Specification on the ACDelco® Iridium Spark Plug Boxes. Please discard

Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-04-060 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion

System).

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

•

A new spark plug has been released for use in the above vehicles. The

new spark plug has an Iridium tip instead of the current Platinum tip.

Due to the different tip design, the gap of the spark plug has also

changed.

 

• The new spark plug, P/N 12571164 with AC Delco P/N 41-985, is gapped to 1.01 mm (0.040 in) when the spark plug is made.

 

*41-985 has been replaced by 41-110*

 

 

Notice:

The spark plug gap is set during manufacturing and should not be

changed or damage to the spark plug may result. Any new spark plug found

to not be properly gapped should not be used.

 

GM

bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a

"do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of

conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information

that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained

technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how

to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT

assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle

will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether

your vehicle may benefit from the information.

 

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[CapitalTruck]

I just put 41-110s in mine. Be careful, its much more easy to overtorque when using anti-seize. I dont think its recommended and I haven't found it necessary (even for 100k changes).

[bossier62guy]

I know NGK claims their plugs have a special metal coating and that anti seize isn't required....can't speak for all of the other manufacturers out there. I use a little and have for as long as I can remember but then again I don't over torque spark plugs going into aluminum heads. If you're a novice you'd probably be better off putting them in without it. Good luck.

[FrankenChevy]

Thanks guys, this is great information here. I was plannig on using anti seize on the threads. Any and all input welcome. I will post back when I get this done.

 

 

 

Thanks

[tanked_darren]

Yeah I always buy new wires, I ALWAYS break one boot, I guess I'm just a beast and pull too hard.

 

I rarely have changed plugs I think I get one change and then by the time the 2nd time comes around the vehicle has died and gone to heaven, Maybe my truck will be the first to make it to a 2nd change.

[FrankenChevy]

Finally got around to doing this. Just in time for a 400 mile round trip, some of which included mountains of central Pa.

 

The plugs were tighter then expected, but came out no problem. I did plugs and wires and put anti-seize on the threads.

 

Old plugs.

 

 

 

At a rest stop.

 

 

Thanks everyone for your input. Truck ran great

 

 

.

[Silverado4x4]

WOW those plugs are shot.

[&CDFiXER%]

Nice color truck too!

 

Bit late I guess but Snap-On (and others) make a spark plug socket with integrated universal. I REALLY like that for the harder to get to ones. You get the benefit of the universal joint w/o the extra length to get in the way when you have two separate tools.

[halflenny]

Nice color truck too!

 

Bit late I guess but Snap-On (and others) make a spark plug socket with integrated universal. I REALLY like that for the harder to get to ones. You get the benefit of the universal joint w/o the extra length to get in the way when you have two separate tools.

where can I buy this? do you use it?

[&CDFiXER%]

Yes I use the two sizes I have. Spark plugs take a fairly limited number of sized wrenches so just make sure you get the size you need.

 

I got mine directly from the local Snap-On truck.

 

I have seen the same type of thing from Mac, Craftsman, and others over the years. I will look for a link/picture.