Passenger Rear Spark Plug on 5.3 Tahoe

[rtflew]

I did a tune up on my wife's 2002 Tahoe w/ a 5.3L (flex fuel) this past weekend, but could not get the rear passenger side spark plug out. Is there a trick to getting to this one?

 

Even as a newbie to the board, I tried checking everywhere for this topic - but no luck. So, thought I'd ask.

 

Thanks!

 

RT in Iowa

(yup - my first post!)

[Bish]

I did a tune up on my wife's 2002 Tahoe w/ a 5.3L (flex fuel) this past weekend, but could not get the rear passenger side spark plug out.  Is there a trick to getting to this one?

 

Even as a newbie to the board, I tried checking everywhere for this topic - but no luck.  So, thought I'd ask.

 

Thanks!

 

RT in Iowa

(yup - my first post!)

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I use a spark plug socket, a universal swivel adatper and a 3/8 ratchet. It is a tight squeeze but I can get it out without cutting my hands on the pan below the evap canister.

[NothinButBowTies]

That is what I did as well. I think I used a 3in extension to move my hand out below the ac dryer. Regardless, make sure to have alot of patience!

[asilverblazer]

Same as above but with about 4' of extensions. Run it behind the evap thingy, tight against the firewall and out by the hood hinge. No tight squeeze out there.

[Greek]

Same as above but with about 4' of extensions. Run it behind the evap thingy, tight against the firewall and out by the hood hinge. No tight squeeze out there.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

It was a pain in the rear end to get that one out.

I sprayed some WD40 there to loosen up the threads first.

Then I used a longer rachet with a swivel head.

 

It was in there real tight. It took awhile and at times I thought the rest of my 5'6"" frame went vertical in the air trying to get it out.

 

when you put the new ones in put some anti sieze on the threads so that they come out easier next time.

 

I agree with the be patient statement made above!

[rtflew]

Thanks to all - I'll track down a swivel extension or flex head. I tried a flexible spark-plug-specific wrench thingy (usually for motorcycles) but couldn't get any leverage. Without any swivel, my 3/8" ratchet & 4" extension just didn't get it done.

 

Yup on anti-seize - put that on the other seven - man were the ones in there tight! (probably no anti-seize)

 

Thanks!

 

RT