Replacing front spark plugs (Page 1/4)
85fieroguy JUL 22, 01:32 PM
I'm not exactly a mechanical genius but is there a "easy" way to change the front 3 plugs ( by the rear window) with out the trunk removal ??
Patrick JUL 22, 01:48 PM

The "trunk removal" ?
dobey JUL 22, 01:54 PM
Lift the car up, and go from the bottom. Aside from that, depending on how fat your hands are, you might be able to manage from the top without removing the decklid.

Another way is to drop the cradle and raise the body, which gives a little more room, but if your cradle bolts haven't been loosened in a very long time, you probably don't want to try that.
Formula88 JUL 22, 01:57 PM
Removing the rear deck lid (trunk) is the easiest way and it's not hard to do. Get a friend to help lift it off (not too heavy, but awkward) and 2 bolts on either side are all it takes.
Putting it back on is a piece of cake on a Fiero as well. Don't worry about getting everything lined up just right. Just get the bolts started. Take the engine vents out and you can then close the lid and adjust it exactly where you want it then tighten the bolts down WHILE IT'S CLOSED AND LATCHED. Being able to take the engine vents out right next to the hinge makes this ridiculously easy compared to virtually any other car.

The only caveat is when taking the trunk lid off, be careful the hinges don't fly up into the rear window. There's a strap on each hinge to limit movement, but over the years they may be broken. On my car I have one strap broken and the hinge doesn't touch the glass at all but if I let it fly up it might. Just like taking anything loose that's under spring tension, do it slowly and carefully and you won't have any trouble.
trivet JUL 22, 03:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

The "trunk removal" ?



I was wondering the same thing....I think he means deck lid removal(?)

Another way that helps is to disconnect the dog bone engine mount, and you can pull the engine back about an inch or so - it makes a big difference. (with a ratchet strap or strong extra pair of arms)

Before you try ANYTHING though - soak the plugs with PB blaster for a day or so before - it will greatly assist in their removal.
no2pencil JUL 22, 03:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by trivet:

Another way that helps is to disconnect the dog bone engine mount, and you can pull the engine back about an inch or so - it makes a big difference. (with a ratchet strap or strong extra pair of arms)



A friend did this to his '85GT to get at the exhaust manifold.
jscott1 JUL 22, 04:27 PM
I find it very easy to remove the decklid. Remove 4 bolts and one person can lift it. Then I can stand in the trunk and with nothing more than a cheap Wal-mart socket wrench get at those three plugs. Just pray they don't break off or get cross threaded.
ITALGT JUL 22, 05:59 PM
I've had several 2.8 Fieros... and I have never once removed the deck lid (or other methods suggested) just to change the three spark plugs. That seems like a lot of unnecessary work to go through if you ask me. If you have the right tools for the job, replacing the firewall-side spark plugs is no big deal.

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 07-22-2016).]

hyperv6 JUL 22, 07:45 PM
For Gods sake no do not remove the deck lid.

All you need to do is get a swivel head ratchet. The kind that goes up and down with the longer angled handle. Then you just go in from the passenger side of the car. A short extension can help. To start the new plugs an old plug boot or rubber hose will help get the plug started.

I have an old SK ratchet that is perfect for this and you can change plugs in about 15 min.

Now if they are rusted in spray them down penetrating oil for a say to break up the rust and try to prevent any damage taking them out. Once they are out if you are out in the rain much take the plugs out once a year.

The Fiero is far from the worst car to change plugs in. I have seen some real messes out there and this is far from one of them. Just get the right tool and there is no need for removing parts from the car unrelated to the plugs.

Works smarter not harder.
hyperv6 JUL 22, 07:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by ITALGT:

I've had several 2.8 Fieros... and I have never once removed the deck lid (or other methods suggested) just to change the three spark plugs. That seems like a lot of unnecessary work to go through if you ask me. If you have the right tools for the job, replacing the firewall-side spark plugs is no big deal.




Amen!

The right tool make a world of difference and makes this a very easy task.