Remove Rear Lid ‘87 GT (Page 2/3)
Patrick AUG 26, 03:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

I used compressed air to blow away any debris in the plug holes BEFORE I removed the plugs...



And for those of us without access to compressed air... a shop vac works very well for this (to vacuum the debris, not blow it). I just put the end of the 1-1/4" hose right over each spark plug (with the high tension lead removed).

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-26-2025).]

Gene1000 AUG 26, 03:37 PM
Thanks, Patrick.
Good idea standing in the trunk.

Did you have help reinstalling the lid or tackle it on your own?
Vintage-Nut AUG 26, 05:00 PM

quote
The purpose in removing the lid is to get to the rear plugs



I have never removed the decklid to change the right-hand bank of spark plugs...

For me, I start by removing the rubber air duct from the filter housing and the throttle body, then the wires from the front spark plugs.

Then:


quote
V6 Front Spark Plugs Procedure by ‘olejoedad’

Stand on driver side of car, use left arm to reach between firewall and engine.

Dislodge debris from around plug bases; blow out with compressed air or vacuum debris.

*Soak with penetrating oil if they won’t yield / Use the pick, air and penetrating oil again and again until plug well is free of debris.

{It's recommended to get the plug wells cleaned out and then soak the plugs with penetrating oil overnight if they’re ready rusted and dirty.}

This is all done by feel, and it may help to close your eyes when reaching around the engine. (Seriously)

Use a plug socket, short extension and short ratchet to remove the plugs.

Apply a LITTLE of anti-seize on the threads and do not over tighten the new plugs.
*Cone head plugs only need ~ 1/8 Turn after tight by hand.
*Casket head plugs only need ~ 1/4 - 1/3 Turn after tight by hand.

And that's assume you have New Plugs that need to crush the gasket. When reused them, often only ~ 1/8 Turn

Torque Spec (only 7-15 ft-lb for Fiero stock engines)

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

Gene1000 SEP 01, 09:27 PM
I’ve spent the last two days trying to grasp a new spark plug which had dropped behind the engine near the firewall. It fell as I was attempting to install it. I’ve tried everything from pickup tools to coat hangers to vacuum hoses. It’s down there wedged in between parts of the engine.

I’ve spent nearly a week trying to install the three plugs adjacent to the firewall. I got one in, two to go. Ridiculous! I’ve had a variety of different problems. Everything one can think of.

I’m considering just leaving the plug there unless someone knows a way to get it out of there.

Patrick SEP 01, 09:44 PM
Not that it needed to come off for this, but I suspect you didn't remove the decklid?


quote
Originally posted by Gene1000:

It’s down there wedged in between parts of the engine.



Try looking at the area from a different angle... like from below (in a safe manner).

I'm not 100% sure it would fit, but are you sure the spark plug didn't drop down and get wedged between the heat shield and the firewall? It's just four or five bolts that hold that heat shield in place.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-01-2025).]

Gene1000 SEP 02, 11:50 AM
After many attempts over days, I was finally able to recover the spark plug that had fallen onto the engine near the firewall.

However, I have just about given up trying to install two new spark plugs on the bank adjacent to the firewall. I managed to get one in on the end of the passenger side. The center one has been impossible. I can get a new plug into its chamber, but I’m not able to align it so the threads catch and I’ve tried 100 times. I haven’t tried the one on the driver side.

For now, I’ve walked away. I’m not sure if I’m going to remove the deck lid because I think reinstalling it by myself will be tough to accomplish. Also, installing plywood on the rear window will damage the surface of the deck lid if it’s in a raised position.

I’m in between frustrated and angry.
Vintage-Nut SEP 02, 12:34 PM
Do you have family or friends who can help you?

Otherwise, tow it to get it in a shop who will change your spark plugs...
Gene1000 SEP 02, 03:07 PM
Thanks Vintage.

My close friends and family are an hour away. I can always ask a neighbor.

Right now I’m taking a break from the job. I’ll look at it again tomorrow.
Patrick SEP 02, 04:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by Gene1000:

The center one has been impossible. I can get a new plug into its chamber, but I’m not able to align it so the threads catch and I’ve tried 100 times.



Make sure the spark plug is at the correct angle, as they're not all the same. Look at the rear plugs for reference.


quote
Originally posted by Gene1000:

...installing plywood on the rear window will damage the surface of the deck lid if it’s in a raised position.



Not if you also use corrugated cardboard as I suggested Here.
Gene1000 SEP 02, 07:57 PM
Well, I didn’t wait until tomorrow. I went back today to see what I could do. I had a neighbor help me lift the deck lid off and and and we set it on the roof of the vehicle with blankets and pillows for protection. The rear window is fine.

In a 100th attempt to install the center plug adjacent to the firewall, I dropped it again. I think it could be wedged between the engine and the heat shield as Patrick had mentioned. Not sure what I’m going to do about it.

Even with the deck lid off, it was hell attempting to install a spare center plug. After more hours of trying, I was finally able to accomplish the task. Tomorrow I’ll tackle the one on the driver side.

I’ve included a couple of photos of the deck lid on the roof of the vehicle. Also, attached is a photo of the vehicle parked next to the Fiero in my garage. It’s a beast and a joy to ride. All 800 horses.