What's the easiest way to change the front plugs on the 2.8(without dropping the cradle )?

Even with the universal on the socket it's a b1tch.

All you need is a ratchet,a 6 inch or so extension a sparkplug socket and about half hour. Climb in the trunk and go at it.
Or Ill change them if you want to drive it to my garage

quote Originally posted by p4n1c: What's the easiest way to change the front plugs on the 2.8(without dropping the cradle )? Even with the universal on the socket it's a b1tch.

------------------
Scott
86GT 3.4 turbo

Unless you take it to a Mechanic, the only easy way is to get right in the trunk, reach behind, scrape a few knuckles, and curse loud!!

We've all done it.... so can you!!

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

'88 FORMULA 2.8L V6 5 Speed Getrag

Take 5 minutes and remove the deck-lid for more room, 4 bolts and mark the position for re-install...

I've done this a good number of times. I can tell you, you do not need to remove the rear decklid. Matter of fact, I don't know why everyone even makes it sounds like it's a really hard job. They aren't in the convinient location, but definitely not too difficult. An extension and a universal joint works great. I usually have more trouble getting the #2 and #4 wires in the right order than changing the plugs, they always fool me up, kinda hard to see.

Thanks guys. My dad and I were trying it from the side of the car, so I'll get into the trunk next time. It's just hard getting leverage, but maybe in the trunk it'll be better.

------------------
1986 Fiero SE
2.8/4 speed

With the proper extension you should get enough leverage to just do it by standing at the side. If not, try the trunk. You don't need to remove anything else for this ten minute job.

Yes, I know you can't see much of anything, unless you are a lot taller than I. I just feel my way.

Of course you all forgot the most important part of doing them from the trunk... Do it first thing in the morning before you even think of starting it. I've never had trouble with getting the plugs changed, just burned my hand once. The front plugs have since become a "First AM" job. And usually takes about 10 minutes.

I've had a little trouble getting them out with the engine cold.... Of course these were the factory plugs, or at least they looked 17 years old. Rusty as he!! so I warmed the engine up a little and got a pipe and they came right out. Other than this last time it takes me about a 1/2 hour to do all six, and I don't take anything off.

1/2 size ratchet [short handel] a uni joint
and a ext, plus a pipe for the break-loose first 1/8 turn and a can of JB Blaster the night before to loosen the rust
IF you have a shop vac suck out the dirt and rust first then blast the JB

------------------
Question wonder and be wierd

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is a pipe? Just a normal everyday pipe or a special one?

I take off the deck lid and the sunroof so I can stand on the seats and reach down. I also put a small piece of plywood (about 3 x 4) on the back of the car so I can lay on it. To me this is no half hour job: I've don it twice and both times I spent 3 hours or so.

Yikes.

I also had to go out and get a thin-walled socket for one of the plugs.

quote Originally posted by p4n1c: Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is a pipe? Just a normal everyday pipe or a special one?

Any pipe you can slip over the ratchet handle to "lengthen" it and gain leverage. Be careful though - that added leverage can destroy a cheap ratchet. Use a breaker bar with a cheater pipe if you have one.

lol! Alright, I'll give these ideas a shot on the weekend. My baby is sitting in my parents garage until I bring it down here this weekend to get e-tested and licensed.

quote Originally posted by 1320n12: All you need is a ratchet,a 6 inch or so extension a sparkplug socket and about half hour. Climb in the trunk and go at it. Or Ill change them if you want to drive it to my garage

I'll take you up on that offer!!

I just did this today for the third time on a V6. The first time took a couple hours, this time took no more than 20 mins! I even left the deck lid on this time. Its just a matter of knowing where the plugs are. Having small arms and hands helps too. A ratchet, spark plug socket, and 3 inch extention is all I needed.

Well apparently my dad was out in the garage today and finally got them changed. He said they looked like they had never been changed. Then he took the car out for a spin with my mom. He better enjoy it while it's still there.