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Tipping the V6 to change the plugs by notaguru
Started on: 01-07-2014 11:10 AM
Replies: 22 (503 views)
Last post by: rogergarrison on 01-09-2014 12:30 PM
notaguru
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Report this Post01-07-2014 11:10 AM Click Here to See the Profile for notaguruClick Here to visit notaguru's HomePageSend a Private Message to notaguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
On my '88, I pulled a bolt from the dogbone, then used a ratchet tiedown to tip the engine, providing access to the firewall-side plugs.

I recommended the same procedure to someone with an '87, and the engine couldn't be made to move!

It's possible that something is missing from my engine compartment - or broken - allowing the engine to tip. Or, something may be wrong with that '87 that prevents it.

NOTE: my '88 has 40k miles on it, but spent many years untouched - in the sun. I have not yet driven it faster than 20mph.

???

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by notaguru (edited 01-07-2014).]

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Gall757
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Report this Post01-07-2014 11:32 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Gall757Send a Private Message to Gall757Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
That 87 has an added motor mount. It's a small shock absorber thing on the lower front near the oil filter. It may be stuck and the reason for the difficulty.

edit: If your engine moved easily, you may want to check your motor mounts.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 01-07-2014).]

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Formula88
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Report this Post01-07-2014 12:05 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Formula88Send a Private Message to Formula88Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Instead of tipping the engine and stressing your engine and transmission mounts, I recommend removing the deck lid.
If you remove the engine vents on both sides, realigning the deck lid is easy because you can losely bolt it on, close the lid and adjuste it where you want it, then tighten the hinge bolts while it's closed.

It's not heavy, but you need 2 people to maneuver it.
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Joseph Upson
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Report this Post01-07-2014 12:15 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Joseph UpsonSend a Private Message to Joseph UpsonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
You guys must be giants, I can't imagine it being that difficult. I lay across the driverside rear quarter and run my arm along side the cylinder head, I can change my plugs in about 20 minutes without rushing.
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sleevePAPA
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Report this Post01-07-2014 12:28 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sleevePAPASend a Private Message to sleevePAPAEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I just drop the cradle down some after removing the rear to mounting bolts. Makes life a lot easier...
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fieroguru
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Report this Post01-07-2014 01:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Joseph Upson:

I lay across the driverside rear quarter and run my arm along side the cylinder head, I can change my plugs in about 20 minutes without rushing.


I sit in the trunk and lean/reach down and change them. Never needed to remove or move anything.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 01-07-2014).]

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zkhennings
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Report this Post01-07-2014 03:15 PM Click Here to See the Profile for zkhenningsSend a Private Message to zkhenningsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Yup I stand next to the car and reach into the engine bay with my hands... They really are not hard to get at, the only problem is all the weather that can get to the plugs and make them hard to get out. I just use some antiseize and you can also use some plug boot grease when reassembling. I have never had to use anything special to take my plugs out (PB Blaster Etc.) but I also take my plugs out around every year for some reason or another.

If you take the decklid off then you avoid it pushing into your head/face but it doesn't need to be taken off... It takes under 5 minutes to take off and put on though
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gmctyphoon1992
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Report this Post01-07-2014 03:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for gmctyphoon1992Send a Private Message to gmctyphoon1992Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I come up from underneath the car with a lift... That to me is the easiest especially when dealing with old stuck plugs.. but I guess the other way can work too
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DLCLK87GT
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Report this Post01-07-2014 03:24 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DLCLK87GTSend a Private Message to DLCLK87GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Ya not sure why you would drop the cradle or even remove the lid unless you snap one off. I got mine out and they had almost become part of the block from all the crud.

BUT if you do decide to remove the decklid make sure the 2 restraining cables on the hinges are good or you'll be doing more than replacing your plugs.

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2.5
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Report this Post01-07-2014 03:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for 2.5Send a Private Message to 2.5Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Must depend on what tools you use? Are some of you using an extention, some a ujoint, and some just a socket?
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sleevePAPA
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Report this Post01-07-2014 03:50 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sleevePAPASend a Private Message to sleevePAPAEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by DLCLK87GT:

Ya not sure why you would drop the cradle or even remove the lid unless you snap one off. I got mine out and they had almost become part of the block from all the crud.

BUT if you do decide to remove the decklid make sure the 2 restraining cables on the hinges are good or you'll be doing more than replacing your plugs.


Less than 5 minutes to remove the rear cradle bolts, lower the jack, and drop the whole assembly enough to make life a lot easier. Took me less time and effort to change those plugs that way. Now if you live in the rust belt, it might be a different story.

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Report this Post01-07-2014 04:31 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierofoolClick Here to visit fierofool's HomePageSend a Private Message to fierofoolEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:


I sit in the trunk and lean/reach down and change them. Never needed to remove or move anything.



Feet in the trunk, butt on the tail light housing and you can lean over and work with both hands behind the engine. No sore ribs from laying on the car, fat guys can do it, and if you turn the car into the wind before starting, the deck lid shields the whole body from the cold.

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NetCam
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Report this Post01-07-2014 09:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for NetCamClick Here to visit NetCam's HomePageSend a Private Message to NetCamEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fierofool:


Feet in the trunk, butt on the tail light housing and you can lean over and work with both hands behind the engine. No sore ribs from laying on the car, fat guys can do it, and if you turn the car into the wind before starting, the deck lid shields the whole body from the cold.


I did exactly the same and was able to do mine in about a half hour without removing/moving anything. The only mistake I made was wearing shorts and got some nasty rug burn on my knees (no comments on that!).
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Boostdreamer
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Report this Post01-07-2014 10:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BoostdreamerSend a Private Message to BoostdreamerEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I also remove the dog bone and rear cradle bolts. Makes plenty of room and is quick and easy to do.

Jonathan
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fierofool
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Report this Post01-07-2014 10:26 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierofoolClick Here to visit fierofool's HomePageSend a Private Message to fierofoolEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by NetCam:


I did exactly the same and was able to do mine in about a half hour without removing/moving anything. The only mistake I made was wearing shorts and got some nasty rug burn on my knees (no comments on that!).


Now, I know we all love our little cars, but that's just going a little too far! HeHe!
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fierohoho
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Report this Post01-07-2014 10:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierohohoSend a Private Message to fierohohoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
First time I changed the plugs in my 86GT I was really worried because of all the horror stories I had read on Pennock's.

I made sure I had several extensions, ratchet wrench, plug socket, u-joint and the pre-gapped plugs in easy reach.

I stood in the trunk, the deck lid was still on the car.

I did all 4 pretty much by feel and it took me about 20 minutes.

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

Where will the road take you today?

Some helpful links I've done
How to remove inner door panels, with pics.
How to remove outer door panels, with pics.
How to make rear coil-overs using factory struts, with pics.
How to remove rear bearing hubs, with pics.
How to modify the stock Fiero radio for MP3 players, with pics.
How to come up with the right coolant hoses for that engine swap...With Pics.
Basic Fiero electrical testing "How To" and equipment...with pics.

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masospaghetti
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Report this Post01-08-2014 10:05 AM Click Here to See the Profile for masospaghettiSend a Private Message to masospaghettiEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I also was able to do plugs just fine without removing anything. All I needed was a 3/8" ratchet, a short 4" extension, and a spark plug socket. No swivels or anything.

Granted, this is a southeastern car, but the plugs were pretty rotten the first time I had to take them out.
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jim94
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Report this Post01-08-2014 09:29 PM Click Here to See the Profile for jim94Send a Private Message to jim94Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Try a piece of tape in the socket so the plug does not fall out
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FTF Engineering
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Report this Post01-08-2014 09:33 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FTF EngineeringSend a Private Message to FTF EngineeringEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I change mine sitting in the driver's seat.

Out the driver's side window with a bunch of extensions and swivels.
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LeeR
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Report this Post01-08-2014 10:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for LeeRSend a Private Message to LeeREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:


I sit in the trunk and lean/reach down and change them. Never needed to remove or move anything.



I'm 6' and 250 pounds and I just changed mines. I used a stubby ratchet and it was quick and easy! It's crazy to thinksome one has to tilt their engine or even has to remove the deck lid.
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fierofool
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Report this Post01-09-2014 06:50 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fierofoolClick Here to visit fierofool's HomePageSend a Private Message to fierofoolEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Years ago, a Pontiac dealer told one of the Georgia Fiero members that they had to drop the cradle to change the front plugs on an 88. $450 for plugs, wires, cap and rotor.
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James Bond 007
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Report this Post01-09-2014 11:48 AM Click Here to See the Profile for James Bond 007Send a Private Message to James Bond 007Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Nice to see another San Diego Member (Im up in the north county).
Read my post on rust. Not wha your talking about, but you most likely have rust if the car has been sitting for some time.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/088012.html
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rogergarrison
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Report this Post01-09-2014 12:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for rogergarrisonSend a Private Message to rogergarrisonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I always thought it would be smart to cut out a foot square panel behind the passenger seat. make a new metal cover larger than the hole and fasten it in with a rubber gasket and some dzus fasteners. Would make everything on the front of the engine so much easier. Its covered by insulation and carpet so dont hurt anything. I never did get around to it though. I just used 100,000 platinum plugs and never had to change them again....
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