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).]
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).]
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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....