Access Fiero Front Spark Plugs (Page 3/4)
Dennis LaGrua OCT 08, 12:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by peterh:

Do you have a part # of the tool. I see KD tools was taken over by Gearwrench and I could not find it on their site.



My bad. The engine tilter tool is made by Lisle P/N 22550 . I purchased it 12 years ago. Not certain if its made anymore but you may find one on eBay. Works like a charm.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 10-08-2021).]

82-T/A [At Work] OCT 08, 01:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by David88:

The Fiero has stood for many years and water must have got past weather strip, the plugs are badly corroded and seized with hardly any hexagon left. Was thinking of using something like these damaged nut extractors but porcelain part of plug would have to be broken off, not a problem as they are being replaced anyway. If better access was available it would be much easier and if heat could be applied to remains of plug that would also help. If cutting an access panel the ECM and wiring could be in the way and would have to be moved. My idea for an access hole would be to make a cover slightly larger, secured with screws into captive nuts welded in place and also sealed. Would have been good if GM had come up with something like that in the first place, don't suppose they were interested in making future maintenance easier.



Hi David, if you can avoid it, don't cut any holes in the frame. If I had to go down that path, I'd probably just remove the cyl head.

Just noticed a response from Patrick with the spark plug extractor as I was typing up this response. That is EXACTLY what I would recommend too. All you need to do is just spray the ever living hell out of those plug holes with PB blaster or some kind of penetrating oil first. Let it sit for a few days, just keep doing it a couple of times a day (it will all burn off when you've replaced them).

You can also get a bit more leverage if you remove the "dog bone" / engine strut and pull the engine a bit more closer to you.
claude dalpe OCT 08, 01:21 PM
Patrick I think you are not happy with my idea of spark plug.

You say: Rusted plugs probably get rounded due to the fact that the threads have corroded and stuck in the head.

Me I think : The R42TS spark plugs are prone to rusting due to the water falling on them by the deck lid and your idea of installing anti-seize copper is very good idea for those who don't want to install 41-809 because they are more expensive (approx. 6X) But you have to change them less often.

Me To have peace in mind I use 41-809 spark plugs.
Patrick OCT 08, 08:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by claude dalpe:

Patrick I think you are not happy with my idea of spark plug.... they are more expensive (approx. 6X)



Claude, maybe you've misunderstood me. I've already said that those stainless steel spark plugs are "very nice"... and I meant it! But as you yourself have stated, they are 6x the price of regular plugs! That's a premium price! I'm way too cheap to spend that much on spark plugs when I can use a few cents worth of anti-seize on regular plugs and not have any problem down the road.
buddycraigg OCT 08, 09:04 PM
I always take the decklid off when I am changing spark plugs.
That little bit of room make a huge difference.
Dennis LaGrua OCT 10, 07:41 PM

quote
Originally posted by buddycraigg:

I always take the decklid off when I am changing spark plugs.
That little bit of room make a huge difference.


That certainly works, but removing the deck lid, putting it back on and realigning it perfectly, is a difficult one man job.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

82-T/A [At Work] OCT 10, 09:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

That certainly works, but removing the deck lid, putting it back on and realigning it perfectly, is a difficult one man job.






Ugh... you guys just reminded me that my Fiero has a broken hinge spring... :/
buddycraigg OCT 11, 09:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

That certainly works, but removing the deck lid, putting it back on and realigning it perfectly, is a difficult one man job.





Removing by yourself is easy. I'm pretty sure I have a video of me doing it.

Putting it back on by yourself sucks.
Patrick OCT 11, 10:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by buddycraigg:

Removing by yourself is easy. Putting it back on by yourself sucks.



I put corrugated cardboard (large flattened box) on the roof for protection (when the decklid is placed on it), and stand in the trunk for removal and re-installation of the open decklid. Piece of cake.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-11-2021).]

Kevin87FieroGT OCT 16, 06:42 AM
Had the same problem getting the OEM plugs out on a 48,000 mi car. It was best to use the hinged headed ratchet that is shown in the Fiero service manual. I would just tighten then loosen the plug slightly till it finally backed out. Of course do this after blowing the sand, dirt or whatever out of the plug recesses.

I just recently replaced the plugs after 28,000 miles. Having used antisieze on the threads certainly made the job way easier. I use antisieze on all plugs I install in everything from lawn mowers, boats to every car ever owned. It doesn’t take much antisieze to be beneficial.