V6 spark plugs (Page 1/2)
john carter SEP 15, 05:00 PM
Can the firewall side spark plugs be removed from underneath the 87 GT?
hunter29 SEP 15, 05:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by john carter:

Can the firewall side spark plugs be removed from underneath the 87 GT?



Never heard of that, maybe, why don’t want to do them from above?
Vintage-Nut SEP 15, 06:33 PM
I copied a members 'V6 Front Spark Plugs Procedure' and didn't get their name.. By olejoedad
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Remove the air duct to the throttle body.
Stand on driver side of car, use left arm to reach between firewall and engine.
Pull the front plug wires.
Dislodge debris from around plug bases; blow out debris with compressed air.
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 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 plugs.

Apply 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)


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Original Owner of a '88 GT and under 'Production Refurbishment'

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 09-16-2023).]

hunter29 SEP 15, 06:42 PM
Everyone has their own way to do it, I went in from the left and right. I used a small mirror and light to see what I was doing, making my brain work in reverse was the hard part.

Changing the plugs isn’t that hard, just take your time and STOP for the day if you get tired.
john carter SEP 15, 07:47 PM
I have seen some threads explaining how guys destroyed the spark plug and had to get an easy out to get the plug out. I've changed a good deal of plugs in my day and never had to use an easy out. This is somewhat of a challenge, so I want to get as much info as I can. I do appreciate all your input....so tomorrow I'll attempt it.
Patrick SEP 15, 07:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by john carter:

...so tomorrow I'll attempt it.



Which means that today you should be soaking those spark plugs down with a quality penetrating oil (not with something like regular WD-40).

In my experience, it's not necessary, but it does give a lot more room to work when the decklid is removed. It's just four bolts holding the decklid to the hinges. If you go that route, make sure the steel safety-restraint cables are both in good shape. You don't want your day ruined with a spring-loaded hinge going through the rear window.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-15-2023).]

cvxjet SEP 15, 10:46 PM
I just completed changing the spark plugs two days ago. The first time I did it back in 1995 I spent two days fighting it (At the age of 34) and sun-burned my lower back.

A friend suggested TILTING the engine- you undo the rear subframe bolts and torque strut bolt and lower the rear of the frame approx 3-4 inches and gain a lot of room to reach those front three sparkplugs (From the top)...Worked like a charm!

I bought a DEEP sparkplug socket from Napa Auto Parts (Evercraft pn 776-9052)...It is very well designed- knurled on the top (But including hex for a socket if needed) and the rubber "Keeper" inside holds the plugs well but not so tightly you have to fight to remove them. Not expensive ($13)

Also, I used compressed air to blow out any debris around the plugs- and had a big pile of crap under the car- including a 8" x 1/4" branch! I did this a couple of times- including scraping around the plug socket (Before removing the plugs!!!) with a scribe which got me more debris (Blown out) I also squirted some PB Blaster around the plug bases- then hooked everything up and started it for a few minutes to make sure I got good penetration (Because of the heat). Waited a day to finish those rear ones.

One last suggestion; If you are working outside (Like I was that first time in 1995) wear a shirt long enough to protect your back from the sun (Ouch!)
Patrick SEP 15, 10:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

Waited a day to finish those rear ones.



It's the front ones which are more challenging.

john carter SEP 16, 09:02 AM
I will definitely do all the prep work before I start wrenchin' I'm also goin to get the Napa socket! See...it pays to ask questions and get help. Thanks to all!
Notorio SEP 16, 10:43 AM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Which means that today you should be soaking those spark plugs down with a quality penetrating oil (not with something like regular WD-40).

In my experience, it's not necessary, but it does give a lot more room to work when the decklid is removed. It's just four bolts holding the decklid to the hinges. If you go that route, make sure the steel safety-restraint cables are both in good shape. You don't want your day ruined with a spring-loaded hinge going through the rear window.




I'd like to Second Patrick's suggestion on the deck lid. Not only does this give you more room for your hands BUT also your head: you can SEE exactly what you are doing with the lid out of the way. Like he said, not necessary, but it makes the job a mere walk in the park.