Spark Plug Removal/Install
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2,641 Posts
Hi romeroom
I hope these 2 links will help you. Please read them through carefully and have a look at ihatemybikes link. Great write-up their:
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=3029&p=19731&hilit=replacing+spark+plugs&sid=cbbed4a7667692ca61c88cb5d612b2f7#p19731
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3033&p=22104&hilit=spark+plugs&sid=cbbed4a7667692ca61c88cb5d612b2f7#p22104
I hope these 2 links will help you. Please read them through carefully and have a look at ihatemybikes link. Great write-up their:
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=3029&p=19731&hilit=replacing+spark+plugs&sid=cbbed4a7667692ca61c88cb5d612b2f7#p19731
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3033&p=22104&hilit=spark+plugs&sid=cbbed4a7667692ca61c88cb5d612b2f7#p22104
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677 Posts
I did mine from the inside of the vehicle. the only problem i had was the passenger side closest plug to the inside. and that was only because i couldnt see the hole to put the new plug back in. i never thought of doing it through the wheel wells.
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1,696 Posts
You're more than welcome. Glad to help make my fellow van drivers lives a little easier.romeroom said:
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2,641 Posts
And that one to romeroom, hehe. I knew I was over reading that page, I should have posted the direct link to it, sorry folks. Thanks again romeroom that's what I wanted to do in the first place (direct link).
Yes, that write up will surely help others out ihatemybike, Thanks.
Yes, that write up will surely help others out ihatemybike, Thanks.
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1,696 Posts
Having owned seven Astros, I can tell you no. They are not easier to get to from the inside. I tried it once and have done it through the wheel wells ever since.romeroom said:
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2,352 Posts
ditto. Once you've done it from the wheelwell a few times it gets easier.I tried it from the inside once as well, and came to the same conclusion as IHMB.I use a trim panel remover tool and pop all the plastic retaining pins bout till the flap's out of the way,while you have the wheel off and the van up, might as well lube those front end parts and check the brake pads and hoses as well!
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3 Posts
First timer replacing spark plugs (95 4.3l Safari). Any tips to help from getting to frustrated and destroying things would be appreciated. Any special and affordable tools including something to pop the engine covers in the wheel wells off? I'll also replace the spark wires. any easy way to loosen the engine cover in the passenger comartment? Thanks.
Sorry for posting this earlier in the wrong place.
Sorry for posting this earlier in the wrong place.
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5,339 Posts
Arm yourself with a 5/8" flex spark plug socket, a 2 foot long extension, and a long handled flex ratchet. Push the mudflap out of the way and get the front 2 plugs on both sides from the wheel wells, and then dive under the truck and get the rear plug on both sides by reaching up to it with just the socket and ratchet. Don't forget to use Dielectric silicone on the insides of both ends of the plug wires (dist and plug connections) (dist and coil also)
Hint: use a six inch piece of rubber tubing that will fit the ceramic of the plug as a "holder" to start the plug into the cylinder hole. This will save you a lot of time. Also, you don't want to remove plugs from a hot engine, so wait until it has cooled to ambient temperature.
Good luck, and keep truck'n
Bob
Hint: use a six inch piece of rubber tubing that will fit the ceramic of the plug as a "holder" to start the plug into the cylinder hole. This will save you a lot of time. Also, you don't want to remove plugs from a hot engine, so wait until it has cooled to ambient temperature.
Good luck, and keep truck'n
Bob
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3,101 Posts
I've tried both ways, both failed. First from the front, i didn't cut enough off, will try it again. Bob I did try that way as well, but couldn't fit. My system was only 3". I needed to go on a diet, got stuck when my ______ (you figure it out) hit the pipe. haha
Keith
3 can play also
Keith
3 can play also
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14 Posts
When I do mine I always go through the side. The last time I did them I couldn't find enough 3/8" extensions to get there. I bought an extension set from Autozone (I know they suck, but it's the closest shop to my house) and the extension set doesn't fit squarely together. I know this sounds weird, but there's was a wobble where they came together. I don't know if they were designed like this, or if they are just crappy extensions. Well anyway when you fit a few of them together to get to the plugs they kind of "snaked" and moved around. Worked PERFECT for getting to the ones on the passenger side. The driver's side was much easier.
I can always get all six through the side. IDK why you would need to do it any other way.
The snaps for the inner splash guard usually just snap out with a screw driver and pop back in when finished, I'm sure that they make a tool for it though.
I can always get all six through the side. IDK why you would need to do it any other way.
The snaps for the inner splash guard usually just snap out with a screw driver and pop back in when finished, I'm sure that they make a tool for it though.
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3,000 Posts
sometimes the splashguard will pull past the snaps also, and can be buttoned back on. You just have to be careful not to rip the splashguard.99astroawd8seater said:
They make wobble extensions, but I'm sure the ones from Autozone weren't intended to be that type. Not that it matters much, you do need to have some ability to flex when snaking them in there. I think the wobble 5/8ths sparkplug socket would be the most ideal though, as all the plugs face somewhat at a downward angle anyway...especially for us V8 guys.
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