Changing spark plugs on my 01
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Palmer, MA
Changing spark plugs on my 01
Hello to the group,
I would like to replace the plugs on my 2001 Bonneville. I have the conventional 3.8 liter engine. My question is are their any special tools required to access the three rear plugs. They sure look like they'll be tough to reach. Do the wires simply pull off, or are their any other tricks involved? Do you remove any other equipment to make the job easier?
The plugs and wires are original, so I suspect that they should be changed together.
Thankyou for any advice, Eric
I would like to replace the plugs on my 2001 Bonneville. I have the conventional 3.8 liter engine. My question is are their any special tools required to access the three rear plugs. They sure look like they'll be tough to reach. Do the wires simply pull off, or are their any other tricks involved? Do you remove any other equipment to make the job easier?
The plugs and wires are original, so I suspect that they should be changed together.
Thankyou for any advice, Eric
Retired Senior Admin
Expert Gearhead
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 43
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2000 SSEi sparkplug question
i saw the link you provided about changing the three rear spark plugs, but there is no bar on mine to remove. is the '01 method different that the '00? is there a way to make more room?
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
Tricks to doing your plugs.
With a 13mm remove the center bracket that holds the engine cover in the back. That will give you a ton of access. For removing the stock plug wires, I find that pushing the metal heat shield toward the engine, gives me a little more of the boot to grab onto...twist...pull...curse.
With a 13mm remove the center bracket that holds the engine cover in the back. That will give you a ton of access. For removing the stock plug wires, I find that pushing the metal heat shield toward the engine, gives me a little more of the boot to grab onto...twist...pull...curse.
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 245
From: Windsor, Ontario / Detroit, Michigan
The best thing I did was remove the engine hoist bracket from the back of the engine. It'* still a beach getting at the back plugs, but getting that bracket out of the way makes it much more accessible.
Retired Administrator
True Car Nut
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 194
From: Williamsport, PA
I did mine by letting the engine cool completely, and took a huge old sleeping bag and a comforter, and placed them over the top of the engine. I then laid on top of the sleeping bag and had good leverage to get to the rear plugs, but always being careful how I laid.
On a side note, the plug wires were brutal to remove in the rear. A boot puller can be helpful, but might be worth buying new wires and returning them if not needed- I broke one of my wires trying to remove it and had to rush to the parts store before it closed.
On a side note, the plug wires were brutal to remove in the rear. A boot puller can be helpful, but might be worth buying new wires and returning them if not needed- I broke one of my wires trying to remove it and had to rush to the parts store before it closed.
Retired
Certified Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,960
Likes: 1,839
From: Dark Side, AZ
This is what I use. Never failed me on the rear or front plugs.
Shop Kobalt 3/8-in Drive Quick-Release Flexible Head Ratchet at Lowes.com
BTW, this is a REALLY old thread.
Shop Kobalt 3/8-in Drive Quick-Release Flexible Head Ratchet at Lowes.com
BTW, this is a REALLY old thread.