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Changing spark plugs on my 01

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Old 06-22-2009, 06:56 AM
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Default 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
Old 06-22-2009, 07:17 AM
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This should help.

https://www.gmforum.com/t278824/
Old 06-22-2009, 11:50 AM
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Thanks for the link, Dan
Old 12-15-2010, 02:25 PM
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Default 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?
Old 12-15-2010, 02:28 PM
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Sorry, yours is a bit more of a pain to get at.
Old 12-15-2010, 02:35 PM
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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.
Old 10-17-2012, 04:39 PM
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ZOMBIE THREAD!

How in the flip do you get the plugs out of the rear? What'* the easiest tried and true method?

I got the front three no problem.
Old 10-17-2012, 04:42 PM
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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.
Old 10-17-2012, 07:05 PM
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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.
Old 10-17-2012, 08:17 PM
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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.
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