What to remove to access rear spark plugs on SSEi's?

[Ken_W]

I am going to have to pay one of the two mechanics I know to replace my plugs & wires. My mileage is terrible, so I can't wait for warmer weather to get this done. (I have no garage to work in, and its friggin' cold outside, so will not be doing it myself.)

My car has 155K and the wires/plugs might be original. At the very least, they are 4yrs / 70K old. Boots will probably be difficult to remove.

He's a good guy and knows what he is doing. I provide all parts and I share tips that I've read here to make the jobs easier and faster for him. I usually only bring him one specific job at a time, and he does them while I take a long lunch at a diner across the street. Slowly I am getting my car tuned up in this manner, at bearable prices.

While quoting me a price to do wires & plugs, he seemed unsure of what to charge because he was not sure of what all he'd need to remove to reach the rear plugs. I'd prefer to be crystal clear on this before he begins.

Now that this long-winded intro is out of the way; my question is this: what should I expect him to remove to get at those three rear plugs? Alternator, for sure, but what else? (Note: L67 supercharged engine here)

Bonus question: if he's already going to be removing stuff to get back there, should I have him go ahead and put in a new O-2 sensor at the same time? Would the access to that also be opened up?

Thanks in advance to those who have done this and can share their experiences! I regret having to pay someone else to do this work, but IMHO it can't wait until Spring.

Ken_W

[Ken_W]

Just to throw a curve-ball question into the mix; what if I did do the work myself, but only did the three in the front and let the three rear ones wait a few months? Would having mixed new & old plugs/wires cause new problems, or result in a 50% improvement?

Ken_W

[viper8907]

I've changed my plugs numerous times in less than 30 minutes without removing anything. Theres not tons of room, but you can get an arm down around the engine if you don't have giant arms.

[RJolly87]

Just to throw a curve-ball question into the mix; what if I did do the work myself, but only did the three in the front and let the three rear ones wait a few months? Would having mixed new & old plugs/wires cause new problems, or result in a 50% improvement?

Ken_W

I would either do all or none. You would create an uneven firing issue if you did what you are proposing. Don't think it would damage anything, but it wouldn't be as smooth as it could be.

[00Beast]

I removed the rear lift bracket (holds on the rear of the engine cover, and bolts to the exhaust manifold) and there is plenty of room. I have also removed the alternator with success.

[viper8907]

I removed the rear lift bracket (holds on the rear of the engine cover, and bolts to the exhaust manifold) and there is plenty of room. I have also removed the alternator with success.

Right I forgot that I permanently removed that bracket.

I'd say tell him that it's possible without removing anything, but if he needs to, removing the alternator will help.

[crash93ssei]

I changed the plugs and wires on my old '03 SSEi a few times also in less then 30 minutes including just two weeks ago without removing anything.

[willwren]

Ditto on the 2k's. Under 30 minutes without removing anything. Just go by feel and you'll get it done.

[a_kraker99]

I just did mine last week in the cold and snow :-) under 30 minutes and it was my first time. It is a tight area to work in but I am sure the mechanic is used to that.

[Ken_W]

I've seen people write that it helps to climb up on the engine. It is unclear what that means. Does that mean laying on it, like this?



Or kneeling on it with one's knees, or something else entirely?

Ken_W

[sonoma_zr2]

Yup. I actually put cushions on top of the engine to make it more comfortable. Where did you dig up that old photo of Tracy

[Ken_W]

From here on the board. I remembered seeing this photo, and wondered if she was trying to reach the rear spark plugs on that car.

Ken_W

[dwight]

Also depends on how tight the boot is on the plug! Make sure you use a wire puller. I would say 50/50 on the plugs. Where do i find parts ? In the forum.

[Mark Fahey]

If your front O2 sensor is still the original, that could also be contributing in a major way to your poor mileage.

[Ryno02]

i'll also chip in my vote of not really removing anything. i just undid my coolant overflow tank and moved it outta the way(didnt even disconnect the hose)and I'm a gorilla with big&long arms, lol. MUCH easier than my ole LT1 fireturd. i usually get to #6 on the right side, i dont know if its reachable with "normal length" arms.

[willwren]

Yup. I actually put cushions on top of the engine to make it more comfortable. Where did you dig up that old photo of Tracy

I recall I have a picture of YOU in a very vulnerable position on rrounds 2k in my driveway..........after we had a big box fan on the motor to cool it down first. I think you did 2 and 4, and I did #6 to get you out of the heat.