Changing The Spark Plugs In My 96/3100 Achieva.

[AMcLeodIII]

I am really looking for the definitive answer.......the one that will not cause any damage to adjacent parts. Changing the plugs and wires is not the problem. How to get to plugs 1, 3, and 5 is the problem.

I've read about removing the dog bone and rotating the engine forward. There is no dogbone assembly here. I have big, muscular arms (I lift weights) so I've got to make some room. It looks as if there is a motor mount at the front of the motor and a bottom mount somewhere at the bottom of the block. How do I tilt the motor forward? Will tilting the motor damage the exhaust system? I've also read about removing the alternator but that means a left hand entrance at the firewall and I am most certainly right handed. Alright you gurus......HELP

My $250.00 96 Achieva SL (Actual recent pic)

[1988GTU]

If taking the alt is not an option for you, then lifting that wallet out and heaving over money to a person more limber would be my next try. Maybe look for someone that is into yoga?

The tilting of the motor for that platform is really not going to work. Good luck!

[AMcLeodIII]

If taking the alt is not an option for you, then lifting that wallet out and heaving over money to a person more limber would be my next try..........

Ouch !! Well since "money's too tight to mention", I guess I'll vaseline my arm, get a tetnus shot and try to shove my big round arm into that dark, square opening. Thanks for the info. My real concern is not wanting to damage anything while changing some friggin' spark plugs. Right now, the plugs actually look pretty good. (I have no idea when the previous, original owner had them changed), I'm just anally retentive about maintenance on all my other cars. Hmmmmm.......changing the spark plugs on my 1992 Trans Am during the cooler months in my driveway always comes to mind...........

[unchained01]

I always remove the alt and use a longer ratchet to break them all loose and then use a speed attachment to finish the process Having a socket that will hold the plug is a big plus with installation and helps a lot with not cross threading

[AMcLeodIII]

an interesting discovery....... I had the front wheels off today replacing the stabilizer links and I noticed the openings to the engine compartment where the rack and pinion/tie rod ends come out and connect to the struts. If I drop a service light at the back of the engine at the firewall so I can see, in stick my arm through the right side holes, I can get my hands on the plug wire to cylinders 1 and 3 and if i go around to the other side, I can get at 5. That just might be the way to do it. Easier to remove the tires than mess with the alternator, tensioner and a recalcitrant serpentine belt.