I found it helpful to put the rear wheels of the car up on ramps that lowered the nose of the car and I could more easily lay on top of the engine and get back to the back three spark plugs.
Good instructions - this video helped me do this job today. Tilt the engine forward and remove the coil bank - this lets you get to the plugs in the back from the top easily. I had to give it my all to get the wire boots off the back plugs, the terminal connections pulled out of a couple of boots but I was able to pull them off the plug with some pliers easily enough. This is not a bad job if you take your time with it.
I searched for a video to do this yesterday and got a text from my brother so I went outside and spoke to him for a while. Eventually started the job, I sure wished I had watched this video, that is a GREAT trick to make more room. OMG what a pain in the ass to get those plugs out. I will know for the next time. Sad part is I had to disconnect those mounts when I changed the radiator out a couple months ago. I thought about doing the plugs then but was just happy to fix the coolant leak, if I only knew, LOL ,,, appreciate you sharing the suggestion,,,
For those that have bottom motor mounts, it helps to "lay" on top of the engine with a piece of plywood or something to get back there. Good luck with far left plug/wire.
Had to do this yesterday. Removed the ignition coil and took my time. Had some help. This is hilarious engineering however. I'm used to the plugs being up top and easy to reach.
Whoever designed these engines were pissed at the world. Just to get to the thermostat is a joke. Engineers should be forced to work on their creation after it is built so they can see what a pain in the ass it is for people to work on them.
I've seen this technique, in a few videos. Does pulling the engine forward cause any risk of damaging the rear main seal? Or is the transmission (transaxle since it's a transverse FWD config) also coming forward?
4 comments to make: 1-prepare to replace the plug wires cause they are HARD to remove without damaging. 2-the 6 small bolts that bolt to the front of the body are as easy/easier/quicker to remove than the larger bolt mounts. 3-When you get the ratchet strap on you can just attach the nylon strap through the metal loop mounted on the engine and attach the other hook end on that front radiator support- the entire strap length will then be about a foot long- tighten it before you start ratcheting and the engine will move forward the 2-3 inches needed. 4- need a 5/8" spark plug socket preferably magnetic for the spark plugs and as described in the video a 6" extension is perfect length.
So that may work ratcheting the thing to pull it forward, but those ratchets do not ratchet click to let it back easy. Doesn't seem to me like such a great plan man!
So far it doesn't seem anyone has noted that all the different size engines are different. And so the plugs are in the front and rear on a 3.1 GM and not as easy to get to the rear ones.
For the newer vans people say working from below is easier. Dealer quoted $250 today parts and labor I've heard worse. Private shop was $150 just labor - I'm gonna let him do it and change the wires also. Dealer said original plugs for an 06 should last 100,000.
Was exactly going to do that lol ..but was looking for to be sure there was enought room after pulling the engine to the front.. You are the only video doing it the right way man lmao cool !! I subscribe 👍
Is the engine that tipsy if it is connected to the transmission and other stuff? I am not good at engine movement. Just help me understand this ok? I did already change the front plugs all three of them Now the back three are a jam!! HELP!!
James lamson Those at the back are jam ? The engine doesnt move that much ..but just enought to help.. The three at the front were rusty or not ?? Are the back one the same or previous people got lazy to do those at the back .. Try with hot engine and put wd40 1 day before..go slow and straigh or you ll break it (if rusty). And put anti-seaze copper paste on the filet of the six new plug !
Really? Pray tell, be honest now, was a mere pulling of the engine forward all ya needed? Hellish job on a Montana/Venture..... The innocent will be quite deceived thinking all they need to do is just pull the engine forward. Obviously a novice.
@@oliverrojas7117 same here, I broke 3/6 wires. I had to send my wife to get me the whole set. I guess the dealer would have broken them too and would have charged me by saying the wires are old and we had to change those too. One other issue I have, how to do you get the cable off the clip? still looking to see how I can take the clip off
because technically the engine, tranny, front axle and wheels are all treated as an assembly. pulling the engine out of these cars usually consists of dropping this assembly out from the bottom in one piece. load of crap. but anywho. when you rotate the engine its best not to put a load on the front wheels since theyre technically being torqued by the rotation.
God finally an easy way to unmount the heavy motor, I didn't want to use a pickup or another car to that (more risky and more people to do it). BTW can someone help me choosing one of these ratchet straps? There's a lot at Amazon.
Hey i have a 2006 buick lacrosse series 3 motor. Followed your procedure but i cant get the spark plugs to loosen up!! Think they are the factory ones. Any suggestions pls??
@@joecraig6701 thank you Joe for the reply yep having this van is going to be expensive on the plugs unless you know how to tilt that thing forward and take that coil pack off and do it all properly and put it back together again
THANK YOU,I gotta change the plugs so I can sell this piece of shit Grand Am I have and it's a real pain but after this video I feel confident I can pull it off. Need to put an end to the shitty gas mileage so it's not on my conscience.
what is holding the engine after you remove the mounts? i was told not to do it this way but to undo the alt oush it up or just take it off use extentions to reach #5 plug told that one is the hardest to reach have not tried yet
@@ThatGuy-nv5kz don't do this, this is what lazy, unprofessinal back yard mechanics do. 1) its dangerous. 2) it puts a lot of stress on your vehicle for no reason. 3) it takes just as long to strap it, and the motor OR the car has zero risk of moving.
The "ignition coil pack thing" is on the front of the engine and it isn't blocking the rear 3 plugs. You either have to climb over the engine or pull the engine forward to easily access them. It's still hard to pull them because there isn't much space
Depends on the generation 3100. Gen 1 and Gen 2 I know for sure are on the front above the starter, as you said. Later generations are on the top and firewall side of the motor.
i assume you had no issue with them than. I never understand why people like you have such easy answers and solutions, but still seek out these videos. Know how I can tell you're full of shit? you looked how to change the back 3.
This is a terrible video. You can't even see it. I thought this would be useful but not since you can't see what's going on in ther video. Try it again bro.
Why in the world would you loosen and move the motor? That's crazy and not needed. If you can't change the plugs without doing all that you maybe should find something easier to do. I'm 64 years old and just finished changing plugs on a 97 Monte Carlo 3.1. They are a pain in the ass to get to but can be done easily. It took me a little over an hour to change all 6.
Phil Whipple I'm working on an 07 3.5 impala. How can I get the rear wires off? I was working on another car with the same motor and pulled the wire off and get 6 stiches so theres gotta be a better way. Any suggestions?
Those heat shields can be pretty sharp. Some gloves might be a good idea. I use some old golf gloves. Either or is your choice. If it were me i'd tackle them from the top. Jacking the motor up is not a good option because it can cause some bigger problems.
I agree I took the coil pack off and removed as much of the wiring harness as needed. Removed vacuum hose. Then I was able to position myself over car on a board. Using a pair of pliers and a pry bar I was able to get them off a lot easier this time. No more big cuts on my fingers. Lol... thanks for responding
Well Phil tell me how you change the back plugs on a 3.4 Pontiac Montana without pulling motor forward. Even after pulling forward you still usually have to take coil packs and ignition control off to get back to them with enough force to break them loose. Been wrenching on these motors since they came out. They even make a tool specially for moving motor forward.
I just laid across the motor and used a fixed spark plug socket tool that moves around to get them loose then a extension with a regular spark plug socket and use me hands to turn it. I even have arthritis that doesn't help much. It can certainly be done without moving the motor. Ps: I'd like to just burn my Monte Carlo at this point. Just discovered it has a blown head gasket. I lost my sense of humor a while back and don't care to look for it. Good Luck.
![[UNCUT]“ฅนตื่นธรรม”ปะทะ“หมอปลา-ปู่มหามุนี-อั๋นโอกิ”สะเทือนกระทรวงเวทมนตร์ Iคนดังนั่งเคลียร์I10 ตค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/peMD_SAkwNc/mqdefault.jpg)
Transverse v6 slammed up against firewall with no working room. Genius GM, genius.
I found it helpful to put the rear wheels of the car up on ramps that lowered the nose of the car and I could more easily lay on top of the engine and get back to the back three spark plugs.
the only video showing rocking the motor forward really helped me thank you
Thank you Jimmer-fix-it... my dear wife thanks you too, now i can work on her Pontiac. 👏👏👏 many blessings to you and yours, keep on wrenching.
I'm glad I watched your vid first, I have a feeling a was about to get really piss changing those spark plugs.
Good instructions - this video helped me do this job today. Tilt the engine forward and remove the coil bank - this lets you get to the plugs in the back from the top easily. I had to give it my all to get the wire boots off the back plugs, the terminal connections pulled out of a couple of boots but I was able to pull them off the plug with some pliers easily enough. This is not a bad job if you take your time with it.
That is slick! I’m gonna go do my 3.8 supercharged riviera! Thanks for the tip nice work my friend!!🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸
perfect way to be able to do this alone. I can't always find someone to help me when I need it
I searched for a video to do this yesterday and got a text from my brother so I went outside and spoke to him for a while. Eventually started the job, I sure wished I had watched this video, that is a GREAT trick to make more room. OMG what a pain in the ass to get those plugs out. I will know for the next time. Sad part is I had to disconnect those mounts when I changed the radiator out a couple months ago. I thought about doing the plugs then but was just happy to fix the coolant leak, if I only knew, LOL ,,, appreciate you sharing the suggestion,,,
For those that have bottom motor mounts, it helps to "lay" on top of the engine with a piece of plywood or something to get back there. Good luck with far left plug/wire.
You are the best man !!! I was thinking if I put those 2 holders away, it will fall.
Had to do this yesterday. Removed the ignition coil and took my time. Had some help. This is hilarious engineering however. I'm used to the plugs being up top and easy to reach.
Whoever designed these engines were pissed at the world. Just to get to the thermostat is a joke. Engineers should be forced to work on their creation after it is built so they can see what a pain in the ass it is for people to work on them.
Did you have a trick to get to the rear coil pack plate bolts? I'm hoping rocking the engine forward does it this is bull shit
Thanks for the tip and showing me how to do it! Saved me a lot of time and money!
Now that's how you outsmart a GM product.
I've seen this technique, in a few videos. Does pulling the engine forward cause any risk of damaging the rear main seal? Or is the transmission (transaxle since it's a transverse FWD config) also coming forward?
4 comments to make: 1-prepare to replace the plug wires cause they are HARD to remove without damaging. 2-the 6 small bolts that bolt to the front of the body are as easy/easier/quicker to remove than the larger bolt mounts. 3-When you get the ratchet strap on you can just attach the nylon strap through the metal loop mounted on the engine and attach the other hook end on that front radiator support- the entire strap length will then be about a foot long- tighten it before you start ratcheting and the engine will move forward the 2-3 inches needed. 4- need a 5/8" spark plug socket preferably magnetic for the spark plugs and as described in the video a 6" extension is perfect length.
So that may work ratcheting the thing to pull it forward, but those ratchets do not ratchet click to let it back easy. Doesn't seem to me like such a great plan man!
I like it, they're a pain in the ass to get at even on a lift getting them from underneath, I've done that with different cars, too many to list.
So far it doesn't seem anyone has noted that all the different size engines are different. And so the plugs are in the front and rear on a 3.1 GM and not as easy to get to the rear ones.
For the newer vans people say working from below is easier. Dealer quoted $250 today parts and labor I've heard worse. Private shop was $150 just labor - I'm gonna let him do it and change the wires also. Dealer said original plugs for an 06 should last 100,000.
this gives me hope on my 3400 van. great idea. thanks
I wonder how your flex pipe looks after that???
Gold, award winning gold!
Was exactly going to do that lol ..but was looking for to be sure there was enought room after pulling the engine to the front..
You are the only video doing it the right way man lmao cool !!
I subscribe 👍
Is the engine that tipsy if it is connected to the transmission and other stuff? I am not good at engine movement. Just help me understand this ok? I did already change the front plugs all three of them Now the back three are a jam!! HELP!!
James lamson
Those at the back are jam ?
The engine doesnt move that much ..but just enought to help..
The three at the front were rusty or not ?? Are the back one the same or previous people got lazy to do those at the back ..
Try with hot engine and put wd40 1 day before..go slow and straigh or you ll break it (if rusty).
And put anti-seaze copper paste on the filet of the six new plug !
James lamson im having the same issue how did u get them loose??
thank u soo much bro this is a great trick
Doing mine this weekend on my 05 Montana. Great video.
Really? Pray tell, be honest now, was a mere pulling of the engine forward all ya needed? Hellish job on a Montana/Venture..... The innocent will be quite deceived thinking all they need to do is just pull the engine forward. Obviously a novice.
Very helpful! Thank you!!
Works great on the 3.1...but on the 89 beretta with the 2.8 v-6....the engine mounts on underneath....got any idea on what to do with that set up??
What does this do to the exhaust connections? I imagine it's not good.
It's a gm the exhaust is rotted out in 3 years from new anyways
Should you put a jack under the engine before dropping it?
Only GM would design something like this. They want you to take it to the dealership.
Youve never owned a mini
Thank you.God bless you.
Thanks for uploading this
You didn't mention how hard it is to get the wires off of the spark plugs without them breaking.
So far broke one wire.
@@oliverrojas7117 same here, I broke 3/6 wires. I had to send my wife to get me the whole set. I guess the dealer would have broken them too and would have charged me by saying the wires are old and we had to change those too.
One other issue I have, how to do you get the cable off the clip? still looking to see how I can take the clip off
Use a boot puller about 16.00 at auto parts store
It looks easy taking the plugs out but how about the wires especially when they won't break free.
The Hanes manual says to put it in neutral, is that necessary ? Did you do that ? I've seen other vids and no one mentions that.
because technically the engine, tranny, front axle and wheels are all treated as an assembly. pulling the engine out of these cars usually consists of dropping this assembly out from the bottom in one piece. load of crap. but anywho. when you rotate the engine its best not to put a load on the front wheels since theyre technically being torqued by the rotation.
God finally an easy way to unmount the heavy motor, I didn't want to use a pickup or another car to that (more risky and more people to do it).
BTW can someone help me choosing one of these ratchet straps? There's a lot at Amazon.
More easy to change intake gasket by moving the engine like this?
This video saved my life
Hey i have a 2006 buick lacrosse series 3 motor. Followed your procedure but i cant get the spark plugs to loosen up!! Think they are the factory ones. Any suggestions pls??
Allen Messi ok i will try this weekend thank u
Do you live in Southern California I need it done to my 2004 Chevy venture I'm just not a mechanic.
Sorry, I do not. If you have any handy friends, share the video/ideas with them. Thanks!
@@joecraig6701 thank you Joe for the reply yep having this van is going to be expensive on the plugs unless you know how to tilt that thing forward and take that coil pack off and do it all properly and put it back together again
Is it safe to take off the motor mounts on the top
Guess I'll just take my car to a tune-up shop. That's too difficult for me. Why did the designers manufacture the back ones to be so hard to get to?
Thank you!❤
? the back plug wire are really on there any suggestion how to get them off?
buy a wire puller. I just wiggled it and played with it for about 20 minute till it came out. It's like pulling teeth.
when changing the spark plugs and wires do you disconnect the battery first ?
Hi Kathy, generally speaking for tune ups and maintenance, I do not.
THANK YOU,I gotta change the plugs so I can sell this piece of shit Grand Am I have and it's a real pain but after this video I feel confident I can pull it off. Need to put an end to the shitty gas mileage so it's not on my conscience.
I unbolted the neg battery terminal,unbolted the coil pack & slid it aside .
Can't even get to the rear cool pack plate bolts. I'm going to try this engine mount trick
what is holding the engine after you remove the mounts? i was told not to do it this way but to undo the alt oush it up or just take it off use extentions to reach #5 plug told that one is the hardest to reach have not tried yet
I have v6 gt and yes i took of the pack and voila easy peezy lemon squeezy.. i changed plugs..look at this engine...
Thanks for the vid.
Will this work for a 3.8 Buick engine?
Nope because it doesn’t have these type of mounts. The mounts are below.
@@Kiddro22 mine does.
@@Skippy0330 Must have a 96-97
I love it when you people create these videos and you skip the hard plugs every time
thank you sir!!!
OMG, did you just ratchet-strap that thing forward with the strap right on the front nose piece of the car???
Thank you!
Kool idea
omg just disconnect the dog bone motor mounts, turn key to on but dont start it and put it in reverse, bam, plugs exposed. done this a bunch of times
Adam Wilson genius
Didn't work, engine didn't move at all when I tried this.
@@ThatGuy-nv5kz don't do this, this is what lazy, unprofessinal back yard mechanics do. 1) its dangerous. 2) it puts a lot of stress on your vehicle for no reason. 3) it takes just as long to strap it, and the motor OR the car has zero risk of moving.
@@Skippy0330 too late, it blew upwards
Gmc terrain v6 sparkplug replace video pls send
holy crap people just remove the ignition coil pack thing, so much easier....
The "ignition coil pack thing" is on the front of the engine and it isn't blocking the rear 3 plugs. You either have to climb over the engine or pull the engine forward to easily access them. It's still hard to pull them because there isn't much space
Depends on the generation 3100. Gen 1 and Gen 2 I know for sure are on the front above the starter, as you said. Later generations are on the top and firewall side of the motor.
Just what engine are you talking about? A 3.1 has the 3 plugs in the back where the ignition coil is.
carlos isnana That's the easy part to replace... coils
carlos isnana, you're right. That does look like a much easier. Thanks.
Or just do them by feel. Took me 20 minutes to do the back 3
i assume you had no issue with them than. I never understand why people like you have such easy answers and solutions, but still seek out these videos. Know how I can tell you're full of shit? you looked how to change the back 3.
But you removed the plate with the wires off first then did it by touch?
WoW Smart😊
NICE THANK YOU
These sideways v engines are a really bad prank on unsuspecting car owners :(
why recorded with potato
Field111 lmao
Why ask a stupid joke question from over a decade ago?
Viper Jay 5 Because it’s still funny in the future (2020)
Why record with tomato
Thanks. Now I don't have to buy a hoist.
That is a 3.1, not a 3.4. Thank me.
It's pretty much the same thing.
Not recommended. This puts a lot of strain on plastic vacuum hoses and other connections you’re probably not considering.
Blow motor mounts out while we are at why dont cha.
I can see that you know what you are doing.
But what a nightmare.
I did without doing that...
What did you do because I have a Pontiac montana
Shit no were near easy lol 😂
This is a terrible video. You can't even see it. I thought this would be useful but not since you can't see what's going on in ther video. Try it again bro.
Why in the world would you loosen and move the motor? That's crazy and not needed. If you can't change the plugs without doing all that you maybe should find something easier to do. I'm 64 years old and just finished changing plugs on a 97 Monte Carlo 3.1. They are a pain in the ass to get to but can be done easily. It took me a little over an hour to change all 6.
Phil Whipple I'm working on an 07 3.5 impala. How can I get the rear wires off? I was working on another car with the same motor and pulled the wire off and get 6 stiches so theres gotta be a better way. Any suggestions?
Those heat shields can be pretty sharp. Some gloves might be a good idea. I use some old golf gloves. Either or is your choice. If it were me i'd tackle them from the top. Jacking the motor up is not a good option because it can cause some bigger problems.
I agree I took the coil pack off and removed as much of the wiring harness as needed. Removed vacuum hose. Then I was able to position myself over car on a board. Using a pair of pliers and a pry bar I was able to get them off a lot easier this time. No more big cuts on my fingers. Lol... thanks for responding
Well Phil tell me how you change the back plugs on a 3.4 Pontiac Montana without pulling motor forward. Even after pulling forward you still usually have to take coil packs and ignition control off to get back to them with enough force to break them loose. Been wrenching on these motors since they came out. They even make a tool specially for moving motor forward.
I just laid across the motor and used a fixed spark plug socket tool that moves around to get them loose then a extension with a regular spark plug socket and use me hands to turn it. I even have arthritis that doesn't help much. It can certainly be done without moving the motor. Ps: I'd like to just burn my Monte Carlo at this point. Just discovered it has a blown head gasket. I lost my sense of humor a while back and don't care to look for it. Good Luck.