There are plenty of vids out there that just show the front plugs; This is the first one I've seen that actually shows what I'm dealing with in back. Thank you!
Thanks for making the video!! You helped me get the right tools for the job! The plugs had been in the car since 2003! Runs so smooth with much more power!!
Best video yet for accessing the the rear plugs. I'm about to get into a 2007 Pontiac G6, a little different but I feel much more confident having watched this!! Thank you!
Thank you! I'm a disabled single mom. Before i was sick i worked on cars regularly, but that was a long time ago. Now my kids are starting to drive and their car needed some work. Your videos helped remind me of things and showed me how to access those stupid plugs! Thank you very much!
BarboursAutoHelp i have a question. the 2001 bonneville is now idling/ running worse than before replacing the plugs and wires... it's also now surging in revs while idling..what do you think could be causing this?
+Naomi McDowell Could be a number of things but it's been my experience that when this happens the firing order is off. Make sure you have all your plug wires routed correctly. Your coils are marked with numbers. These numbers represent the cylinder that the wire goes to.
+Naomi McDowell The cylinder numbers are 1/3/5 on the front and 2/4/6 on the back. This is as you are looking at the engine standing in front of the vehicle. I'll make a video.
I've watched several you tubes on this hard to reach back 3 and yours is the best with a good camera angle and great tips. Just subscribed and liked this video. You are to be commended for helping with this hard job.
@@cheefn4u217 that's what I do to. The metal piece on the back of the motor that his hand was by, that the plastic engine cover goes into is About the only place to do it. Gives quite a bit more room
I have done this and replaced the rear valve cover gasket on a 95 Riviera series 1. You can remove the heater hose assy and move it to the driver's side to get more access. Series 1 does not have the alternator/plastic elbow problem. Use dielectric (non conducting) grease on the boot. Turn the plugs down to seating and then add 1/16 turn per the plug box instruction. This is a hot spot so sometimes the wire/boot will arc under load when it is old.
Wow! Who was the really little guy filming back there. Definitely an Oscar award for cinematography. One thing Id suggest is blowing out around the plugs after the boots are off. Another suggestion is rather than kneeling you can lay down. I'm 5-6 so can't reach far but good for laying over the engine. I have a 2003 Impala that I put an L26 aluminum upper intake manifold on that I gave a mirror polish too, so its more secure for me to do this as I can put my weight onto it. I used 2 layers from large cardboard box that went from radiator to UIM and also fro generator to TB wide. I have a step stool to stand up on, put left hand on generator then lean down so upper chest/shoulders are on the UIM. Worked well. I would think you could still do that with th plastic UIM, its very tough regardless of the ERG pipe melting it and engine heat wrapping it, which is why I swapped it for an L26 UIM. Just a bit of your weight is on the UIM, my legs are over radiator, just be careful you aren't putting pressure on fuel rail , cables and stuff like that. I see you have plastic valve covers, gm wanted to put new plastic one on front with new junk gasket for the recall they finally issued in 2016 on front valve cover leaking oil, but I sure don't understand why they don't apply to rear valve cover as well. I got aluminum valve covers from junkyard, 20$ each, polished them up to mirror finish and new fel pro gaskets to fix it myself. Any F-body car like 98 Camarro has aluminum valve covers and thats where they came from. Would recommend to anyone to replace them and the UIM as well, although thats a bit more involved and you need to tap into TB to reroute PCV air inlet to UIM, get a custom L26 Northstar adapter from ZZP to adapt you TB to L26 UIM, bend brake lines out of way at the proportioner, re route TB & cruise control cables somewhat, then rip out air intake system and replace with K&N as the L26 UIM and TB adapter pushed TB over 4 inches. Other than that it's easy! Kinda got off topic, just pissed at GM for screw up coolant in the engine and oil on exhaust starting fires because of cheap plastic. Great video though, proves you can do the back without taking off dog bones and rotating engine.
Hey, thanks for sharing! I'm not big into making modifications. I like to keep everything OE. Especially when it comes to the average DIY guy. That's some pretty advance stuff and probably would not be a good idea if the average joe attempted to do this......It sounds like you've been around the block a time or two though. Thanks again for sharing and I'll be sure to add an annotation to the video suggesting blowing out around the plugs.
Great video, helped me get the back plugs changed. I had a heck of a time with replacing the plug wires because a clip on the back side of the engine would not come loose. I finally got it after some choice words and an evening break. I used a long flat screwdriver and a lot of force to pop the top of the plug wire holder bracket off.
this is the second tutorial of yours iv seen (the first was the radiator replacement). and its helpfull beyond words. im not really a car guy or mechanic or anything. so when it comes to diy repair it can get easily intimidating (especially since my budget dosnt allow mistakes, lol). your easy to follow and understand. so much so, at the end of your vids im always repeating "wait, i was scared of this? bro i got this!" lol.
Thanks bro. I just bought my grandmother's immaculate 1996 supercharged Park Avenue with only 70,000 miles with the original plugs and wires. This was a great help.
Since I do not use that plastic cosmetic engine cover piece that says GM3800 anymore, I removed the front and rear metal brackets that the cover piece snaps into. HELL OF ALOT more room back there now to get to the spark plugs anytime. But everything this guy did was spot on and excellent advice otherwise. Thank you sir!
Wow! Saved me $130 bucks....twisting the boots wasn't something I would have thought of, but it really worked! Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent video!
barbour's auto ,thankyou for sharing your knowledge. in the future if you can show the same job on a 2000 ssei bonneville that would be very very helpful.not looking forward to doing this ,i wish you were my neighbor.
wow, your are right about getting into the engine bay for more leverage! i just did my 04 park avenue today, it was easy but it helped in the back to get onto the front of the engine over top of it! helped so much for me! other then that it was a walk in the park. one of the easiest cars ive ever worked on
Dude, absolutely awesome video. I came down to Florida to help Dad out after surgery and wanted to change his plugs.This video saved me hours of labor! I did the job in 15 mins after watching your video.Keep up the good work!
Nice video and great job getting those plug wires off. From looking at video I think these wires had been changed recently as they looked new. I find it easier to buy new wires as i eventually always seem to break one or two wires getting them off and by the time I change the plugs the car has 100K or more on them. Wires and plugs will usually run about $100 total and since a dealer will charge $300-400 to change youstill save money. If I have a stubborn wire I just snap off the plug ceramic boot and all and then unbolt the plug and put in new one along with new wire. On many GM cars there isn't enough room to get to #2 plug so I pull the alternator off and come around from right side to get it off. I'm ready to tackle a Regal with dog bone motor mounts which is in the way of #1 plug. My hands are too big to reach in and twist off. Keep up the good work and also can you do a video on replacing the serpentine belt on Regal or similar vehicle with little to no room get hand in between fender well and engine. Thanks.
Excellent video. Thank You. Helped make the job faster and easier on my 2008 Buick Lucerne 3.8 series 3. Looks like I probably have a little more room to the firewall. I was able to change 2 standing on the passenger side and just reaching around behind the engine. The last one, on the driver's side, I had to climb on top. Iridium plugs are supposed to last 100,000 miles. I changed mine at 75,000. I've read that the fuel economy drops a hair after 75k.... and the fuel savings makes it worth it to change them early. I purchased the factory AC Delco iridium plugs and a Goodyear serpentine belt online.... It's was half the price delivered.... compared to the local auto parts stores
I have always been a Buick guy, fell in love with them as a boy, my dad had a 1955 Roadmaster Rivera & loved that car. I drive a Regal 2001 Ls/GS, the Lucerne has a larger engine bay like the Lesaber, and I would love to have a Lucerne for that reason the body also is a good size without being too big, I like the size of the older Regals just wish they had a larger engine bay. It is really the devil getting to the power steering unit to add fluid.
Very good video! I need to do this on my 06 Grand Prix soon. Mine has those leaky coolant elbows that you have to take the alternator and belt tensioner off to fix. I'll probably try tackling these plugs at the same time. Hopefully the alternator being off will give me room!
What up Keith thank you so much for the video now I can replace my plugs and my spark plugs on my 2000 buick lasaber you save me like $75 from going to mechanic shop
I have a 2001 Buick Regal LS/ GS package and need to take a look at the plugs and or change them, they are the original plugs, thanks! Great video. I had a 1980 TB with a Windsor v8 and used to tune it up, but don't know much about newer cars, I am 80 BTW so there for the use of my langue here🙂. For example, I did not know how to take these plugs off with heat shields. Before this car, I had a 1998 Lumina LTZ with the same engine but my mechanic tuned it up, now he is getting old and doesn't work as much! I can do the front plugs and know a young mechanic who will change the back plugs.
Its been about 15 years since I have replaced spark plugs in ANY 3800... I remember the spark plug by the power steering pump being a PITA, but after watching this video with the AWESOME camera angle, I was able to get the back bank of plugs all replaced in less than 15 minutes!! I didn't even need a swivel for the hard one close to the PS pump either. "G-Ride" is running smooth as heck again, too bad its just ugly - can you do a youtube on getting rid of all the rust?? lol jk. Thanks!!
Just a word of advice.....I would take an air compressor with a blow tube wand and blow out any debris that may have settled into the spark plug well before removing any spark plug as that debris can fall into the cylinder opening and cause all sorts of problems....I do it on any spark plug change as a matter of precaution.
I can't believe how difficult it is to remove the boots from the spark plugs! I just pulled the front 3 plugs on my 2001 buick regal to check their condition-they are about at the halfway point of their rated life of 100,000 miles.(This is the engines' second set). The hardest part of the job by far is removing the boots. I put some dielectric tuneup grease on the inside of the boots before i put them back on. Hopefully the boots will be a little easier to remove next time. The front 3 were difficult enough but the rear 3 look extremely difficult. I can barely see the boots and i can only barely reach them. Lots of things in the way. I won't have the leverage to pull the boots off. What about accessing them from underneath with the car on a hoist? I was thinking the next time i take the car for an oil change to ask the technician to inspect the rear 3 for me.
+rob891 Yes, it’s a pain. I wouldn’t bother inspecting them unless your actually having a problem. If your not having a problem then just replace the as scheduled.
I just completed this job on a 2007 Buick LaCrosse, which has the newer but close-to-identical Series 3 version of the 3800, and can offer another suggestion for getting the wires off of the plugs. I bought a 10" pair of locking pliers with a slot for a 1/4" drive ratchet wrench in the end of the screw from AutoZone, and it was a huge help. I had to make sure I got the jaws completely around the boot, and far enough down along the boot that the widest portion at the end of the boot was not making any contact with the jaws. I would then proceed to wrench the screw down as tightly as possible, and then most of the wires would come off fairly easily, albeit at the cost of destroying a couple of the boots. (I was replacing the wires anyway and didn't give a f$ck.) I also tried a pair of the "grabber pliers" mentioned in this video, but it was destroyed beyond usability in five minutes.
Thank you so much for the added information! Everything is valuable and there is always more than one way to get the job done. I'm glad you had success!
Used screwdriver or pliers to break the plugs by striking the metal heat shields or bending them. Once the plugs are broken the boots come right out. Fought with boot removal and gave up. Just broke the plugs.
I actually found getting the boots off the easiest part. I had to stop and put them back on because I couldn't find any way to get the spark plugs off. Couldn't get the socket head seated, and when I finally did I had to no room to actually loosen it
@@BarboursAutoHelp I have a 2000 Buick LeSabre, and from what I saw it's almost 100% identical to this Boneville. I had just whatever random ratchet and a 3 inch extension with a flex joint socket. I think now that my mistake was not just dropping my hand further in there, but I have short arms so it's pretty hard for me to get back there
Harbor freights! They have a socket wrench with 2 joints! With a small extension between them. It's all one wrench with crazy angles that'll reach everywhere. Best part is it's all one piece. So, no falling apart back there. Best thing? It's under $20 with taxes. Got enough change for a lottery ticket. Good luck.
You could get those spark plugs by leaning over from the right Fender from the side of the car easier than what you're doing leaning on the engine. But this video doesn't show the hardest spark plug getting out from where the oxygen sensor is. That's the hardest spark plug to remove. Its actually easier to go up from the bottom of the car on a lift to remove that spark plug that's in front of the oxygen sensor. It's all about feeling with your hands of removing the spark plug boots and the spark plugs and also getting your ratchet in, If you're lucky everything will go smooth but hopefully you don't strip the threads
Two things...if you take a couple minutes to remove that engine lift bracket from the exhaust you get more room...leave them off. And I have a cheap Horrible Freight ratchet with a 24" handle....keeps your hands free to work above the engine.
Man that spark plug nearest the driver side, in the rear, is a nightmare. And there's a couple screws next to it so I can never tell if I'm on the bolt.
Thanks for the Great video! I did 5 but ran into a problem with one of the back ones. Feels like it's melted on and I can't get a grasp on it. Any suggestions?
I can't find a video that shows the #6 plug being removed. There's one that shows rotating the engine forward and removing the O2 sensor, but my engine isn't mounted the same, so I can't see how to rotate the engine.
Hey how long did this entire process of new plugs a d wires take .y friend wants to pay me to do this what would u charge and how long did it take u. Thanks
BarboursAutoHelp I did 1 plug at a time. It's raining now and I am doing it in my driveway. I will check all the connection tomorrow morning. It is now giving 3 codes p0304 p0420 & p0650. No check engine light on.
So now new copper plugs gapped to .057 followed your link to the firing order. All is good still very little throttle response. I will recap the plugs to .060 see what happens.
Mom has a 2001 Bonneville. I ran the code reader and it gave me this code. The P0300 code means that a cylinder(s) is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. We just changed the alternator but are hesitate to change the spark plugs because we keep dumping money into the car. Have you come across this?
Of course but misfires can be caused by a number of things. It's been my experience that misfires are mostly caused by a bad ignition component, spark plugs being one of them. Not saying that's it, but that's been my experience. You can always have a tech look at it first to verify what the actual problem is.
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There are plenty of vids out there that just show the front plugs; This is the first one I've seen that actually shows what I'm dealing with in back. Thank you!
Not a problem.
FINALLY SOMEBODY DID AND SHOW THE JOB IN REAR ! GOOD JOB !
SUPER BIONIC SUPERMAN FORCE
Its real. You gotta tap into it!
Thanks for making the video!! You helped me get the right tools for the job! The plugs had been in the car since 2003! Runs so smooth with much more power!!
Good job good info.
Best video yet for accessing the the rear plugs. I'm about to get into a 2007 Pontiac G6, a little different but I feel much more confident having watched this!! Thank you!
Sure thing
Thank you! I'm a disabled single mom. Before i was sick i worked on cars regularly, but that was a long time ago. Now my kids are starting to drive and their car needed some work. Your videos helped remind me of things and showed me how to access those stupid plugs! Thank you very much!
+Naomi McDowell No problem!
BarboursAutoHelp i have a question. the 2001 bonneville is now idling/ running worse than before replacing the plugs and wires... it's also now surging in revs while idling..what do you think could be causing this?
+Naomi McDowell Could be a number of things but it's been my experience that when this happens the firing order is off. Make sure you have all your plug wires routed correctly. Your coils are marked with numbers. These numbers represent the cylinder that the wire goes to.
+Naomi McDowell The cylinder numbers are 1/3/5 on the front and 2/4/6 on the back. This is as you are looking at the engine standing in front of the vehicle. I'll make a video.
Here is a video explaining cylinder identification and firing order on the 3.8L series 2 V-6. th-cam.com/video/LmYYvMg_jCs/w-d-xo.html
I've watched several you tubes on this hard to reach back 3 and yours is the best with a good camera angle and great tips. Just subscribed and liked this video. You are to be commended for helping with this hard job.
I used rachet straps to pull the the engine forwards you'll get about 4 in or more
@@cheefn4u217 that's what I do to. The metal piece on the back of the motor that his hand was by, that the plastic engine cover goes into is About the only place to do it. Gives quite a bit more room
@@CoolHandLuke778 yes it does
Thank you Keith so much for video you save me $75 on labor from the shop I just change my spark plugs and wires on 2000 Buick lasaber on June 28, 2018
Good job!
Superb video, especially the trick reverse camera angle. Very clear and very helpful.
+dos gos Thanks!
Yeah baller ads camera work my man that alone earned you a sub.
best video yet for firewall side of motor ! thanks
I have todo this tomorrow and I have never done it. I really appreciate this video and think that it is the best one I have found. Good work sir!
I have done this and replaced the rear valve cover gasket on a 95 Riviera series 1. You can remove the heater hose assy and move it to the driver's side to get more access. Series 1 does not have the alternator/plastic elbow problem. Use dielectric (non conducting) grease on the boot. Turn the plugs down to seating and then add 1/16 turn per the plug box instruction. This is a hot spot so sometimes the wire/boot will arc under load when it is old.
Thank you for how you explain basic things like how to hold stuff. Great patient teaching.
Camera man of the year. You really are talented and well articulated. thank you for the detailed video.
Thanks
As stated you are the only 2002 Buick LeSabre Custom engine # 2 cylinder spark replacement site in the universe, THANK YOU, THANK YOU..
Best how-to video I've found on how to deal with the rear plugs and boots on the 3.8. Thank you sir!
Your most welcome.
Wow! Who was the really little guy filming back there. Definitely an Oscar award for cinematography. One thing Id suggest is blowing out around the plugs after the boots are off. Another suggestion is rather than kneeling you can lay down. I'm 5-6 so can't reach far but good for laying over the engine. I have a 2003 Impala that I put an L26 aluminum upper intake manifold on that I gave a mirror polish too, so its more secure for me to do this as I can put my weight onto it.
I used 2 layers from large cardboard box that went from radiator to UIM and also fro generator to TB wide. I have a step stool to stand up on, put left hand on generator then lean down so upper chest/shoulders are on the UIM. Worked well. I would think you could still do that with th plastic UIM, its very tough regardless of the ERG pipe melting it and engine heat wrapping it, which is why I swapped it for an L26 UIM.
Just a bit of your weight is on the UIM, my legs are over radiator, just be careful you aren't putting pressure on fuel rail , cables and stuff like that.
I see you have plastic valve covers, gm wanted to put new plastic one on front with new junk gasket for the recall they finally issued in 2016 on front valve cover leaking oil, but I sure don't understand why they don't apply to rear valve cover as well. I got aluminum valve covers from junkyard, 20$ each, polished them up to mirror finish and new fel pro gaskets to fix it myself. Any F-body car like 98 Camarro has aluminum valve covers and thats where they came from. Would recommend to anyone to replace them and the UIM as well, although thats a bit more involved and you need to tap into TB to reroute PCV air inlet to UIM, get a custom L26 Northstar adapter from ZZP to adapt you TB to L26 UIM, bend brake lines out of way at the proportioner, re route TB & cruise control cables somewhat, then rip out air intake system and replace with K&N as the L26 UIM and TB adapter pushed TB over 4 inches. Other than that it's easy!
Kinda got off topic, just pissed at GM for screw up coolant in the engine and oil on exhaust starting fires because of cheap plastic.
Great video though, proves you can do the back without taking off dog bones and rotating engine.
Hey, thanks for sharing! I'm not big into making modifications. I like to keep everything OE. Especially when it comes to the average DIY guy. That's some pretty advance stuff and probably would not be a good idea if the average joe attempted to do this......It sounds like you've been around the block a time or two though. Thanks again for sharing and I'll be sure to add an annotation to the video suggesting blowing out around the plugs.
I.have a 02 Grand Am V 6 ..
Really appreciate this video..
Going to change plugs and wires in coming weeks..
Well now I'm convinced that at least it's possible. Damn I just can't wait to get at it. Thanks for the help!
Thank you, like the old Spark plug boot trick
Great video presentation on how to address issues on the 3.8L transversed engines. Very clear and to the point.
Great video, helped me get the back plugs changed. I had a heck of a time with replacing the plug wires because a clip on the back side of the engine would not come loose. I finally got it after some choice words and an evening break. I used a long flat screwdriver and a lot of force to pop the top of the plug wire holder bracket off.
This works. Great vid. I've done it this way several times successfully. I'd just add Knee pads, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. AND TAKE YOUR TIME
this is the second tutorial of yours iv seen (the first was the radiator replacement). and its helpfull beyond words. im not really a car guy or mechanic or anything. so when it comes to diy repair it can get easily intimidating (especially since my budget dosnt allow mistakes, lol). your easy to follow and understand. so much so, at the end of your vids im always repeating "wait, i was scared of this? bro i got this!" lol.
+shdowunit4 This makes it worth while! So glad to help!
Pro tip: If you kick out the windshield and rip off the hood you can do this job from inside the car.
Sounds like someone with experience! 😆
Thanks bro. I just bought my grandmother's immaculate 1996 supercharged Park Avenue with only 70,000 miles with the original plugs and wires. This was a great help.
+Tappedurassout Awesome!
Since I do not use that plastic cosmetic engine cover piece that says GM3800 anymore, I removed the front and rear metal brackets that the cover piece snaps into. HELL OF ALOT more room back there now to get to the spark plugs anytime. But everything this guy did was spot on and excellent advice otherwise. Thank you sir!
Thanks for the stamp of approval! The deal with the bracket in the back sounds like something I would do. I took my cover off several years ago.
Wow! Saved me $130 bucks....twisting the boots wasn't something I would have thought of, but it really worked! Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent video!
barbour's auto ,thankyou for sharing your knowledge. in the future if you can show the same job on a 2000 ssei bonneville that would be very very helpful.not looking forward to doing this ,i wish you were my neighbor.
wow, your are right about getting into the engine bay for more leverage! i just did my 04 park avenue today, it was easy but it helped in the back to get onto the front of the engine over top of it! helped so much for me! other then that it was a walk in the park. one of the easiest cars ive ever worked on
Thanks for sharing. Good job!
Dude, absolutely awesome video. I came down to Florida to help Dad out after surgery and wanted to change his plugs.This video saved me hours of labor! I did the job in 15 mins after watching your video.Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing! Really helps me!
15 minutes seems kinda fast I was thinking 30bmins was gonna be fast.
Your a good man Kieth, Thank you. Funny how it is light out when you start and dark when you finish! I am going out to do mine now!
Thanks for the comment!
Best explanation of the firing sequence spark plugs. Thank you!
Thanks. Best tip was “assume the position”, and the boot twist. I had them out in 5 minutes.
You are actually a good mechanic you are explained things very well highly intelligent
Fooled ya! Haha! Nah, thanks for the compliment!
Nice video and great job getting those plug wires off. From looking at video I think these wires had been changed recently as they looked new. I find it easier to buy new wires as i eventually always seem to break one or two wires getting them off and by the time I change the plugs the car has 100K or more on them. Wires and plugs will usually run about $100 total and since a dealer will charge $300-400 to change youstill save money. If I have a stubborn wire I just snap off the plug ceramic boot and all and then unbolt the plug and put in new one along with new wire. On many GM cars there isn't enough room to get to #2 plug so I pull the alternator off and come around from right side to get it off. I'm ready to tackle a Regal with dog bone motor mounts which is in the way of #1 plug. My hands are too big to reach in and twist off. Keep up the good work and also can you do a video on replacing the serpentine belt on Regal or similar vehicle with little to no room get hand in between fender well and engine. Thanks.
I like to watch it before I do it. very helpful. Thank you.
Excellent video. Thank You. Helped make the job faster and easier on my 2008 Buick Lucerne 3.8 series 3. Looks like I probably have a little more room to the firewall. I was able to change 2 standing on the passenger side and just reaching around behind the engine. The last one, on the driver's side, I had to climb on top.
Iridium plugs are supposed to last 100,000 miles. I changed mine at 75,000. I've read that the fuel economy drops a hair after 75k.... and the fuel savings makes it worth it to change them early.
I purchased the factory AC Delco iridium plugs and a Goodyear serpentine belt online.... It's was half the price delivered.... compared to the local auto parts stores
I have always been a Buick guy, fell in love with them as a boy, my dad had a 1955 Roadmaster Rivera & loved that car. I drive a Regal 2001 Ls/GS, the Lucerne has a larger engine bay like the Lesaber, and I would love to have a Lucerne for that reason the body also is a good size without being too big, I like the size of the older Regals just wish they had a larger engine bay. It is really the devil getting to the power steering unit to add fluid.
Thank you very much. I'll be changing my plugs and wires on a 2002 Buick LeSabre Series II
Awesome video. Love the scarring on the knuckles indicating real work. Well done 👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
It helped me greatly. You are a spark plug escape artist, like Houdini.
Very good video! I need to do this on my 06 Grand Prix soon. Mine has those leaky coolant elbows that you have to take the alternator and belt tensioner off to fix. I'll probably try tackling these plugs at the same time. Hopefully the alternator being off will give me room!
Good luck.
Best One I have seen for the back plugs. Nice work!
What up Keith thank you so much for the video now I can replace my plugs and my spark plugs on my 2000 buick lasaber you save me like $75 from going to mechanic shop
Man it is hard to get those boots off!! I almost gave up, but tried one more time with super bionic gorilla strength and I managed to get them off!
Way to go and way to tap into your inner beast!
Recommend dielectric grease in the boot. Amount other good reasons it will help prevent the boots from sticking.
Boy does that twisting trick help a bunch. Start there boys.
Thank you! I have a 2002 Bonneville 3800 n/a and I am going to have to do this soon.. Ohh boy.. lol
Good luck!
I wish mine were that easy to pull off !!!! You did good!!
I have a 2001 Buick Regal LS/ GS package and need to take a look at the plugs and or change them, they are the original plugs, thanks! Great video. I had a 1980 TB with a Windsor v8 and used to tune it up, but don't know much about newer cars, I am 80 BTW so there for the use of my langue here🙂. For example, I did not know how to take these plugs off with heat shields. Before this car, I had a 1998 Lumina LTZ with the same engine but my mechanic tuned it up, now he is getting old and doesn't work as much! I can do the front plugs and know a young mechanic who will change the back plugs.
best video I've seen yet. Spray your boots with CRC lithium grease.
Thanks for the complement!
I’m particularly fond of the cowl headrest.
Me too
Its been about 15 years since I have replaced spark plugs in ANY 3800... I remember the spark plug by the power steering pump being a PITA, but after watching this video with the AWESOME camera angle, I was able to get the back bank of plugs all replaced in less than 15 minutes!! I didn't even need a swivel for the hard one close to the PS pump either. "G-Ride" is running smooth as heck again, too bad its just ugly - can you do a youtube on getting rid of all the rust?? lol jk. Thanks!!
Just a word of advice.....I would take an air compressor with a blow tube wand and blow out any debris that may have settled into the spark plug well before removing any spark plug as that debris can fall into the cylinder opening and cause all sorts of problems....I do it on any spark plug change as a matter of precaution.
Dude you saved me a ton of headache.thank you
Sir, you are absolutely welcome!
This helps in a major way thank you.
Thanks very helpful.
Now for the most important part of almost any vehicle repair. What vocabulary should we use to coax the process along?
Dude this video is spot on man tbanks for your help they are rough to access
+Kris Katie Glad to help
This just helped me out tremendously!! Thank you so much for your help
Great video .. Look hard on knees !....Thank you for showing use !..........:)
U are the man great video i just did it
Great video. Thank you for creating such a quality instructional video.
Your most welcome and thank you for the complement.
Great Video thanks for your time and skills that will me my life a lot easier !
this is a great video it took me forever to find this thank you so much was very helpful
thank you guys for all your help.
+David Cromer you are very welcome
Dude you did good! Thx for your time...
Certainly!
I can't believe how difficult it is to remove the boots from the spark plugs! I just pulled the front 3 plugs on my 2001 buick regal to check their condition-they are about at the halfway point of their rated life of 100,000 miles.(This is the engines' second set). The hardest part of the job by far is removing the boots. I put some dielectric tuneup grease on the inside of the boots before i put them back on. Hopefully the boots will be a little easier to remove next time. The front 3 were difficult enough but the rear 3 look extremely difficult. I can barely see the boots and i can only barely reach them. Lots of things in the way. I won't have the leverage to pull the boots off. What about accessing them from underneath with the car on a hoist? I was thinking the next time i take the car for an oil change to ask the technician to inspect the rear 3 for me.
+rob891 Yes, it’s a pain. I wouldn’t bother inspecting them unless your actually having a problem. If your not having a problem then just replace the as scheduled.
I just completed this job on a 2007 Buick LaCrosse, which has the newer but close-to-identical Series 3 version of the 3800, and can offer another suggestion for getting the wires off of the plugs.
I bought a 10" pair of locking pliers with a slot for a 1/4" drive ratchet wrench in the end of the screw from AutoZone, and it was a huge help. I had to make sure I got the jaws completely around the boot, and far enough down along the boot that the widest portion at the end of the boot was not making any contact with the jaws. I would then proceed to wrench the screw down as tightly as possible, and then most of the wires would come off fairly easily, albeit at the cost of destroying a couple of the boots. (I was replacing the wires anyway and didn't give a f$ck.)
I also tried a pair of the "grabber pliers" mentioned in this video, but it was destroyed beyond usability in five minutes.
Thank you so much for the added information! Everything is valuable and there is always more than one way to get the job done. I'm glad you had success!
dam, thats a great video man
Great help thanks.
Any guy that can change the back 3 is a pro.
very good video hope it works on my 2000 Le sabre thanks very much
Yup
Used screwdriver or pliers to break the plugs by striking the metal heat shields or bending them. Once the plugs are broken the boots come right out. Fought with boot removal and gave up. Just broke the plugs.
I put my LeSabre up on ramps and worked from under the car. (Had the generator removed) Still not easy but you can see most of what you are doing.
Thanks
I actually found getting the boots off the easiest part. I had to stop and put them back on because I couldn't find any way to get the spark plugs off. Couldn't get the socket head seated, and when I finally did I had to no room to actually loosen it
Are you using the same tools and is your vehicle the same one as the one in the video?
@@BarboursAutoHelp I have a 2000 Buick LeSabre, and from what I saw it's almost 100% identical to this Boneville. I had just whatever random ratchet and a 3 inch extension with a flex joint socket. I think now that my mistake was not just dropping my hand further in there, but I have short arms so it's pretty hard for me to get back there
Well good luck to you on your next attempt.
God bless you brother and thank you for your help
Absolutely!
Great video
Ok thanks, why do some people unbolt the front engine mounts and pull it forward ?
Harbor freights! They have a socket wrench with 2 joints! With a small extension between them. It's all one wrench with crazy angles that'll reach everywhere. Best part is it's all one piece. So, no falling apart back there. Best thing? It's under $20 with taxes. Got enough change for a lottery ticket. Good luck.
Very good video, helps me a lot, thanks.
Yep!
You could get those spark plugs by leaning over from the right Fender from the side of the car easier than what you're doing leaning on the engine. But this video doesn't show the hardest spark plug getting out from where the oxygen sensor is. That's the hardest spark plug to remove. Its actually easier to go up from the bottom of the car on a lift to remove that spark plug that's in front of the oxygen sensor. It's all about feeling with your hands of removing the spark plug boots and the spark plugs and also getting your ratchet in, If you're lucky everything will go smooth but hopefully you don't strip the threads
Two things...if you take a couple minutes to remove that engine lift bracket from the exhaust you get more room...leave them off. And I have a cheap Horrible Freight ratchet with a 24" handle....keeps your hands free to work above the engine.
thanx very very helpful. god bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad it helped!
Thank you so much!
Not a problem
Man that spark plug nearest the driver side, in the rear, is a nightmare. And there's a couple screws next to it so I can never tell if I'm on the bolt.
Thanks for the Great video! I did 5 but ran into a problem with one of the back ones. Feels like it's melted on and I can't get a grasp on it. Any suggestions?
Ice tea. Lol. Just be patient and keep trying.
I can't find a video that shows the #6 plug being removed. There's one that shows rotating the engine forward and removing the O2 sensor, but my engine isn't mounted the same, so I can't see how to rotate the engine.
10w-30!???????? That has to be a replacement cap i take it. Even though it wont hurt. Awesome vid!
That's actually what it requires above 0 degrees F..
Thanks im about to change mine. My car is jumping pretty bad when its idoling.
Good luck to you! Let me know if you have questions.
Great video!!!
Thanks!
That was Great Work, THANKS!!!!!!
Your welcome!
Hey how long did this entire process of new plugs a d wires take .y friend wants to pay me to do this what would u charge and how long did it take u. Thanks
Damn I wanted to change mine out today but looks like I’m gonna have to find a mechanic
Question do u need the metal pieces around the boot of the spark plug or will they be fine leaving the boot without that meta piece jw
Great, great job!!
Changing wires went fine. Climbing on top of the engine made it easy. Now my car won't accelerate. Starts right up won't rev past 1500.
+Craig Pate check your firing order. I recently posted a video explaining this.
+Craig Pate Here is a link. th-cam.com/video/LmYYvMg_jCs/w-d-xo.html
BarboursAutoHelp I did 1 plug at a time. It's raining now and I am doing it in my driveway. I will check all the connection tomorrow morning. It is now giving 3 codes p0304 p0420 & p0650. No check engine light on.
So now new copper plugs gapped to .057 followed your link to the firing order. All is good still very little throttle response. I will recap the plugs to .060 see what happens.
Still no power
Where can you buy the oil spill cover the GM defect in front of engine recalled for oil wasting on hot header's
Mom has a 2001 Bonneville. I ran the code reader and it gave me this code. The P0300 code means that a cylinder(s) is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. We just changed the alternator but are hesitate to change the spark plugs because we keep dumping money into the car. Have you come across this?
Of course but misfires can be caused by a number of things. It's been my experience that misfires are mostly caused by a bad ignition component, spark plugs being one of them. Not saying that's it, but that's been my experience. You can always have a tech look at it first to verify what the actual problem is.
Very nice .
Thanks a lot
I'm going to assume that you've broken that plastic wiper piece before.
+Ants In My Eyes Johnson No, It can be done though. I've broken a bunch of other stuff 🤓
BarboursAutoHelp same here. I sheared off a lug nut stud about a week ago with the customer watching. Talk about awkward.