Its time for me to change the spark plugs, but as all of you have noticed on the 3400. The back three spark plugs are impossible to get to. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to changing the spark plugs in the back? I'm guessing that i have to loosen the front two motor mounts. I really don't want to do that. Any help is appreciated.

 

yah, i've heard that you disconnect those 2 front motor mounts then tip the motor forwards...

but then there's some other guys on here that posted that you can get @ them with a different wrench ...i remember this from a while back..whoever it was posted a tool thats available @ sears

 

I have not changed the plugs on my current Monte, but I have a couple of times on my previous 97 with the 3100. I did it with just a swivel ratchet and swivel extentions. Worked pretty well. Yes there were some swear words, but I got all 6 changed in 1/2hr I believe.

 

Some front top engine mounts has an extra hole in them where they bolt up to the engine. Unbolt the bolts on the engine side and push the car backwards until that extra hole lines up with the mounting hole. This should tilte the engine forward so you can get to the plugs better

 

I had a 99 Grand Am with the 3.4. I remember changing the sparkplugs but I do not remember it being so difficult that it required unbolting an engine mount. Of course I'm a skinny guy and I laid on the engine to get the back ones. I just used a ratchet, a few different size extensions, a swivel, and a six pack of Coors Light. The half hour change time sounds about right too.

 

The engine tilt idea works great. It gives about 2 inches and that's all you need. I also recommend getting some extentions at Sears and a swivel.

 

Good, this just gives me a good excuse to go buy some new tools. thanks for the tips.

 

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

I used this when I did mine. Mine is a 3.8L, but this is a handy ratchet to have and I'm sure it would help you.

 

we actually just did engine work on a 3.4l impalla in the shop today and yesterday...its my cusons car...and once you disconnect the motor mounts...just roll the car forwards then put a block behind the front wheels and the motor stays tipped forwards and gives you more than enough room to work on the spark plugs on the back of the car