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2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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ASTRO TURFED
Anonymous Poster
treesinmyheart@hotmaill.com
Nov 8, 2008, 8:41 AM
Post #1 of 5
(3133 views)
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2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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First vehicle I've owned I can't change the sparkplugs in. I thought when I got the engine cover off I would be able to reach the plugs but can't. What is the secret to getting access to the sparkplugs? Glad I only have to do this every 100,000 miles.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 8, 2008, 9:07 AM
Post #2 of 5
(3124 views)
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Re: 2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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Oh ya! Some vehicles are a nighmare for sure. Wish I knew this exact one myself hands on but you usually end up with tons of tricks, extensions, and angled wrenches to use on a variety of sockets specific sometimes to each plug. Many times you can get at plugs from underside or thru a wheelwell better than from up top - check that for yours - I can't see it from here
Try like crazy not to drop new plugs - sometimes rubber hose on new one to thread in till sure you are not crossed up is necessary.
What can add insult to injury is damage to plug wires that are like glued on from time and heat and get destroyed just to remove those. Try hard to get a "twist" on the boots before any pulling to remove. There's some neat tools just for removing boots too. All that is why you'll hear of such outrageous prices shops want to replace what you may recall was a simple mindless job done twice a year on some way back!
In general - I find GM vehicles more friendly than some to get thru wheel wells as the inner shields are removable in most and for some things give surprisingly nice access. Good luck,
T
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Astro Turfed
Anonymous Poster
Nov 8, 2008, 9:29 AM
Post #3 of 5
(3120 views)
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Re: 2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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Thanks Tom. I was looking at going thru the wheel well but was hoping to know for sure that was the way to go and if any special tools were necessary before I opened it up. Guess I'll just get some new fasteners, take it apart and see what I've got.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 8, 2008, 10:49 AM
Post #4 of 5
(3116 views)
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Re: 2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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Yes - thru wheel well if you can see a straight shot at a couple is perfectly kosher IMO. True - the push/zip clips are a crap shoot as to if they can be reused or not - sold at all parts outlets in assorted sizes/shapes.
Some fav's for tools for plugs and anything hard to access is a huge lone 3/8th extension - then an assortment of smaller ones.
I got real used to what's called wobble head extensions which are beveled to allow about a 15 degree angle ---- each ---- such that sometimes you can add up a couple 1" ones and still get a proper fit and feel result vs plain U-joint things that seem to always flop down such that three hands would be needed.
Now look at a tool outlet or google around for all the types of socket for plugs. they come already long, short, with u-joints, and with hex to a plain wrench can turn the socket.
Your plugs should be 5/8th hex of the two common sizes. I checked and this should be a 4.3 V6 engine and plugs point straight out under exhaust outlet of heads.
Some vehicles really do need major parts removed, engines tilted or dropped some - crazy crap just to access plugs -- all the more reason not to drop a new one! If you do put that one in the easiest one and remember where you put it if there's a problem later.
The deal with using hose is 3/8th or 10mm fuel line should stick over plugs to fiinsh removing one once loose AND installing new ones such that they won't drop and you can get a couple good turns with just the rubber to know you aren't crossed up to be avoided at all cost! Rubber goes around the bends nicely for this - kinda goofy but like installing screw in household light bulb with a suction cup idea - works great!
See if I can find a pic of the wobble head extensions I mentioned. I know they sell them at Sears and major tool makers but perhaps not so easy at parts stores yet??
http://images.google.com/...hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff
Never mind the pic - there's the link for extensions at Harbor freight which are a deal but hard to get a couple 1" ones thru them. Craftsman has the best quality IMO but you pay for it too for just this exact item.
Trust me - you'll appreciate what tech's spend in tools if you check out lots of stuff to make things easier
T
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astro turfed
Anonymous Poster
Nov 8, 2008, 12:19 PM
Post #5 of 5
(3111 views)
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Re: 2002 CHEV ASTRO SPARKPLUG REPLACEMENT
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I already have a good collection of extensions with and without wobbles and variety of sparkplug sockets. Am going to try the trick with the rubber hose if I get that far. Sounds like a really neat idea. I normally use a sparkplug socket with a built in rubber grip which works really well taking the sparkplug out but sometimes holds too well putting it back in and I end up pulling the extension out of the socket so it can take some playing to get the socket back. The rubber hose to get it started and then regular socket to tighten and torque should work really well with all my vehicles. Thanks for a great idea!
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