Hard-to-reach-parts replacement for home mechanics

acardo

I've tried to do my own basic mechanic work for a
while, and am used to playing "bloody knuckles"
while trying to replace the rear-facing sparkplugs
on FWD V-6 engines.

However, I am at a loss on how to successfully
replace the spark plugs on our '96 Chrysler
minivan. Does anyway know any tips, tricks, or
methods for replacing them without dismantling the
top half of the motor? Those back three do not
appear very accessible. Thanks!

floridian

acardo: I'm not into mopar stuff but on some GM sleds the only way to get to the rear plugs on a v6 FWD is to unbolt the engine cradle mounts so the engine can be rotated forward just enough to get at the plugs. Welcome to the $400 tune up era !Don't try this at home !!

Floridian

bobs5

Shadetree Mechanic had an episode on the Chrysler minivan. I agree, those plugs do look hard to get at. I believe they used extensions and swivel joints to get those plugs out. It would be easier to access the back three plugs by removing the intake plenum.

Check out these two sites.
www.allpar.com
www.batauto.com

A similar question was asked in the forum at batauto:

http://www.batauto.com/cgi-bin/Forum/db_TalkToMeV2.cgi?forum_name=domestics&message_number=1947&pid=

acardo

I asked the same question at batauto.com, and really didn't get any answers that actually offered a method of how mechanics do the job. Mostly, the response is good luck and use lots of extensions and socket joints.

I'm interesting in knowing if certain parts must be removed, like an alternator or intake or some brackets. Or if the simplest way is to get the van in the air and reach up there from behind - if it is even possible. Certainly, with almost 400,000 of these vans being built annually, someone has changed their rear three spark plugs.

oldharry

6000, I disconected the "dog bone" mount between the engine and upper radiator support. With the trans in park, rolling the car forward, and blocking the tires tilted the engine forward just enough to reach the plugs. I've never done it on a Chrysler, (I only work on suspensions, not engines) but it looks like the front mount at the bottom of the engine to the cross member below the radiator works the same way. Just taking the bolt out that goes through the square rubber piece looks easy enough. Don't loosen the engine cradle, and ask a Chrysler mechanic before you try.

Harry

swschrad

back in the early 70s I had a friend with a Mustang Mach 1, and the dealer wisdom was that you had to hoist the engine to pull the plugs. One was especially hard to get, and often wasn't replaced, generally when it finally did get removed it was packed full of crud and shorted. They finally started recommending punching access holes in the fenders. so the $400 tune-up isn't anything new, and not necessarily limited to Beemers and Mercedes.