#8 Cylinder Spark Plug = nightmare!!

[Hurlz07Tahoe]

I'm sure by now someone has posted about this before. But I felt the need to share. I changed my spark plugs and wires this weekend. What I thought was going to be a 40 min job turned in to a 2.5 hour job! The #8 Cylinder spark plug is ALMOST impossible to get a socket and wrench on. I have the cuts and bruises to prove it! I ended up realizing that I could reach it from below, with some (only very little) access from in the wheel well with the wheel turned full left and the inner wheel well liner pulled down.

At the end, I used the 5/8" 1/4" drive spark plug socked, then I was able to slip on a knuckle, with an 8 inch extension, then a 4 inch extension, then my wrench, all while lying on my back under the truck. You have to slip it in between the catalytic converter, some tubing, some heat shielding, and finally to your engine-spark plug.

FYI - My old plugs (after 96k miles) were fairly gunked up. One had some build up at the tip. I can see the slight improvement with the new wires and plugs. I went with what Autozone had which was AC Delco plugs and Bosch wires.

 

[pwtr02ss]

matco spark plug socket set. Best $100 I've ever spent. The shortest one gets in there with no problem. The extensions are wobble and have a magnetic spark plug "holder" thing on the inside of the socket. I had the same issue as you and ran across a friend with a set of these and fell in love. Bought my own set last year and have changed plugs on 4 or 5, 02-up trucks, avy's, and hoes since. Takes me about 30 min to change all of them now from the top. I am not a mechanic either, just get stuck helping people out all the time lol.

I have also never had good luck with the aftermarket plug wires on these motors. I always run the acdelco or packard (oem brand that cam on my camaro). They are cheap on rock auto or amazon.

Glad you got them changed though!

 

[Gzes]

I have my how body lifted so its a breeze

 

[Danzigman]

Tyler what is that part number SPK5?

 

[jericho121]

I did mine this weekend and I was able to get that infamous #8 plug and wire from the top. I just took my time since it was also hot in the northeast. Lots of twisting and pulling off and finally I got it off. Put some anti-seize lube on the spark plug threads and some di electric grease on the wire boot before install and hopefully it will be easier next time.

 

[pwtr02ss]

Tyler what is that part number SPK5?

yes

 

[UcanthavemyYukon]

Hey pwtr02ss thank you for your post on the Matco spark plug socket set!! I just changed my spark plugs and wires too and have the cuts and bruises for my hard labor too!! I will get me as set this week keep them in my truck!! This site ROCKS!!

 

[2007z71]

matco spark plug socket set. Best $100 I've ever spent. The shortest one gets in there with no problem. The extensions are wobble and have a magnetic spark plug "holder" thing on the inside of the socket. I had the same issue as you and ran across a friend with a set of these and fell in love. Bought my own set last year and have changed plugs on 4 or 5, 02-up trucks, avy's, and hoes since. Takes me about 30 min to change all of them now from the top. I am not a mechanic either, just get stuck helping people out all the time lol.

I have also never had good luck with the aftermarket plug wires on these motors. I always run the acdelco or packard (oem brand that cam on my camaro). They are cheap on rock auto or amazon.

Glad you got them changed though!

When you say "the shortest one," do you mean: the 4" extension with 5/8 swivel socket or the 2.5" extension with 9/16 swivel socket?

I'm planning on my first spark plug change so I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks

 

[russellshireman]

matco spark plug socket set. Best $100 I've ever spent. The shortest one gets in there with no problem. The extensions are wobble and have a magnetic spark plug "holder" thing on the inside of the socket. I had the same issue as you and ran across a friend with a set of these and fell in love. Bought my own set last year and have changed plugs on 4 or 5, 02-up trucks, avy's, and hoes since. Takes me about 30 min to change all of them now from the top. I am not a mechanic either, just get stuck helping people out all the time lol.

I have also never had good luck with the aftermarket plug wires on these motors. I always run the acdelco or packard (oem brand that cam on my camaro). They are cheap on rock auto or amazon.

Glad you got them changed though!

I live by these. Recommend them over any Snap-On or Craftsman or Mac.

 

[Marioski]

No extensions needed.. Just take your spark plug socket, slip it over the spark plug while laying on top of the engine. Take a gear wrench (correct size) and put it over the hex part of the spark plug socket and start turning. Plenty of room! Took me less then 2 minutes to do it that way.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Since we are reviving old threads..... I use a flex ratchet and 1" extension on my spark plug socket. The hardest part is enduring the razor sharp heat shield

 

[jz57]

Lift front passenger side with floor jack and jack stand, remove front passenger-side wheel, band down heat shield underneath A/C accumulator, you have plenty space to access #8 spark plug. No fancy or expensive swivel spark plug socket set. Take you less than 1 hr to get job done, including wheel removal/installing.

When the front passenger-side wheel being removed, all passenger-side spark plugs can be accessed with regular Spark plug socket and some extension bar.

Don't spend over $100 tool for that single #8 spark plug, since you don't replace that spark plug more than twice in your truck's life span.

The basic tool you need:

Spark plug socket
3/4 drive 19MM Deep socket (removal/installing spark plug)
3/4 drive 19MM shallow socket (for hand tightening the spark plug)
3/4 drive ratchet
Floor jack & jack stand

Some Rubber gloves

Will post pix if members prefer.

 

[Goodinblack]

What the part number on that Matco set?