Changing Spark Plugs - 2005 Denali

[carterchapman]

Got the right bank changed OK. Can hardly see the left bank plugs, much less pull the wires off and get a wrench on them.

Any tips for changing the left bank plugs?

 

[Doubeleive]

same procedure, you might want to just crawl up on the engine though, #8 just use a short extension and a small ratchet with a breaker bar then it will be a piece of cake, just crack it loose and take it out by hand

 

[OR VietVet]

I know this means being a smart ass but use a plug socket instead of a wrench. Also, have you looked from underneath to see if is easier access?

 

[91RS]

First of all, the left side is the driver side and right side is the passenger side.

Get a GOOD spark plug socket and be prepared for a hand cramp.

 

[wjburken]

Got the right bank changed OK. Can hardly see the left bank plugs, much less pull the wires off and get a wrench on them.

Any tips for changing the left bank plugs?

As @91RS stated, the side of the motor is determined by when you are sitting in the vehicle facing forward. So when you what you called the right side is actually the left side, hence his comment. Keeping this straight will help avoid confusion when discussing things here.

In these motors the cylinders are number from front left (drivers side) to rear right (passenger side). With the left side being 1-3-5-7 from front to back and the right side being 2-4-6-8. #8, as @Doubeleive mentions, can be tough to get too since space is limited.

You will notice that the plugs on the side you were able to do were angled towards the front. The other side has them angled towards the back. Take your time, get a good light and a mirror if you can, and learn to work by feel. Some folks crawl on top, some come at them from below while others take the front wheel off and remove the fender liner and go in from the side. The common theme with plugs is it’s a 2-3 hour job where plugs 1-7 take 15-20 minutes and #8 takes the rest of the time.

 

[OR VietVet]

I used to tell my techs that if you don't know the difference of the right side and the left side of a vehicle, then you are in the wrong business. Phrases like, "You know what I mean" and "close enough" drove me crazy. I told one guy once that his automotive career was best spent in an auto detailing business.