i got a 01 blazer extreme and i went to change the spark plugs and i cant get to the plug on the left bank middle on the 4.3l v6 the steering column goes rights through where the plug is and cant get it with a wrench or a socket
i was looking at the steering u-joint so i could just undo that and move the column but theres a notice sticker on it that says dont turn the column well disconnected or the air bag system could be damaged. so i dont know what to do now stuck with a bad plug with this column in the way any one that has done spark plugs or can get the info for it ty you can im me on aim @ gotspeed1212 to talk back and forth if you have any more questions
2007-08-06 15:33:16 · 4 answers · asked by gotspeed1212 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ GMC
I own a shop, and a 4.3 Blazer. The way I change mine is; Remove the front wheel, and put the vehicle on a jack stand. Use a floor jack (if you have to) with a block of wood on it to jack the engine up a little. You should be able to remove them through the fender well by pushing the mud flap up and out of the way. You should be able to see the plugs, and have almost a straight shot at them. If you have to use a wobble, then do so, but an extension about 12" long should get you in there. You can move the engine up just enough to remove the plug without having to remove the engine mounting bolt. This is the ONLY way you can get the middle plug out. A tip on putting it back is; Use a piece of hose that fits the plug, and you can get it back in there without too much trouble. The rest of them are real easy from down there. If you have to, you can always remove the center bolt from the engine mount, and jack it up enough to get it out. If you don't have a floor jack, or a jack to move the engine up with, you can build up under the engine, and let the whole vehicle down until it raises the engine enough. Place the tire & wheel under the vehicle to catch the vehicle should it decide to fall on you. Always put it it gear, and put something in front, and behind the wheels to keep it from rolling on you. You will find the wires to be hard to get on and off, so purchase a tube of dielectric grease to put in the wires, and that way they will come off easily the next time you change the plugs. Put the socket on the plug, and you may not be able to plug the extension all the way into the socket, but it will go enough to get it out with without slipping. Removing the center bolt from the mount is easier than removing the steering rod assembly.
A word to the wise: Never try to remove the plugs with the engine warm or hot. This will cause them to seize, and may damage the head, so wait till the engine is cold to do this.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!
2007-08-07 01:36:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The way I used to do this is by using a spark plug socket that just fits over the whole plug and has a hex head end on the socket. Once you get the socket on the spark plug and over the hex of the plug, install a wrench on the spark plug socket and break it loose. Then I used to use a piece of vacuum hose and turn it out and use the hose to turn the new one in. It's very tight and used to break my knuckles open every time. Good luck.
2007-08-07 14:17:19 · answer #2 · answered by Deano 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The #3 plug can be changed without messing with column, but you need the right combination of sockets and or wrenches. It's done through the wheelwell as you may suspect.
2007-08-06 22:53:19 · answer #3 · answered by done wrenching 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lets do it easy way lock steering remove plastic cover remove 10 mm bolt remove shaft and you will gai access
2007-08-07 18:01:44 · answer #4 · answered by jpattonfamily 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋