I have a 2003 Buick Century - I bought 6 spark plugs thinking 1 per cylinder... WELL - I opened the hood and saw 6 of the spark plug wires coming out of the distributor; 3 attach in the front of the engine block (normal and easily accessible) and the other 3 go way behind the block and literally out of reach. Is it possible it has just 3 plugs (2 per cylinder)? There's literally no way to change the 3 on the opposite side, if that's in fact where they are. This is really strange...any help would be appreciated.
2007-09-08 05:15:58 · 10 answers · asked by South Shore 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'm sorry to say that you do need all 6 plugs and your other 3 plugs are in the back of the block. No 6-cyl engine would fire properly in sequence using only 3 plugs. Having the plugs in the back on the engine is one setback of a transverse mounted V-6 engine, but FEAR NOT, there is hope. There is a trick to accessing these rear plugs making things a LOT simpler for you. Your engine can and will tilt forward for access to these plugs. Remove the top engine mounts. Under the hood, at the front of the engine bay you will see 2 large brackets mounting your engine to your radiator brace. They are each attached to a connecting link that looks like a wish-bone using 2 bolts each. Remove these bolts and the wish-bone link connecting them. This allows your engine to tilt forward, but the engine will not drop out for it still has lower mounts too. Then, you can do 2 things...1) Park on an incline with the front of the car facing down and rock the car until the engine tilts forward, or, 2) using one or both of your engine lifting brackets (I think there's one on your left front mount and one directly in front of the alternator, black metal bracket with an eye-hole) attach a rope, ratchet strap or anything to pull the engine forward and hold it there, attaching it to a radiator brace or something stable (hell, tie it to a tree if you have to). This gives you more room than the rocking method. You'll find that by doing this, you'll have access to a lot of rear engine components like the heater hoses, valve covers, O2 sensor, and of course the spark plugs. Once you're done, you can undo your engine tilting attachment, hold the engine back into it's original position, and reinstall your engine mount wish-bones and bolts. It's really simpler than I may have described it, but this is how a service tech at a dealership would change your plugs, and pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
2007-09-11 06:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by jlane1820 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your v6 sits side ways, 3 cylinders in the front, 3 in the back, to change the rear spark plugs use a 1/4 racket with a 3/8 adapter with the 3/8 spark plug socket, pull one wire off at a time then reach bach there with the racket and spocket and remove spark plug
2007-09-08 05:35:21 · answer #2 · answered by lynda d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about what you said, V six, 3 spark plugs. Does not make sense. Look at the V. That is what you engine looks like with one side of the v at the front of your car and one side to the back. It is a FWD car so the crankshaft is perpendicular to the car. You have to access the plugs from under the car and can be a major pita.
2007-09-08 05:25:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You see the two "dogbone" aluminum looking mounts on both side of the engine? They connect up close to the radiator.
Take those loose and you can by pushing back on the car (in park) rock the engine forward. On one of those pushes have someone push the parking brake to hold the car where the engine is held forward.
You can now access the rear plugs easier. You will still need an exrension an possibly a swivel to get to them. Put some dielectric grease inside the boot before reinstalling it on the plug to make it easier since you won't be able to push real hard on them. Plus next time they'll come off much easier.
2007-09-08 05:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by 25 years experience! # 2!!!!!!!! 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Eautorepair.net has online access to service manuals for a small fee---procedure will be in there. Or pick up a Chilton or Haynes manual at a local parts store. Good thing to have if you're doing your own repairs.
2007-09-08 06:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless I'm mistaken your vehicle you'll need to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the plugs.
Note: If you have to rock the engine forward it would be best to take it to a shop or local mechanic ... I had thought it was similar to a v6 eclipse which requires you to take the manifold off.
In any case you could just purchase a Haynes or Chilton's manual and it will tell the procedure on how to change the plugs ... pick one up at local parts store and be done with it!
Cheers! mate.
2007-09-08 05:26:32 · answer #6 · answered by grande alacrán 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Most of the time they need to be accessed from UNDER the car.
2007-09-08 05:22:49 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the motor is in it side ways so the other plugs are on the back of the motor witch is in between the fire wall
2007-09-08 05:50:05 · answer #8 · answered by Adam B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
thats the dumbest question i have ever seen on here lmao
2007-09-08 05:39:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a good question
2016-08-24 15:04:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋