Spark plugs and wires

[wjburken]

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but how bad of a job is it to change the plugs? I've held off because of a fear of snapping them off, but it is time that I take care of them (possibly the factory plugs, 145K).

It is not a bad job to do. Take your time and it's pretty straight forward. The plug on #8 can be a little more challenging to get to compared to the rest, but it is doable. Different guys have found different things that work for them. Some go through the fender well others from the top. Myself, I use a 5/8" deep well socket with a 3/8" drive with a 3/8"M to 1/4"F adapter and a 1/4"M to 3/8"F adapter and a 3/8" drive ratchet. This gives me the needed length to get the ratchet outside of the exhaust manifold and heat shield and not push you into all the A/C crap. I have also disconnected the oil dipstick bracket to swing that out of the way for a little more room. Getting the plug wires off can be a little challenging but I use a set of long offset needle nose pliers to get a good hold on them to pull them off. When you put the new plugs back in, use a little dab of anti-seize on the threads and some dielectric grease on the tip where the plug wire connects.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

Here were my plugs at 76k. They would be fine for the full 100k and probably more. I did it sooner since I had time and also wanted to avoid potentially having a harder time getting them out with higher mileage.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/replaced-plugs-and-wires-at-76k-2015-denali.112374/

I used OEM ACDelco plugs and wires from Amazon. There was a rebate from ACDelco so the plugs were cheap. You don’t need expensive plugs and wires - you’ll gain nothing.

#8 kinda stinks, so I just took the tire and fender liner off to do the passenger side 4. Drivers side were cake and done from the top- took minutes vs other side.

Take your time and watch a couple YouTube videos as prep. Enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your truck!

 

[avalonandl]

Most important is not to crossthread plugs. You should be able to hand start and get a couple turns on them.

I ALWAYS go to the spray wash and powerwash the areas around the plugs day before....

 

[avalonandl]

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but how bad of a job is it to change the plugs? I've held off because of a fear of snapping them off, but it is time that I take care of them (possibly the factory plugs, 145K).

Try pulling the first plug on the drivers side as a test. Hint: best when engine is totally cool. On the drivers side they are angled forward- easy to access. Passenger side is angled backwards, and #8 as noted is the braile method- all by feel....

 

[Wylie_Tahoe]

"Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but how bad of a job is it to change the plugs? I've held off because of a fear of snapping them off, but it is time that I take care of them (possibly the factory plugs, 145K)."

A few tricks make this an easy job:

A quality "wobble" sparkplug socket. not the u-joint type. A quality socket it less likely to crack an insulator during installation. A 3" or 6" extension will help on some, but others are best with just the socket on the ratchet.
An old plug boot off a discarded plug wire as an installation tool to hand start the new plugs. Better and safer then using the socket to get it started.
If you have a compressor and air ratchet, makes for quick removal, but I prefer to hand tighten once threaded in with the boot. You can also blow out around the old plugs prior to removal.
Plug wire pliers are great, especially if you are reusing the existing wires. But the trick to getting old wires off the plugs, twist the boot until you hear or feel it break its grip on the insulator.
I like a dab of anti-seize on the plug threads.
Always check the plug gap. Never assume its right out of the box.
A little silicone paste/dielectric grease on the boots prior to plugging them on the plugs.

 

[Kee Fuller]

These were my plugs around 88k miles. Job was pretty easy. I had issues removing the wires, needle nose pliers under the heat shield and a good yank got em out.

The number i plug was a doozy. I sat on top of the engine block and rested my elbow on one of the cooler lines.. snapped it off and coolant went everywhere. Had to uber to the dealership to get the part. Added another 2 hours onto an all day job.

A wobbly spark plug socket is a savior for this job.