What is the deal with replacing plugs

  • Thread starter Thread starter tmc969
  • Start date Start date
T

tmc969

I have a 1999 Grand Am. When I look at the engine, I can't tell how to change the plugs. This is the first car I have seen with this. Is there some trick to revealing the plugs? Yes, I am car repair-stupid. Maybe a drawing or picture with arrows pointing to stuff would help.

Any help is appreciated.
 
oh no problem,

k, the plugs are on top of the engine and they are hidden by the engine cover and ignition coil cover. you'll have to take that cover off to get to them. Take off the 4 bolts and pull up. You will be able to see the plugs in there after that. Just line it back up carefully when your ready to reinstall the cover so you don't damage anything. I'm telling you this all from memory so If there is anymore help needed someone else chime in, or i'll be able to actually do it to a 2.4L by friday...
______________________________
 
Thanks diesel. The plugs are changed. It was almost as simple as you described it. The electrical connection to the coil had to be disconnected and one line (I think a fuel line) had to be coaxed out of the way. Also the throttle cable had to be moved. all in all, pretty easy. Thanks again for the help. I have another question. I need to replace the transmission filter and change the fluid (automatic transmission). Is there anything special I need to know about removing the pan/draining the fluid? There are several 5/16" bolts holding it in place, but nothing else like a drain plug. Just wondering if I should expect a big mess and hoping for some mechanic's trick to avoid it.
 
I haven't done that on a grand am before, but i know there probably isn't a drain plug and you'll have to loosen the pan to drain it... every time i've taken a pan off (tranny, oil) they are pretty stuck on so you might have to get a pry bar or something. thats where the mess is gonna come in, cause there is no real easy way to do it. best suggestion is to get a big drain pan and hope your aim is pretty good.

as for mechanics tricks, when your taking the bolts out don't take all of them all the way out, leave 2 or 3 still partially threaded in so that if the pan comes loose it doesn't fall on the ground spilling fluid everywhere. if you have to use a prybar just leave 2-3 in still and pry on it to break it free for the same reasons.
 
Thanks again diesel. The pan came off without any prying. There is a slight leak at the front of the pan where an alignment hole is. The gasket pushed out (probably from overtightening). Is it possible to loosen the bolts around this area and gently work the gasket back into place, or should I just go get another gasket and 8 more quarts of fluid and redo this? It didn't start leaking until about an hour after i finished filling it. It is a very small leak, but I don't want to have to constantly be adding fluid, since there is not a dipstick to check the level (besides me).

Thanks,

tmc969
 
i think there should be a dipstick, check behind the engine near the firewall (down in there somewhere)

um, with the gasket you might be able to do that if you wanna go the cheap way... if you have a torque wrench the torque specs are like 100-120 in/lbs. that might help you not over tighten it
______________________________
 
I would install a new gasket if I were you. What you experienced with the old gasket happens a lot. Some parts stores are better than others in recommending a new gasket along with filter. (sometimes it even comes as a kit)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top