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Sedans Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Impala Spark Plug Replacement
25 messages, Last post on Sep 02, 2008 at 7:13 AM
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My fuel economy has gone down on my 02 impala 3.4 after 53000 miles and I am replacing the spark plugs. Is there a easy way of replacing the 3 plugs on the firewall side. Can the engine be rotated, and if so, how is it done? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Replying to: bena8837 (Aug 18, 2007 4:48 pm) On the 3.8l the #2 plug is VERY difficult to get to, even with the engine tilted. I finally gave up and had my mechanic install my plugs. However, I tried a set of "halo" plugs that were supposed to increase fuel economy but which made no difference, and have actually resulted in the car missing when lugged slightly, so I'm probably getting ready to take them out after a very frustrating summer and replace them with a more standard plug. But I'll probably wait until the weather cools down a little, knowing how frustrating the process can be.
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Aug 18, 2007 6:40 pm)
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Replying to: bena8837 (Aug 19, 2007 5:49 am) As for your back, tilting the engine will probably be less of a strain on your back than simply trying to reach those back three plugs. I replaced my plug wires about a month ago (didn't tilt the engine that time), and found it easiest to simply crawl up and practically sit on top of the engine, because I couldn't reach across from either side to accomplish what I was trying to do. My advice would be to have a mechanic replace your plugs; that's what I ultimately ended up doing (I think I paid something like $100 for labor plus the cost of the plugs, which would be worth it versus messing your back up again). The only other thing I can think of on improving gas mileage would be to replace your fuel filter if you haven't done that. Otherwise I'd say keep your tires properly inflated and try to drive as smoothly as possible. Another thing to watch out for; several people have posted problems here with their cars not running well as they get some mileage on them, particularly not being able to reach highway speeds. Almost invariably that turns out to be the catalytic converter clogging up, which should be covered by your warranty for well beyond the standard 3-year/36-month warranty. Just something to keep an eye out for if your lower gas mileage starts to lead to reduced performance.
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Aug 19, 2007 11:21 am) |
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Aug 19, 2007 11:21 am)
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Replying to: bena8837 (Aug 31, 2007 7:53 pm) The only problem I've seen mentioned that's exhaust-related has been with clogged catalytic converters, but that usually appears as a lack of power over speeds of around 45 MPH. Seems like there may be a wiring harness on the backside of the engine that's associated with the oxygen sensor or something (I remember reading somewhere where somebody said they removed this to help access the plugs, but I don't remember specifics and didn't try this on my car)...could be your mechanic moved/unplugged something like that to gain access and maybe didn't connect everything.
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Aug 31, 2007 8:04 pm)
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Replying to: bena8837 (Sep 01, 2007 4:41 am) As far as going back into position you have to pull the engine forward and strap it down to hold it there while you work on it, otherwise it basically stays in it's upright spot - at least when the engine isn't running (not sure how it would react if you started the engine when those upper mounts weren't connected). I suppose it's possible that in tilting the engine something could have come loose or bent exhaust-wise, but I'd think it would be an issue at other times beyond just starting/killing the engine. FWIW my engine missing problem has NEVER prompted any type of "service engine soon" or similar message on my car, which puzzles me actually.
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Sep 01, 2007 9:06 am)
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