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Replaced the spark plugs.

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:18 pm
by Lon
I have completed the most dreaded maintence item on the Astro. I know lots of folks on here has done it before and have read both good and bad reports. Mine went okay. I would rather have another root canal, but I survived. On the drivers side going in through the wheel well wasnt an option, some genius poured a van body around the motor. Luckily I wont have to do it again for a while. I'm sure these were the orginal plugs and they lasted for 221,000 miles.

I ended up breaking the plugs that had straight wire boots, the wires were fused to the plugs. The plug wires wire brittle, and stiff, so I replaced those as well.

Re: Replaced the spark plugs.

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 3:05 pm
by kings-x59
hope you got some plug wires with dielectric grease in the boots, or at least added some. You won't have that problem again.
"fun isn't it"....I do most of mine from underneath.

Re: Replaced the spark plugs.

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 5:59 pm
by SafariRob
I don't mind changing the plugs on my van. I always remove the front wheels, put together a couple of long extensions on the ratchet and go at it. No problems getting at the plugs, but getting myself motivated to raise the front end and remove the wheels is the problem.

Re: Replaced the spark plugs.

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 11:01 pm
by SoCalli V8
I recommend fitting the exact AC Delco plugs suited for your engine and nothing else, because this is what your engine was designed for, and will give you the best longevity and performance.

Re: Replaced the spark plugs.

Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 9:36 am
by Lon
SoCali, Yep I used AC Delco plugs, and lots of dielectric grease.

I did the drivers side from under the van. I was glad to get it over with, I kept knocking against the shifter arm. I gave my daughter my cell phone and told her to stand beside the van and if it rolled to start dialing 911. Gotta have an emergency plan.