#3 Sparkplug Help
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#3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 10:10:56 AM
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goat6500
Posts: 20
Joined: 2/1/2007
Status: offline
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-2002 4x4 4DR LT w/AC -
Alright, I went to change my sparkplugs over the weekend and I'm currently riding around on 5 new plugs and 1 old plug in #3.
I would like to put another request for someone to put detailed instructions on how to disconnect the streering shaft in order to change #3. I spent half an hour looking at the shaft and I couldn't figure out how "one bolt" takes it apart. There's a plastic boot on the bumper end that is bolted at a couple different spots, which bolt is it? The firewall end comes into the cab but is connected by two bolts? Several people have requested these instructions with no response yet so it would be appreciated by many. As always, pics would be nice. .
I realize that people have had other success with changing this plug with special tools, turning the shaft, etc but I just spent 2 hours trying to do it on Saturday with no luck. Was able to get the sparkplug socket(with ratcheded end) on but there is no possible way to get an universal joint or wrench on the end of it. Let me know if you have any special advice for my model('02 4x4 4dr) but I can't realy rely on anything else.
Thanks!
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 11:13:29 AM
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rriddle3
Posts: 1339
Joined: 12/22/2006
From: Fort Worth,Texas
Status: offline
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Not to try to put you off, Charles, but have you done a 'search' on the forum? There have been many discussions on this spark plug.
_____________________________
2002 Blazer LS 4dr 2WD Auto Trans
Hypertech PP III Programmed
Flowmaster 50 Series Delta Flow Muffler, C6 Corvette Exhaust Tip
TYC Elegante carbon fiber tail lights
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 11:43:52 AM
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goat6500
Posts: 20
Joined: 2/1/2007
Status: offline
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Not to put you off rriddle3, but please read questions and not just the message title before replying. As I said: I did search and what I asked isn't there. Prove me wrong....please!
Again, I would like to request either:
a.) 2002 4x4 4dr LT #3 sparkplug removal techniques or
b.) Steering column disconnecting techniques, for purposes of getting to #3 SP
Thanks!
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 12:05:47 PM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14532
Joined: 5/1/2005
From: Waterloo, NY
Status: offline
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I know that a.) has been answered as I have written it out several times. But for sake of repetition, here goes again.
I was able to use a regular deep well socket and a whobble extension. No special tools unless you consider the whobble extension to be a special tool, but once you have one in your tool box, it'll get used more than your regular extensions.
The full disconnecting isn't necessary in my opinion. The cover around the rag joint can be a real pain to get off and even more difficult to get back on. The best way that I have found (if a regular deep socket and whobble extension doesn't work for you) is to cut the orange rubber boot that is on the steering shaft. Cut it just in the location where you need to gain clearance and only enough to get said clearance. That extra 1/8" or so of room makes a world of difference.
And as always with anything here, feel free to be the pioneer and post the information that you find lacking by actually working through it yourself. Many people don't give themselves enough credit for their problem solving prowess.
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Kyle-
04 Rainier
My Restoration Projects
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 1:55:35 PM
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goat6500
Posts: 20
Joined: 2/1/2007
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No, you detailed techniquest for a '00 Bravada. The only input you can find regarding an '02 4x4 is, ironically, the guy you had previously responded to for this. Unfortunately, that guy never replied to say if your advice worked. If I hear nothing I will buy wobble extensions but I have the same doubts as he did: the steering shaft & heat shields are too congested. I don't know if the layout in the engine is the same in an '00 bravada and an '02 blazer but it doesn't sound like you do either.
The #3 sparkplug sucks monkeyballs, two-times. Until there is a detailed survey on every year, model and make and what technique works the best, it will be incomplete. Better to ask another question than stoop to paying a shop $150 to change one GD, sparkplug.
I your help but I'm going to keep looking. And although your experience is not the same model, descriptions of disconnecting the steering column on an '00(4x4?) Bravadd would help as there are none on here for any model. Thanks!
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 3:26:17 PM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14532
Joined: 5/1/2005
From: Waterloo, NY
Status: offline
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Yup I have no clue if they are the same...  Sometimes I wonder why I even bother with it so painfully obvious that I know so little... 
Since you want to do things the hard way and don't want to listen to experience, here is the information you requested.
quote:
Steering Shaft Disconnection:
1. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column lower trim cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.
3. Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.
4. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
5. Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft.
Reassemble reverse of disassembly.
And maybe, just maybe the reason why the guy I responded to didn't respond back is because what I recommended worked and he's off enjoying himself... Not everyone responds back. Such is life.
And just an FYI, an s-series is an s-series. Blazer, Jimmy, & Bravada from '96 on are identical in this regard, hence why I never mentioned a difference. But thanks for insinuating that I don't have a clue.
Good luck and oh yeah... No thanks necessary
*Moving to 2nd Gen Tech* - Cause that is what an '02 is...
< Message edited by swartlkk -- 10/9/2007 4:39:27 PM >
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Kyle-
04 Rainier
My Restoration Projects
Please Do Not PM for Tech Help
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 5:35:37 PM
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SillyLittleBlazer
Posts: 49
Joined: 8/6/2007
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I have a 2004 blazer 4x4 and all I did was jack the truck up, took the front tire off for much easier access, I had a spark plug socket from autozone slid right on the #3 plug no prob, then I just took a regular open ended wrench and able to get it off and the new one on in less than 5 min, to me getting the thing jacked up and the tire off is worse than the plug. Good luck
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 8:06:40 PM
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lennyblazer
Posts: 1988
Joined: 5/6/2007
From: Appleton, WI / Houghton, MI
Status: offline
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Well you seem to be very lucky. It took me about 2 hours to take #3 plug out and about 45 mins to get it in to what I have figured out is tightened enough.
_____________________________
-Lenny
4.3L Auto. 3.73Gears
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2358267
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/9/2007 9:04:41 PM
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blazeofglory
Posts: 50
Joined: 9/30/2007
From: Navarre Fl
Status: offline
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Ok, not wanting to ruffle any feathers just my 2cents worth. I have found the easiest way is as follows.
1) SAFETY FIRST
2) locate the rubber sleave on your steering shaft (orange in color, at least on mine) slide it toward the fire wall. This may take some effort if it's never been done before.
3) remove the plastic cover from the shaft that covers the steering box to shaft coupler (rag joint) Note: if you are going to unbolt the shaft from steering box you'll probibly have to do this anyway. (I personally have never had to disconnect the shaft) I removed the cover to gain more room to slide the rubber sleave back down toward the gearbox.( only because I coundn't get it to slide far enough toward the firewall to gain enough clearance) if your sleave will go far enough toward the firewall you can skip this step.
4) turn the steering wheel until the flat portion of the steering shaft is facing up .
5) remove the key from the ignition and put it in your pocket(step 1)
6) set the parking brake, block the wheels, and place transmission in park. (Auto trans )(remember step 1)
7) jack up the truck,and use a jackstand!
8)remove the tire/wheel assembly
9)tuck the dust/mud flap that is attached to the inner fender panel up out of the way.
10) remove the spark plug boot from the spark plug by plulling on the boot only not the wire.(might help to twist on the boot first to break it loose.)
11) take a 5/8 deepwell socket and place it on the spark plug, THEN attach an exention to it ( the longer the better)
12) break the plug loose but don't remove it all the way.(when you can turn it by hand thats enough)
13) remove the extention and then the socket from the spark plug. (easier to manuver around the shaft that way.
14) now take a piece of 5/16 rubber hose about 12in long and push one end over the end of the spark plug.
15) now turn until the plug comes out.
16) reassembly is reversed.
It works every time!.......
Just so you know I'm not trying to offend just help!
GOOD LUCK!
_____________________________
2001 s-10 Blazer LS 4.3 5 spd 2wd
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200
1986 K-5 Blazer 4x4 420ci 700r4 4in lift 33's
1979 c-35 1 ton dually 505 4L80E
1971 ElCamino SS 496 6 spd 4.56 posi
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 5:12:27 AM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14532
Joined: 5/1/2005
From: Waterloo, NY
Status: offline
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No offense taken. You have added some very good points. I simply started out by stating what many others, myself included, have found works for removing the sometimes problematic #3 plug. Through the years I have found it to be much more cost effective to buy the more specialized tools than to jerry rig something that I already have in my garage to work. The time required to mess around costs me more than the tools ever did and guess what, these tools are still in my tool box waiting to be used the next time I even think that they may help get a job done easier/faster. I guess it all depends on how you value your time.
Not that I would consider a set of wobble extensions a specialized tool and for $19 for a 6" SK wobble extension from Sears, it isn't a wallet buster. I have the 10 peice Craftsman wobble set ($70 now, but I think I picked it up on sale for $55) that I use more than regular extensions.
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Kyle-
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My Restoration Projects
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 7:46:06 AM
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goat6500
Posts: 20
Joined: 2/1/2007
Status: offline
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Dude, I'm sorry you had to write out a bunch of stuff that was already found on the forums and I am just as sorry I had to read it all, again.
As I said: I've read it all and tried every technique within my means with no luck. I'm tired, my wife is b*tching at my for spending 2 hours on this and I just need it done. The "Steering Column Removal Technique" is the next more popular technique but there wasn't enough info in the forums but, thanks to you, now there is. Myself and the rest the Blazer world owes you a debt a grattitude.......
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 8:39:54 AM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14532
Joined: 5/1/2005
From: Waterloo, NY
Status: offline
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What is with your attitude? I mean come on already... Are we wasting your time here? Oh wait, we were trying to help you with YOUR problem... Sorry...
So a much more appropriate title and initial post for this thread would have been "How do you disconnect the steering shaft?" with no mention of the spark plugs. Also, by your own request, only owners of 2002 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4x4's can respond because owners of other years/models cannot be relied upon. Somehow I knew I shouldn't have even bothered to reply. And this coming from someone asking for help.
Due to the current title and post, with the lack of mentioning which techniques that you supposedly read through and unsuccessfully tried, how can you expect anything else but advice on how to get this done as easily and quickly as possible from actual experience. But no, you berate us instead... Cudos to you man! Simply great. What a waste.
And all of this coupled with the 'for the people' comments... LOL
< Message edited by swartlkk -- 10/10/2007 8:57:30 AM >
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Kyle-
04 Rainier
My Restoration Projects
Please Do Not PM for Tech Help
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 9:35:06 AM
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otnietdehoooo
The Chop Shop Moderator
Posts: 1627
Joined: 5/25/2007
From: Ft. Worth, TX
Status: offline
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i think cudos is spelled with a "k"...
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 2:47:42 PM
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hilsenteger
Posts: 12
Joined: 10/4/2007
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Wow - I just tuned into this thread to see if there was a new and exciting way to take out the #3 plug....
You know, some people don't seem to value free advice very much these days....good grief - if I get a response within a week from other sites when I ask for free advice, I consider myself lucky.
If you don't know how to do something, either:
1) go to the library (they probably have access to Alldata),
2) buy a Haynes/Chilton book (check the library too), or
3) ask here and wait.
Most of all, don't bitch! I'm amazed that anyone even offered a response with the tude you're throwing around. These people are here to help because they enjoy being helpful - don't **** in their cornflakes because your wife is bitching at you.
(climbs down off the soapbox...)
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 3:48:15 PM
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blazeofglory
Posts: 50
Joined: 9/30/2007
From: Navarre Fl
Status: offline
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Could not have said it better myself,(well maybe,............but why!)
_____________________________
2001 s-10 Blazer LS 4.3 5 spd 2wd
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200
1986 K-5 Blazer 4x4 420ci 700r4 4in lift 33's
1979 c-35 1 ton dually 505 4L80E
1971 ElCamino SS 496 6 spd 4.56 posi
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 5:41:39 PM
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Paddle_grl
Posts: 2944
Joined: 9/10/2005
Status: offline
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taking the wheel off and using an extension (and a little hand power) got it right out...
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dirty girls rule!!!!!
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/10/2007 8:30:57 PM
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lennyblazer
Posts: 1988
Joined: 5/6/2007
From: Appleton, WI / Houghton, MI
Status: offline
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To avoid further confusion and anger, maybe this should be added as a sticky or how-to. I believe this is very helpful information that probably would have saved me 4 hours trying on my own to get that darn plug out.
quote:
Ok, not wanting to ruffle any feathers just my 2cents worth. I have found the easiest way is as follows.
1) SAFETY FIRST
2) locate the rubber sleave on your steering shaft (orange in color, at least on mine) slide it toward the fire wall. This may take some effort if it's never been done before.
3) remove the plastic cover from the shaft that covers the steering box to shaft coupler (rag joint) Note: if you are going to unbolt the shaft from steering box you'll probibly have to do this anyway. (I personally have never had to disconnect the shaft) I removed the cover to gain more room to slide the rubber sleave back down toward the gearbox.( only because I coundn't get it to slide far enough toward the firewall to gain enough clearance) if your sleave will go far enough toward the firewall you can skip this step.
4) turn the steering wheel until the flat portion of the steering shaft is facing up .
5) remove the key from the ignition and put it in your pocket(step 1)
6) set the parking brake, block the wheels, and place transmission in park. (Auto trans )(remember step 1)
7) jack up the truck,and use a jackstand!
8)remove the tire/wheel assembly
9)tuck the dust/mud flap that is attached to the inner fender panel up out of the way.
10) remove the spark plug boot from the spark plug by plulling on the boot only not the wire.(might help to twist on the boot first to break it loose.)
11) take a 5/8 deepwell socket and place it on the spark plug, THEN attach an exention to it ( the longer the better)
12) break the plug loose but don't remove it all the way.(when you can turn it by hand thats enough)
13) remove the extention and then the socket from the spark plug. (easier to manuver around the shaft that way.
14) now take a piece of 5/16 rubber hose about 12in long and push one end over the end of the spark plug.
15) now turn until the plug comes out.
16) reassembly is reversed.
It works every time!.......
Just so you know I'm not trying to offend just help!
GOOD LUCK!
If you want I could even go out and take the pics and put it together in a nice how to for people to use in the future.
_____________________________
-Lenny
4.3L Auto. 3.73Gears
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2358267
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RE: #3 Sparkplug Help - 10/11/2007 8:39:58 PM
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blazeofglory
Posts: 50
Joined: 9/30/2007
From: Navarre Fl
Status: offline
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By all means, I would have done it myself but my computer skills are lacking in that area, one day I'll acquire them.
So yes please do, I'm sure that it will come in handy for someone who needs a little help in that area. I remember back when I tried changing plugs on mine the first time, needless to say I drove around with (5) new plugs installed for awhile until I found this site.
Then the clouds parted, angels sang, the floodwaters,......you get the idea!
Thats why I love it here, the HUGE amount of information and the willingness of the members to help each other.
THE BLAZER FORUM ROCKS!!!!!!!
Gator
_____________________________
2001 s-10 Blazer LS 4.3 5 spd 2wd
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200
1986 K-5 Blazer 4x4 420ci 700r4 4in lift 33's
1979 c-35 1 ton dually 505 4L80E
1971 ElCamino SS 496 6 spd 4.56 posi
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