Replaced the rear spark plugs without removing intake

[carcaveman]

OK, so my hands took a major thrashing, but I was able to change the rear spark plugs without removing any intake or wiper cowel. I read somewhere of someone else doing this, so I thought I'd try. I didn't want to drain fluids or remove intake manifold parts. Of course I did the fronts spark plugs as well. It took me about 3.5 hours, and was a major pain but I got it done!!

I'll try to describe some of the key items.

One thing to do, that I highly recommend, is to tape the spark plug socket to the ratchet extension (~ 6 inches, ~7.5 with spark plug socket). It all was able to fit while installing and removing the plugs while the extension and plug socket were taped together. This keeps the extension from accidentally pulling out of the spark plug socket.

For the left rear plug, it was easier to get access by removing the bracket that holds a large bundle of wires and pushing them out of the way. There was also a ground wire that removes with a nut. This let me get my hand and arm in the left side enough to reach both the left and rear center plugs.

The key to getting to the center and right rear plugs was being able to wrap one arm around the left side of the air intake (plastic portion) and wrap the other hand around the right side when working on the right and center rear plugs. I was basically laying my chest on the top of the radiator top area with a foot stool in front of the car to support my knees and legs. The right is extremely tight spaced (depending on the size of your hand), but I was just able to get my hand in there (has the most scrapes - duct tape helps cover sharp corners as well as sticks to skin and makes a good skin protector too!!). By doing this I was able to sort of 'hand' myself a tool from the left side over the right side and vice-versa.

Regarding the coil packs, it was too difficult to remove those dumb connectors, so I just left them on, pulled the coils out and moved them out of the way. It seems that the wire lengths were made to allow this.

Of course I couldn't use a torque wrench, but from doing the fronts with a torque wrench, you get an idea of how much torque to use.

I used both a 6 inch 3/8" ratchet as well as 4 inch 1/4" ratchet. At one point I had to use a thumb ratchet to unscrew the center rear plug. I couldn't pull out the extension, with the plug and the spark plug socket while the thumb ratchet was still attached, so I had to remove the thumb ratchet before fully removing the plug.

In order to break free the plugs and even the coil pack screws, I got the ratchet on and then used a rubber coated hammer handle to break them loose while being able to just stand at the front of the car.

[Mikeman]

You're the man. Hopefully I'll remember this in about 4 years when I need to do it. Way to persevere and thanks for the tips.