[COUGARPOWER]

hi i have a 98 chevy s10 with a 4.3 V6 and i am having trouble on the #3 spark plug and it is very hard to remove because of the steering coulm its right in the way. i am working from the wheel well because i find that the easiest way but #3 is extremly hard i spent 3 hours on it and did not do a thing, can somebody please help me out i really want to finish the job.
any help is much appriciated. thank you guys alot

 

[oldschoolrods]

Never done it on a S10 so I'm not sure how it looks but maybe a universal joint or a longer extention or a flex head ratchet would help?

 

[dmorris1200]

Generally on these types S10's (Blazers, pick-ups) with the 4.3 I use a basic Craftsman spark plug socket and a 19mm wrench which fits on the top of the socket. It's not the fastest but it works. And yes I remove the left front tire and get it through the wheel well while on a lift or just with the left side up on a jack stand if no lift is available. You got that part right. :thumbup:

 

[dmorris1200]

Well I know it's been a bit but I figured I'd post this anyway. I noticed one of the guys I work with today doing a tune-up on a 4.3 Blazer. I figured I'd ask him how he prefers to tackle that nasty spark plug. He said he uses the same Craftsman spark plug socket I use 'cause it's shorter than his Snap-On spark plug socket, a wobble extension, and a 19mm crowfoot socket like the one I photographed. I haven't tried this method yet but I will next time I get one of those. :mwink:

 

[Pete Dow]

fun fun fun

i usually remove the bolt holding the steering shaft to the lower piece of the column the push the shaft out of the way,fast because you already have the air ratchet out removing plugs......

 

[docvette]

Doc here, imp:

There is a "Shade Tree" method I use on Corvettes when replacing the Dreaded left side plugs...If the space "will Almost fit" between the Frame/steering, but not quite, with a standard plug wrench and ratchet..AND I don't have enough room for a LONG 5/8 box wrench from the bottom..

I get a pair of needle nosed vise grips, and snap the porcelain tip flush with the metal plug body..you should be able to get either a standard plug wrench or a standard 5/8 socket to fit then.

Just be SURE it will fit BEFORE you snap the plug..or you'll have a bigger problem than you had.. ain:

I know, Shade Tree..but it does work.

Doc imp:

 

[COUGARPOWER]

hayy thank you so much everbody for ur advice, the job is done, thanks to everyones help, i ended using a costom swivil type handle socket that fits just right with the clearence availible.