Spark Plugs on 99 3.8L Caravan

I have the same van and engine ('99 3.8L). I've managed to get them all, including the two difficult ones in the back without removing either. YMMV depending on the length of your arm and the size of your hands. It was a PITA though. I know others have also managed so that is why I persisted despite the obstacles...

Bob

I too changed the plugs without removing the intake manifold or the wiper cowl. It is a long reach and a tight squeeze, but not too bad. I did remove the altenator and bracket to get to the #1 plug.

"jdoe" snipped-for-privacy@msn.com "Bob Shuman" snipped-for-privacy@removethis.lucent.com "David J. Allen" dallen03NO_SPAM@sanNO_SPAM.rr.com

Much thanks to all. Pretty much confirms what I thought. Will probably end up trying the cowl approach. I think the AWD I forgot to mention plugs up the bottom pretty well and flexibility has gotten a bit to the chancy side. That is one tight looking squeeze and by braille task otherwise. I am impressed that it can be done.

I have access to a hoist and easy to do from up under. Yes, EVEN the AWD. I have done MANY of them.

snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com (Richard Benner Jr) wrote

No hoist. Could ramps work? I suppose I could run it up and take a looksee easy enough. Thanks for the additional option.

Ramps will work.

All three sparkplugs are reachable with your left hand as long as your arm/hand is skinny enough to fit up there.

There is usually some nasty casting flash on the top of the rear exhaust manifold, so you'll want to protect your left forearm as best you can, (I use my Nomex heat sleeve) otherwise you'll be tearing some meat off your arm...

Neil Nelson snipped-for-privacy@sbcglobal.net

Thanks.

With all the grunting, dexterity and associated flesh loss issues on either the bottom or top braille methods.

Would it be easier on the body (and quicker overall) just to pull the wiper cowl. That looks like a 10 min job to pull, 2 bolts, 1 plug, 1 hose and lift. Then you get a fairly straight shot at the works, from what I can see.

Am I missing something here?

Successful accomplishment by these methods seems quite impressive to me, but I'm out of training and not up for the X-games.

Ya do what works best for you...

My MO is; the less I take apart, the less that can go wrong.