I've done mechanical work on cars since the mid-60's and have never come across such an engineering screwup as I did today.
I was attempting to install new spark plugs in my 2003 S-10 with the 2.2l
4 cyl.
On cylinder #3, counting from the front of the engine, the air conditioning mounting bracket overhangs the bore in the cylinder head for inserting the spark plug socket. If you tap the socket down past the bracket, like I did, removal is impossible with the plug removed and in the socket. Even reinserting the old plug I was unable to remove the socket. Thirty minutes of thinking and thrashing and cursing GM engineers, I was finally able to liberate my socket with judicious use of a cold chisel and hammer (After I discarded the idea of using the acetylene torch), and return my now 3 cylinder engine back to 4 cylinder operation, albeit with old plugs.
Obviously engineered by someone at GM who never worked on cars.
Jim