Removing spark plugs

[spc2125]

i have the 2002 eco 2.2L
im trying to get to the spark plugs, but i want to make sure im doing it correctly



i have already unscrewed the four screws around the ECOTEC cover
do i also need to take off the "box" to the right?

[robalero]

wrong, it should just come off with the cover

[spc2125]

just lift up the ecotec cover till it comes out?

[robalero]

you got it, plus remove the wires from it too for your throttle body and etc

[spc2125]

thank you so much for your help, any idea what i should use to pry it out. just my hands?

[robalero]

mostly your hands or a small pry bar with minimal force ( don't giver hell )

[spc2125]

alrite i took it off. now i see four long "holes" where the spark plugs must be i presume.

how do i get them out?

[Ttop191]

socket extension and a spark plug socket :P

[robalero]

you have an extension right? use the extension with your socket on the end ( should be the smaller one of your two spark plug sockets and make sure your turning left to remove the spark plug. when you install your new plug make sure you make it good and tight but don't break it off you have to have a good balance but make it really good and tight

[spc2125]

shoot. i dont think i have the extention.
gotta run to the store real quick

[robalero]

also, take those boots and try and get the spring thats inside of them out and pull on the spring to stretch it out ( this ensure's your spark plug is making good contact )

edit:

ok put everything back together but first pull your springs on the boots ( take the boots off and push the spring out ) and do that and go buy an extension you want a medium lenght one be prepaired to be shocked on a price if you havent seen the prices on tools before

[spc2125]

boots? springs?
simpler terms man, im a n00b remember

[robalero]

those long rubber things that came off, well those are "boots" on the inside of those "boots" there is a small spring use something to get the spring out and stretch them or esle it might cause a misfire ( have had it happen before )

[spc2125]

Originally Posted by robalero

those long rubber things that came off, well those are "boots" on the inside of those "boots" there is a small spring use something to get the spring out and stretch them or esle it might cause a misfire ( have had it happen before )

very well said sir

[robalero]

all in experience of messing up the first time and learning from my mistakes

[spc2125]

i bought an extension, but it wasnt long enough apparently because the socket wrench was about an inch short of clearing the brim so i could actually turn the screw.

ill take another crack at it tomorrow

however i did notice that on the farthest left, there was some black (looks like rubber) around the spark plug. is this normal?

[robalero]

let us know more tomorrow, from what you discribe it sounds like oil. if its an oil based substance take pictures and will go from there

[Ttop191]

sounds like blow by to me...time for new plugs hahaha

[Greencoupe2.2]

when installing the new spark plugs twist them in by hand first to make sure you do not cross thread them, then tighten them down, but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THEM, if you do youre in for a whole lot of trouble

[robalero]

but you still gotta make sure their tight, its kinda a catch 22 just make sure it won't turn anymore once it feels snug give it a good one more try and if it doesn't move then your good to go