spark plug problem

[deflepp1]

ok i dont know if this is a problem anyone can help with but whats the harm in trying. ok, i just bought a 92 Z34 for $300, has 170,000 miles and runs pretty good except for a bit of a miss. i went and changed the rear spark plugs, casue the i bought it from said he just did the fronts. got the drivers side and middle no problem, thanks to the "bend the peice of metal" advice i got online, but when i got to the passenger side i put the socket down there and all it dose it spin. it's not seating onto anything, nor does the boot make the click when you press it down. however if the cars running and you pull the boot it does run worse. so the question it WTF is up with that spark plug? could it be stripped, very unlikely, could the top bit have broken off leaving the part in the cylinder intact? im stumped. any help would be greatly appreciated

[86FieroSEv6]

Probably part of the plug wire insulator seal is stuck at the bottom of the bore preventing your socket from getting down on it. Use a mirror and a light to look down the hole and see if I'm right.

[deflepp1]

ill have to try thanks

[walterdude]

If you pull the top motor mount, the one that goes from the front head to the radiator support, you can use a come-along to tilt the motor forward to get better access to the plugs.
FWIW: instead of bending that lip I used a hole-saw to make cut-outs for access. The rubber moulding covers them up. Makes the rear plugs SUPER easy!!! Wish my 3100 was as easy!!!
Good luck,,,,
Tom....

[86FieroSEv6]

If you plan on doing regular plug changes, consider investing in an engine tilting tool. You take out the "dog-bone", put the tool in it's place, make sure the parking brake is set and the trans is in neutral, then tighten the jack screw to rock her forward for plug access. Most of the time, I only have to pull off the cowl seal and be gentle with the plug wire insulators.

[RedZMonte]

I leave mine in park, remove the dog bone and rock the car back and forth... on the forward push (engine is rocking forward as well) mash the park brake and it holds it... 2 extensions, 1 swivle and a plug socket and she drops right in and makes the plugs a snap. (ratchet strap is a nother technique ive used as well).

S

[deflepp1]

the problem aint getting to the plugs, that was easy just bend and cut that piece of metal back there no problem. the problem is that when i put the socket down into head its not setting onto anything i just keeps spinning. and now i think that the alternator might be out, how hard is that to replace?

[walterdude]

The reason I suggested tilting the engine forward was so you could actually LOOK, with a good light, down the hole and maybe see what is stopping the socket from engaging with the plug. FWIW: with the cutouts I made it is a straight shot to the plugs.

http://60degreev6.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1797&d=1216230737

http://60degreev6.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1796&d=1216230737

No swivels,,,, I use a ratchet and an extension with a lock, once it's on the socket it WON'T let go till you release it. Makes life EASY!!!
On the Alt,,,, there are a couple of current threads on that subject.... I DON'T even want to think about mine right now... It's making bad bearing noises AGAIN... I used a GM one thinking I didn't ever want to do that job again.... BAD thinking!!! Not on the GM Alt tho.... Bottom line is the job is pretty much of a BITCH and the alternators go bad often.... I think the 5 speeds might be a little easier.....
I'll be finding out with my Auto pretty soon..... FUNNNN!!!
Check some of the responses on the other Alternator threads!!! CLASSIC!!!
Good luck,,,
Tom...

[deflepp1]

i see..... and thanks for the word of "encouragement" with the alternator

[shawnsz34]

It could also be that those Plugs aren't hot enough.
Don't go into Autozone and Advance and ask for plugs.
They always give you 8's.

8's are the wrong plug for the 3.4L.
They came stock with 10's.
I run 12's, And that would be my recommendation.