Spark Plugs and Wires

[MR.SMITH]

I haven't even looked yet. I figured I would ask here first. How hard is it to change out plugs and wires? It an 03' 1500 if that matters. Any tricks I need to know to get to them all? Any special tools?

[Trey]

Save an hour by getting a spark plug boot removal tool.  Or do what I did: buy a 99 cent bag of rubber plier teeth covers from Sears and slip them onto the teeth of your channel locks.  Set them for about 1 inch, and use it them to pull the boots off. 

All of my plugs were fairly accessible, except for the right rear, which I got out with a socket universal joint thing.

[SamHouseIII]

You will need to know what type coils you have for this also.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,82058.0.html

Sam

[Mdz66]

And use only platinum or iridium plugs and a little anti sieze on the threads and dielectric grease on the rubbers.   Only remove plugs from a cold engine!!!!!!!

[KY_BOB]

I'll trade with you.  I'll put a set in yours if you will in mine. 


On a stock engine, they are pretty easy.  The last time that I did mine, it took longer to do cylinder #1 than the other 7.  That's where the supercharger sits.

[ygmn]

Dielectric grease...

Apply liberally to each end...
makes it more water proof and easier to remove in future..

[KY_BOB]

Dielectric grease...

Apply liberally to each end...
makes it more water proof and easier to remove in future..

Good tip.

[GreatWhite496]

Save an hour by getting a spark plug boot removal tool.  Or do what I did: buy a 99 cent bag of rubber plier teeth covers from Sears and slip them onto the teeth of your channel locks.  Set them for about 1 inch, and use it them to pull the boots off. 

All of my plugs were fairly accessible, except for the right rear, which I got out with a socket universal joint thing.

I found it easier to snatch the wire out of the boot then clamp down on the boot with a pair of channel locks...the boot is a pain in the rear.

Also make sure you have some good extensions and swivels..

[bandt0913]

a pain in the rear.

enough said about changing spark plugs!

[MR.SMITH]

You will need to know what type coils you have for this also.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,82058.0.html

Sam

Well I already have wires. Who knows if they are right.

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Don't worry about saving the factory boots because you do not need them. I changed mine 35k ago and have had no issues. I also changed my wires to 8.5mm it does make a different.

Shane

[ALACRAN]

What brand or site are your wires from? I been looking for 8mm and higher but no luck so far....thanks.

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I am running MSD wires that i purchased from Summit racing.

Shane

[ALACRAN]

Shane,
    Thanks for the reply.


ALL,
           Need help, pls. I am trying to get a handle on possibly a major problem...... I went to buy my spark plugs from PEPBOYS which was the only place where I could find IRIDIUM Plugs/AC DELCO's. Well they mentioned to make sure I gap the plugs to .060.....But the receipt says not to change the original spec which is .040.
After going to NAPA/ADVANCED/AUTO ZONE, they all had mixed signals....... Change it to .060 because that's what our system says..... Leave the gap to .040 because its an IRIDIUM plug....... Change it to .060 if they are platinum......AUTOZONE said .040 regardless because my VIN ends with a "T".... I GAPPED MY AT .050. Is it SAFE ?

Next area of concern......
SPARK PLUG WIRES. I went to NAPA and they want to know if I have a DELPHI or MITSUBISHI coils......... Well I did not know about this two ignition system possibly being in my truck. I  come back to the site and thanks to the input I figured out that I have the MITSUBISHI based off the part number.....
I go back to NAPA and they have none in stock
I go to...
PEPBOYS = They have several but don't ask for which COIL system I have. They had AC DELCO'S/TAYLOR'S and AUTOLITES 7MM.
AUTOZONE = They have some very cheap brands that the whole set were not more that $30 - $50 and did not ask for COIL system.
ADVANCED = They really had me thinking of this website.... They asked me which COIL system, good. They only show for my truck MELCO and DELPHI!!!!! What do I say then...... Left the store and now I am here.....

Last thing...... My old plugs with 60K miles, were wet(watery brownish) and based on the smell it is gas and almost a hint of oil

 

[Canadian AV]

Easy fella.
      As long as the plugs rare a tan brown colour your OK.   Lots of people Like the Taylor Thundervolt wires and NGK Iridium's.  You don't Gap platinum or Iridium plugs

[ALACRAN]

Thanks Canadian AV,
        Its frustating to know that the professionals are not sure of what to sell for my baby. Well, going to your remarks.... Is it safe for me to have gapped the plugs to .050? Is it okay for me to just get the 7mm wires vice looking for 8 or 8.5mm due to my stock coils? The color is a rare tan but why are they wet? Thanks again....

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I gapped my Platinum's when I installed them at 75k. I removed them for the Iridium's at 123k which I also gapped. I have had no issues with  gapping. I went to Summit Racing when I ordered my 8.5mm MSD wires, and am very pleased with them.

Shane

[ALACRAN]

Gents,

        This might sound like over kill but.....  Does it matter if I buy plugs that are not specific for my MUTSUBISHI coils? Why not? Next is, does it matter if I gapp my Iridium plugs to .050? Why not? Just want to be sure before I go spending more money that I can use somewhere else in the truck. Thanks for anyone taking the time to read my concerns.

[MyBigToy]

The problem with gapping iridium plugs is that it's easy to bend the fine wire center electrode when changing the gap. If you do that you've pretty much just trashed a brand new plug.

Spark plugs won't be specific for any given coil, only for the engine/application.

[ALACRAN]

Thanks for your time,

        I meant PLUG WIRES for my MITSUBISHI coils. Does it matter if the wires the stores try to sell me are not specific for my application. Several have mentioned not even seeing my coils in the data base. Some of the other names for my application are MELCO and DELPHI coils.  The plugs were pre-gapped to .040 and the stores were telling to have them at .060 so I gapped them to .050. I did it properly without braking the tip. Is .050 a problem for my engine?

[jimbo53188]

oem gap is .040 , delphi coils are stamped 15005218 , mitsubishi coils are stamped 12558693, the wires are different between the two , the plugs are the same!  hope this helps  JIM

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

The plug wires do not matter for the coils. here is a picture of my MSD wires. When I bought them they did not mention a difference.

[4x4Avalanche]

Save an hour by getting a spark plug boot removal tool.  Or do what I did: buy a 99 cent bag of rubber plier teeth covers from Sears and slip them onto the teeth of your channel locks.  Set them for about 1 inch, and use it them to pull the boots off. 

All of my plugs were fairly accessible, except for the right rear, which I got out with a socket universal joint thing.

How did you get the last plugs did you get them from the bottom or on top?

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I did all mine from the top. The right rear was the hardest but do able. It took my about 30 minutes to change all 8 and install the new wires. I had my Av up on stands cause I was draining the oil at the same time.

[jimbo53188]

delphi lists two different wire sets depending on which coils are installed....from delphi's online catalog....
 
 
 
 
Catalog Search 
 
 
 
 
 
[ Search Result For : 2004 - CHEVROLET - AVALANCHE 1500 - North America - V8 -- 5.3--323 CID -- GAS -- VIN T ] 
11 Records found for search 
 
 
 
 
 
Part Description Part Number Qualifier Location/Fitment
 
 
       
     
   
Spark Plug Wire Set XS10388 Delphi Ignition   
Spark Plug Wire Set XS10389 Mitsubishi Ignition   

 
 
 

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Mine is an 02 so I guess they only used one type of coil for them.

[ALACRAN]

THANKS JIMBO
It did help and already purchased my wires for mitsubishi coils....truck feels great for now with new wires and plugs gapped to .050

[jimbo53188]

glad i could help.   jim

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Don't forget to clean the MAF while you are under the hood. I noticed a lot more off the line when I did my Plugs and wires. I also had a smoother feel on the interstate.

Shane

[randy54885]

Where are the part numbers marked on the coils? I've looked at mine but don't see anything visible. Do you need to remove it to see the part number?

[jimbo53188]

they look different.....

[jimbo53188]

mitsubishi coil...

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I don't know the part number. You can call the dealer and get in from them.

[randy54885]

Thanks for the photos. That Helps.

[jimbo53188]

you're welcome! i'd guess you have the mitsubishi coils, i have'nt run across the delphi's in a truck yet.

[randy54885]

Jimbo,

Yep, I do have the Mitsubishi's on mine. Those photos helped out a lot. I looked all over the visible parts of the coils and didn't find a part number anywhere. I did find a bar code on one of them but no numbers with it.

In doing some more digging I think I have figured out what the differance in the plug wires are. The MECO (Mitsubishi) call for a 10.5" plug wire while the Delphi coil calls for a 9.2" wire. It looks like a lot of the aftermarket manufactures are making them to the longer length so they fit both and thus don't have 2 differant sets listed. That's probably why some weren't questioned when they bought their wires and others were. Can't find it for sure, but my guess is that the coil end on both sets are the same connection so the longer ones work on the Delphi coils.

As far as the gap goes, my manual lists a .040" gap and calls for an AC 41-985 Iridium plug for the 5.3L. That's what I am going to stick with. I've never had good luck running other brand plugs in GM's. Doesn't mean you can't, I've just had better luck with AC's.

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I am running the MSD 8.5mm Wires on my Av. I did not have any luck with Iridium plugs. Mine did not even make it to 10k after I did the wire swap. Running a hotter wire might be the reason, but my Platinum are working fine. I have changed plugs 3 times now and it really is not that hard. I do recommend removing the battery box right next to the number 1 plug, it makes access easier. And a short extension or one that can angle helps on number 8 by the AC.

[Lange]

I have an 04, do i have platiums? Whats the part #?
Im gonna get the msd wires and wanna stick with what ever plugs came stock. I believe the platiums are cheaper....

[Avalanche Maverick]

I just put E3 plugs and MSD 8.5 wire in my 03 AV its still to early yo till but when I
get some info I will let ya know. I also did seafoam MAF cleaner and K&N FIPK
cleaned. One thing i would tell ya to get is anti seize and grease for the inside the boots.
It makes changing or checking them easier later.

[thomsen05]

I just put E3 plugs and MSD 8.5 wire in my 03 AV its still to early yo till but when I
get some info I will let ya know. I also did seafoam MAF cleaner and K&N FIPK
cleaned. One thing i would tell ya to get is anti seize and grease for the inside the boots.
It makes changing or checking them easier later.

How was it getting the boots off? I hear they can be a real bear.  I just received the MSD wires and I am waiting on the NGK plugs Can't wait to install them.

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

When I changed to my MSD, I throw out the metal covers from the stock wires. I have been running like this for over 100k with no issues at all. Those metal boots are a freaking nightmare to get back on and i just did not want to deal with it.

[thomsen05]

Thats good to know, thanks         

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

And stick with the platinum's plugs. I have tried platinum's and iridium's in my Av. The Iridium's did not make 10k before they fouled out on me. I went back to Platinum's. NGK's are what I am running now, I was not happy with the Bosch.

As you can tell I have done this a few times.

[Avalanche Maverick]

I just pulled them off. I threw away the boots and kept the wires just in case there was a problem. None to report right now. I did notice when I put the MSD wires on that they were a little more snug going on the Coils so make sure u get that click when u put them on.

[Doughboy18718]

Those of you looking for 8.5mm wires, but dont want to pay an arm and a leg for them, can check out this seller on ebay. They are good quality wires for half the price of MSD's or other top brands. I have used them on several of my vehicles and can tell a difference.

http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/evalero1/

[arizona-dave]

So, in recapping all the posts, it looks like:

SparkPlugs:
  -NGK over AC
  -Platinum over Iridium
  -Leave the Gap at .40

 Wires:
  - Use 8.5 MM for best performance
  - MSD - Buy them online
  - Dont re-install the Metal Boots (put em in a plastic bag in the garage though)

Does anyone have the P/N for the NGK Platinum plugs?

GM thinks the plugs should last to 100K...But its been my experience 60K is more realistic...Im at 72K now, and I think Im needing new plugs about now...slightly rough idle.

Thanks!

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Spark Plug number is NGK TR55GP Stock number is 3403

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I replaced my Bosch platinum's plus 4's today for the NGKTR55GP plugs. I have to say the NGK are a lot better then the Bosch. My Bosch only had maybe 40k on them and they look awful. Have have changed plugs 5 times since I bought my Av and this is the only set of plugs that looked really used. Every plug before came out looking used but had no cardon buildup on them. The Bosch were awefilly covered in carbon, I have done a lot of Seafoam recently which would have some of a issue with this. I put the NGK's in and my truck is running better then it has in a long time, and it ran good before.

[arizona-dave]

Spark Plug number is NGK TR55GP Stock number is 3403

Im running the 3403 NGK Platinums also.

I run twin-ground NGK's in my GS300, and I get around 60K out of them. So far the NGK's feel great in the AV.

I gave up using Bosch plugs long ago...I could never get them to last, and half the time they ran rough...seems like others have had similar experiences.

[Kaznasty]

Hey guys 'n gals,
I'm looking at replacing my plugs shortly as well (although i have 92K on my AV). It looks like everyone is leaning towards the NGKs. I saw a piece on Trucks or something on Spike TV and they were doing a deal on E3s. Has anyone tried those or gotten any info/feedback on them?

Also, i see that the MSD wires are a fav here, any other recommendations or is that the cream of the crop?

Thanks all!

[05HrlyHlr]

Good thread now I am changing the plugs I want!

[05HrlyHlr]

So heres my question NGK's website says to use G-Power #3186 While Summit says #3403 Any input would be great!

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

I went with the 3403 from Summit and they are working great. I also recommend the MSD wires. I have been running them for over 2 years and love them.

[05HrlyHlr]

I went with the 3403 from Summit and they are working great. I also recommend the MSD wires. I have been running them for over 2 years and love them.

I have the MSD wires on the way! I am wondering if yours being an 02 and mine being an 05 if that makes a defference in what number plugs?

[arizona-dave]

Use the 3403 for sure - they work great!

So heres my question NGK's website says to use G-Power #3186 While Summit says #3403 Any input would be great!

[05HrlyHlr]

Use the 3403 for sure - they work great!

I found out the3403 is for non flex fuel and the 3186 is for the flex fuel which is what mine is!

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

If you are unsure call Summit racing they will help you out and make sure you get the right parts.

[anglarry04]

I just rolled 80,000 last week and might replace mine just because.   I'm jusr scared to because of reading the stories on here.   Maybe in jan after Christmas

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Changing the plugs is an easy thing. I have done it a lot of times. Just remember to remove the battery box in front of the plug and get a knuckle for your socket by the AC. That is the hardest one there is. All in all it takes about 30 minutes start to finish. If you are in the mood. Pull off your intake and clean you Throttle Body. Take out your MAF and clean it also. You will notice one hell of a power increase.

[05HrlyHlr]

If you are unsure call Summit racing they will help you out and make sure you get the right parts.

I was one step ahead this time. I emailed them and that how I found out about the difference!

[arizona-dave]

No need to be scared of the plugs. Its as straight forward as it gets - Shanes02 is 100% correct.

Also, and I know this causes some people to go balistic...but if your over 60,000 miles, and your doing the Plugs..CHANGE THE WIRES TOO.....The stock wires loose their ability to transfer 50% of the spark energy by around 80K miles....I went with MSD because they wont burn out, and I wont have to replace them for the life I own the truck.

You will need the Universal-Joint Knuckle type adapter for the Plug at the back of the Pass side...other than that, all the other plugs are easy to get to.

It took me just under an Hour, but I also changed by Wires and did the dielectric grease, and I like to drink beer and go slow sometimes! :-)

I just rolled 80,000 last week and might replace mine just because.   I'm jusr scared to because of reading the stories on here.   Maybe in jan after Christmas

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Definitely use the dielectric grease. It makes putting the wires on a piece of cake also use the Antiseize grease on the plug threads. It helps more than you can imagine. The grease on the plugs made it so my 12 year old son could help me pull some of the plugs out.
I have to do mine as fast as possible because I have a broken lower back and it hurts like hell after leaning over the engine for too long. I actually have a 4 foot ladder I set up next to the quarter panel panels and put my fender cover over the fenders for protection.

[SurvivalFreak]

Definitely use the dielectric grease. also use the Antiseize grease on the plug threads.

I Agree 100%  But be sure when useing the Antiseize on the sparkplug threads to keep it away from the electrode, you want to hit the threads good, but keep it away from goin in the hole where it could and would cause trouble.

Keep up the good work chaps!

[anglarry04]

I know the plugs them self should be easy.  I just remember doing plugs at work all the time.  More specifically the 95 F*rd broncos with the 5.0.   They were cop trucks so were always running.   The plugs boots were always a you-know-what to remove.   Also read a few posts on here with people pulling out their hair over it.   I am sure I will do it anyways.   Cuz the dealer is gonna charge me $300 for the extra "inspections" anyways.

[arizona-dave]

 

Getting stuff into Holes *Always* seems to cause problems! hehehehe

I Agree 100%  But be sure when useing the Antiseize on the sparkplug threads to keep it away from the electrode, you want to hit the threads good, but keep it away from goin in the hole where it could and would cause trouble.

Keep up the good work chaps!

[05HrlyHlr]

Got my NGK's and my MSD wires done today! Funny story though we did the one side and started it up and it was shaky and missing a bit, so we pulled the one we thought would be causing the problem out and put it back in twice. Then we said forget it for now and do the other side and come back to this one! After we got done we look at each other and realized yea it was missing we had already pulled the plugs off the other side so it was running on 4  So after we made it a V8 again, it runs alot smoother and gained throttle response!!!

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

That is one of though DUH moments

[arizona-dave]

My friend at work did this a few months back on his Ford Explorer...When I found the problem I laughed my A$$ off....it was rather humoring.

Got my NGK's and my MSD wires done today! Funny story though we did the one side and started it up and it was shaky and missing a bit, so we pulled the one we thought would be causing the problem out and put it back in twice. Then we said forget it for now and do the other side and come back to this one! After we got done we look at each other and realized yea it was missing we had already pulled the plugs off the other side so it was running on 4  So after we made it a V8 again, it runs alot smoother and gained throttle response!!!

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

It does scare the crap out of you when you go through all that work and then it does not work right. I have done a couple things like that. I was so excited to see how it was going to work, I forgot to check everything before testing. Then the Av is running like crap and you just freak out. It is funny to look back at, but it sucks when it happens.

[anglarry04]

Got my NGK's and my MSD wires done today! Funny story though we did the one side and started it up and it was shaky and missing a bit, so we pulled the one we thought would be causing the problem out and put it back in twice. Then we said forget it for now and do the other side and come back to this one! After we got done we look at each other and realized yea it was missing we had already pulled the plugs off the other side so it was running on 4  So after we made it a V8 again, it runs alot smoother and gained throttle response!!!

redneck displacement on demand!

[05HrlyHlr]

redneck displacement on demand!

Wait a minute is that some kind of South Dakota pun!!! I am not from here so dont judge me!!! 

I never thought of it that way shoulda left it and seen how my MPG's went 

[arizona-dave]

 

Its a 5.37 Litre instead of 5.3 Now!!! HAHAHAHA Thats how we Roll in AZ HAHAHAHA

 

Wait a minute is that some kind of South Dakota pun!!! I am not from here so dont judge me!!! 

I never thought of it that way shoulda left it and seen how my MPG's went 

[MooseAlanche]

Its a 5.37 Litre instead of 5.3 Now!!! HAHAHAHA Thats how we Roll in AZ HAHAHAHA

 

So does that mean it was a 2.65L when only 4 plugs were in 

[05HrlyHlr]

Yea, I wish I would have given it a run around the block!!!

[anglarry04]

wishful thinking, but we all know it just doesnt work that way...would be nice though

[arizona-dave]

Takes the Heads off, mill the surface down by 0.050" (just under 1/16") - decrease the displacement down to 5.2L but increase the compression by 5-6% - run premium blend, but the $400 performace chip/computer.

Well...thats what we used to do in the old days when the chip was literally a bolt-on part on the bottom of the distributor, and you didnt have to remove 1000 items to take off the Heads.

Drats!

On a serious note, Im running NGK's, and Loving the instant power Im getting from right off the line...I have a hard time not breaking traction from dead stops.

Its incredible how much diff spark plugs make.

wishful thinking, but we all know it just doesnt work that way...would be nice though

[05HrlyHlr]

Takes the Heads off, mill the surface down by 0.050" (just under 1/16") - decrease the displacement down to 5.2L but increase the compression by 5-6% - run premium blend, but the $400 performace chip/computer.

Well...thats what we used to do in the old days when the chip was literally a bolt-on part on the bottom of the distributor, and you didnt have to remove 1000 items to take off the Heads.

Drats!

On a serious note, Im running NGK's, and Loving the instant power Im getting from right off the line...I have a hard time not breaking traction from dead stops.

Its incredible how much diff spark plugs make.

[/quot/]

It is night and day with the instant power! I would suggest to anyone doing this when you get above 50,000 miles just to do it for the difference in power and have it still justifiable!

[gldfind]

I am running MSD wires that i purchased from Summit racing.

Shane

whats the part number for the wires? I have a 2003, will that differ?

[Shanes 02 Avalanche]

Here is Summit racings number and link
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-32829/

[gldfind]

Here is Summit racings number and link
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-32829/

Thank you much, for the info.