Spark Plugs & Wires for 1998

[iametarq]

I tried searching for this but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

While replacing the air filter I checked two of the front spark plugs. The top contact is white. Maybe this explains the slight stutter I noticed yesterday while driving when i would stomp on the gas petal.

I have 117K miles now and it's warm so I can replace the wires before our 2,000 mile road trip in April.

Looking at the FSM it only mentions removing the beauty cover on the top of the engine to change the plugs!!? But the back four are under a plate that has the coil pack.

My question: Do I only have to remove that plate with the coil packs to access the back 4 spark plugs???

I am attaching the FSM picture, this is all it shows needing to be removed on the 98 Seville to change the spark plugs...which I don't believe.

I would like to document the entire process for the 98 for the Tech Tips section as well. So I want to do this right the first time.

I am planning on ordering the new AC Delco plugs from Rock Auto. Do the wires come with the boots? Or do I have to reuse the boots? I don't know how to get the boots off, since I've never tried it.

Edit: Part numbers from Rock Auto:

ACDELCO Part # 41950 More Info {PLATINUM PLUG #88892834} SPARK PLUG $5.08 each
ACDELCO Part # 748N {#12192081} WIRE KIT,SPLG INCLS ALL 8 SPLG WIRES $100.89 set

Thanks in advance!

[JimD]

For me, it was easier to remove the coil packs. Just be sure you use a magnetic tool so you don't drop the little bolts. Also, there is a ground wire that fits under the coil pack assembly and you don't want to forget that little jewel when you bolt it all back together.

The part #s you gave should be correct; Rock Auto is good about that stuff. The cable set is the OEM part and what you see on your engine is what you will get.

To remove the boot on the plug, just rotate it to break the seal and pull straight out.

Take pictures of the wire routing on your engine before you remove your old wires. Cross fire can be a b*t*h to isolate.

[iametarq]

Thanks Jim, so you are suggesting to remove the packs from the plate that are attached to as well as the plate? It looks like the plate is attached with two bolts.

Just placed my order with Rock Auto, and using the discount code from a previous thread saved about $7 over the total.

not sure why shipping to a business is cheaper than residential, so I had it shipped to work via UPS ground.

[JimD]

I sould have said remove the plate. Not necessary to remove the coils.

The plate is held on with 3 bolts; and one of them cannot be seen.

[iametarq]

Ah! Thank you. Will post my results this coming weekend!

[Ranger]

When I did my '97 I think I left the coils in place, though as Jim said, removing it will give you more room. The "plate" you are referring to is the ICM. If I recall correctly there are 2 hidden bolts on the back side that require the Braille method to remove and install. Those were fun.

[1999STSCresskill]

I removed the coil pack when I did mine too. It definitely makes it a bit easier. Also, check the gap and inspect the plugs before you put them in. They are pretty fragile and the slightest pinhole or fine crack in the insulation can cause problems down the road.

[EcSTSatic]

Remember to start the new plugs by hand threading them to avoid cross-threading. i.e. turn the socket extension by hand first, not with a ratchet.
Replace one wire at a time.

[Patrick7997]

I had no trouble doing it with the coil pack in place....

It's only in the way for the 2 on the passenger side anyway, and you can easily push the wires out of the way and access those.....

Save yourself the trouble.... leave it alone.

[Lac_Cruising]

Originally Posted by Patrick7997

I had no trouble doing it with the coil pack in place....

It's only in the way for the 2 on the passenger side anyway, and you can easily push the wires out of the way and access those.....

Save yourself the trouble.... leave it alone.

I agree or you can use a tool called the sidewinder. it's alot easier to get those hard to reach places.

[clarkz71]

It's much easier with the coils out of the way.

[EcSTSatic]

Originally Posted by clarkz71

It's much easier with the coils out of the way.

Forget special tools, just unbolt the darn thing and save some aggravation!

[iametarq]

Thanks for all the great tips! I am beginning to believe the studdering and random 'thudding' when i hit the gas going up a hill may be attributed to some bad gas the girl friend got last thursday when filling up at a no-name gas station by her work. she said it started doing it to her "oh sometime last week"

"when you got gas?"
"maybe"
"where did you get the gas"
"that barn looking station"

that's some poe-dunk mom and pop station called "3M" I'm going til fill the tank up with some big brother gas and also put in one of those bottles of cleaner. maybe we just got unlucky with some bad mix of summer/winter combo mix.

I have zero codes current or stored.

No email yet from Rock Auto about the shipment. I do hope they at least get here by the end of the week so I can work on them this weekend when it drops back down to the low 30's.

EDIT: Plugs and wires shipped out 6pm today. Should be here Wednesday according to the tracking number. WOW!

[iametarq]

New plugs and wires came today.

The spark plugs look different than the typical Champions I'm used to!!

The contact on the top of the plug is dark gray instead of bright silver, is that normal?

and the gap is HUGE! i'm going to make sure it is correct when I reference the FSM...and the point in the bottom where the cap is, is really tiny, like a point!

Taking the car to a friends garage to change the plugs this saturday. Will post pictures after I am done!

[clarkz71]

Champions ?????????