Change plugs when running ok?

[nascarnation]

I picked up an 03 Saturn Vue (54 degree GM V6, NOT Honda) with 160,000 miles.
It has comprehensive maintenance and repair records from both previous owners, and doesn't show any spark plug changes.
It runs fine, has no misfire codes.
You need to pull the intake manifold to change plugs because the long runners extend over the valve covers, otherwise I'd just change them out as good practice.

Any comments? I'm tempted to leave well enough alone. This is a 500 dollar car so I'm in run it 'til it blows mode, remove the license plate, and call an Uber to get home.

 

[Escape08]

I picked up an 03 Saturn Vue (54 degree GM V6, NOT Honda) with 160,000 miles.
It has comprehensive maintenance and repair records, and doesn't show any spark plug change.
It runs fine, has no misfire codes.
I

At 160K miles, yes it's about time

 

[oldcodger]

I would change them.

 

[JohnnyG]

And you want to change plugs while the engine is running?
OR, do you mean it runs fine, but you want to know if you should change plugs.

 

[eljefino]

If it's a dry manifold I'd give it a try.

 

[JohnnyG]

If you want to know for certain, remove a couple and inspect them.

 

[ElectroMechanoMan]

Personally I’d do it just for the experience. My only concern would be the condition of the EGR pipe if it has one. If it’s rusted, it could be difficult to disconnect.

 

[nascarnation]

And you want to change plugs while the engine is running?
OR, do you mean it runs fine, but you want to know if you should change plugs.

I'm also concerned about will the plugs come of the aluminum heads without stripping assuming they've been in there for 20 yrs and 160,000 miles. That introduces a whole level of headache I don't want to have to repair.

 

[Eddie]

I would contact anyone who has a lot of experience changing these long served spark plugs. Ed

 

[KevinMalone]

This is a 500 dollar car so I'm in run it 'til it blows mode, remove the license plate, and call an Uber to get home.

I'm also concerned about will the plugs come of the aluminum heads without stripping assuming they've been in there for 20 yrs and 160,000 miles. That introduces a whole level of headache I don't want to have to repair.

In this situation, I would leave well enough alone

 

[Jetronic]

If you want to know for certain, remove a couple and inspect them.

But that would be the easy ones, and those are the most likely to have been changed while the hard ones might have been skipped.

 

[nascarnation]

I would contact anyone who has a lot of experience changing these long served spark plugs. Ed

Yeah I'm hoping there's someone on here who has that experience. I'm not intimidated by pulling the manifold, there's some good YT videos on it, but I'm way more nervous about the plug threads.
On a risk/reward basis, right now I'm thinking drive it until it exhibits some symptoms of not running properly.

 

[Timmastertech]

At 160k on that engine, the spark plug tube seals (if never yet changed) have leaked enough oil into the spark plug wells that them seizing is highly unlikely. Actually, even without that, its unlikely. If the plugs are stuck in the head there is something wrong. Timing belt is a ticking time bomb if it hasnt been done either and that is an interference engine.

 

[BigCahuna]

If it's not broke don't fix it.,,

 

[BHopkins]

I have always been a preventative maintenance type of guy. But from your description of the situation, I'd be real tempted to leave well enough alone.

 

[nascarnation]

At 160k on that engine, the spark plug tube seals (if never yet changed) have leaked enough oil into the spark plug wells that them seizing is highly unlikely. Actually, even without that, its unlikely. If the plugs are stuck in the head there is something wrong. Timing belt is a ticking time bomb if it hasnt been done either and that is an interference engine.

Yeah I changed the cam belt because it appeared to be original and had a lot of cracks and bought some cheap closeout parts from Rockauto. Although the GM 54 degree V6 has a poor reputation, this one doesn't leak oil or coolant, consume oil (at least for the 3000 miles run so far since my first oil change on QS 5W40), and always starts up and runs fine. The Aisin auto trans works properly and doesn't leak either.

Thanks for the opinions, I think I'm just gonna roll with it for now on the original plugs.

 

[71Chevyguy]

Don't forget your timing belt.

 

[wavinwayne]

I am of the mind that since you say this is a $500 car, I would wait until 200k, then MAYBE change them.

 

[tblt44]

Running good
P.I.T.A. to change
500 car
Leave them just drive it, odds are something else will go that may cause you to junk the car before those go bad

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

If it's not broke don't fix it.,,

LoL . Older guys I worked with used to say all the time: "Never kick a sleeping dog!"