changing spark plugs

[foresthawk]

Can a shade tree mechanic (myself) change the spark plugs on a 1998 (2nd gen.)Chrysler minivan V-6 engine? I ask since its a transverse engine, with one bank of plugs facing toward the back, and seemingly fairly inaccessible. Or is it better to just go to a mechanic for this ?
Any advice, and experiences appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RowdyYates]

Do it yourself. I change my own plugs. You have to contort your body and feel with your hand. But you can do it.

 

[NHGUY]

If you remove the wiper tray,its easier to access the back of the engine.

 

[Barkleymut]

If it is anything like the 01 Chrysler in my sig then yes, it actually isn't too bad if you take of the cowl. The hardest part of this may be getting the wipers off. Total time doing the whole job for the first time is 2 hours max. I would also recommend using compressed air to clean out the plug area before taking out the originals. Just in case there is dirt that you cannot see.

You may also want to change out the PCV valve while you have the cowl off as well.

 

[fisher83]

I used a mirror so I could see and a few extensions and I was able to do my 2005 without removing anything so it may not be too bad. I think some of them have a rear mounted alternator which is a little tougher from what I hear. My alternator is on the front and mine is the 3.3 liter.

 

[foresthawk]

Mine is the 3.3 liter (great engine, by the way)., with front alternator. Maybe from whats said here, it won't be too bad.
Did it once in a Chev. Celebrity V-6, also with a transverse engine, of course working blind changing the 3 rear facing plugs. Hoping the minivan plug change won't be any worse.

 

[fisher83]

I held a mirror behind the engine back against the firewall then reached around the right side of the engine with my socket and extension and removed all the rear plugs without removing the cowl at all. I did the whole job in probably 30-45 minutes. My mechanic who is usually very reasonably priced, quoted me over $300 for the job because he would have the cowl to do the job and it would have been 2.5 or 3 hours of labor. If you try to reach them this way first and it doesn't work then you can always remove the cowl but you may be surprised. Being able to see where you are going by using the mirror makes a pretty drastic difference in how complicated the job is. I have used this method on several cramped FWD V6 cars with success.

 

[Barkleymut]

I did it the way Fisher suggested the first time. Scratched my arms up pretty bad and it was just way too hard.