My cousin has brought me over her 1999 Sable to change spark plugs and check a vacuum leak. You know, a 15 minute process right? Well I have changed the front three spark plugs with no problems, but I have yet to even lay eyes on the back three. I have begun removing the intake manifold, but it seems to be caught on something that I can't quite figure out. I have removed the 6 screws holding the manifold in place. Has anyone had similar issues and know what the manifold might be caught on or any suggestions of a better way to get to the 3 elusive spark plugs. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well, I figured it out. However, I want to know how somebody in their right mind could design an engine that you have to take half way apart to do something as routine as changing the spark plugs. I guess pretty soon we may have to start taking the rear bumper off every time we need to fill up with gas or take it to the dealership so they can charge you 200 dollars (not including the gas itself of course) to take off the bumper and fill up the vehicle for you. Anyways, have a good one.

 

I don't know how your sable is but on a 99 Buick century I had, I would remove the top engine mount which is really a torque mount to keep the engine from rotating. I would then take a come-along and pull the car forward with the trany in park. This would cause the engine to rotate forward towards the radiator making it possible to remove the rear plugs.

Oh on your question as to why they design it that way, they don't want you to keep the car so long that you would have to change the plugs. They want you to trade it on a new car long before that time comes. lol

 

I feel your pain! Been there, done that! The other reason is, they don't want you to work on your own car - they want you to take it to the dealer so they can charge you $99 per hour labor!