How to Change the Spark Plugs on a 1998 4.3L V6 S-10

The 1998 Chevrolet S-10 truck is powered by the 4.3-Liter six-cylinder Vortec engine. The Vortec engine makes use of a distributor system to distribute spark to each individual spark plug. When changing the spark plugs it is also recommended to replace the spark plug wires for the best tuneup. When replacing the spark plugs and wires, remove and install only one spark plug wire and spark plug at a time to prevent confusion and the possibility of mixing up the firing order.

Instructions

Removal

1

Open the spark plug routing clamps for the wires on both sides of the engine with the flathead screwdriver. There are three located on the engine, one at each valve cover and a third one on the intake manifold for the passenger side of the engine.

2

Twist the spark plug wire boot about a half a turn and pull it off of the spark plug.

3

Remove the spark plug from the spark plug routing clamps and pull it off the ignition distributor.

4

Use compressed air to blow any debris from around the spark plug. Place the spark plug socket onto the 6-inch ratchet extension and guide it onto the spark plug. Be careful not to damage the porcelain insulation of the spark plug. Attach the ratchet to the extension and turn the spark plug counterclockwise. Do not jerk or tap it out of place. Apply gentle pressure in the counterclockwise direction until it is loose. Lift the spark plug out of the engine. The spark plug will be held into the socket by the rubber grommet.

Installation

5

Open the box for the new spark plug. Set the gap for the spark plug to 0.060-inches with the spark plug gaping tool.

6

Set the spark plug into the spark plug socket; the rubber grommet should hold it tight. Guide the spark plug into the cylinder head, turn it slowly by hand until it begins to thread into place. Do not force it, cross-threading the spark plug will damage the cylinder head.

7

Tighten the spark plug until it feels tight, then tighten to 11 foot-pounds of torque with the small torque wrench.

8

Open the new spark plug wires and lay them out on a flat surface. Compare the old wires to the new ones and select the new wire that matches closest to the original wire length and boot set up. (The two front-most ignition wires have a strait boot as opposed the the rear four plugs having angle boots.)

9

Place a small amount of the dielectric grease included with the plugs into each end of the spark plug wire. Install the spark plug wire onto the spark plug, route it through the spark plug routing clamps and then install it onto the distributor cap. Repeat this process for the remaining five plugs individually.

10

Unplug the ignition wire from the ignition coil that is mounted at the front of the engine on the intake manifold. Follow the wire to its terminal on the distributor and unplug it from the distributor. Place the dielectric grease into the new coil wire and install it to the ignition coil and the coil terminal on the distributor cap.

11

Ensure the plug wires are all routed properly through the plug wire routing clamps and bend the top of the clamps over until they clip into place, securing the wires inside the clamp. Lower and latch the vehicle hood.