Bro! Thank you for taking the time to post this. I popped the hood looked at #8 and said “nope.... time to check KZfaq “. So thanks for helping me out.

I have an 08 Avalanche same engine, Installing new plugs is almost as difficult as removing old ones since you can't see the holes. Here's a tip that made the job lots easier, get a piece of 5/16 ID rubber tubing about 2 1/2 inches long, it fits snug on the top of the new plug and allows you to feel the plug hole and get the plug started and snugged enough to get the socket on it to torque it down. I just used an old piece of fuel line it worked great, hope this helps.

You’re a life saver. I bought the plugs a few weeks back only to look in the engine bay and immediately saw the head scratcher. Thought to my self, “How in the heck am I going to get that one out”. Bit of research and browsing KZfaq to no avail, everyone changes the easy side on film. Finally found this video and went right to work. After destroying the plug wires, I read the comments. BUY A BOOT PULLER! Or better yet, just get new plug wires. $75 for peace of mind and the last set you will buy on your old truck if you keep up with spark plug change intervals, unlike the previous owner.

This is a perfect example of why I've gotten into the habit of checking KZfaq and the forums BEFORE beginning any maintenance task that I'm tackling for the first time. This video made the dreaded #8 a piece of cake. Really crappy cake, but cake none the less. Thanks for sharing your experience!

This needs to come to the top when ever looking up how to change spark plugs. YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!! In no time I had it out with your set up

2022, seven years later and your video is still helping others!

Thanks for your help. Moving the dipstick out of the way worked like a charm. The only difference for me was that after I stacked the adapter and reducer, I decided to go with a universal joint adapter instead. That made it a bit easier to attach the wrench once the socket was in place. For those still scraping their knuckles, try a pair of cheap latex or nitrile gloves.

Just an FYI, this works just as slick on the 6.0 in my 2005 3/4 ton Suburban. The first time I changed plugs the #8 took longer than the other 7 combined. This time, less than 10 minutes(and no cussing GM engineering). Thanks for THE BEST tip I have found on KZfaq for regular maintenance on the LS engines!! Thanks for a great share!!! Should have millions of views!

Very helpful video… I changed the plugs out on my 06 Tahoe this afternoon. If I had seen your video before I had changed them out, I would have saved myself about an hour and a lot of agitation. On the bright side, it feels good to know that others have struggled with this too… I ended up removing the bolt in order to move the dipstick out of the way too… also used a super short socket extension. Scratched the heck out of the back of my hand too!

Thanks so much for posting this. I worked on the #8 plug for well over an hour yesterday, including removing the tire and trying to get at it through the wheel well, with no success. After watching your video, I went out and bought to reducers and finished the job easily. I wish I would have watched your video first. Thanks again,

I spent more time on this one plug than I did on two O2 sensors , until I found your video.. Thanks for the help! I hope you make more. ( :

Your advice was a huge help. Changed my spark plugs today with no problems. Thanks for posting

Found my problem, closed the gap all the way. Thanks for the advice to move the oil stick! Every thing okno more check engine lite.Think I will celebrate with a 12pk.!

Worked perfect. I knew I needed a shorter extension and found your video which confirmed it and showed me how to make one.....you ROCK. Wasn't easy getting the setup out after installing the new plug though.

You are the Man! I fooled with this for a long time before I found this tip. I paid for a tuneup the last time. I suspect that they "forgot" to change #8. It was completely trash and was causing codes.

Dude, I just want to THANK YOU so much. This process made life so much easier. Worked like a charm. Thanks again!

Also for threading new plugs in use a old plug boot works great.wont fall out u can damn near tighten all the way.

Great post, got #8 out and in in less than 15 minutes!!! BIG SHOUT 2 YOU!!!

Just about to do a tuneup on my '10 Sierra, and for the life of me couldn't figure out how the hell I was going to get that #8 plug out... Thanks for posting! In my opinion, the best video on KZfaq!

Great tip! My fine tooth NAPA ratchet helped. I wrapped friction tape around the adapters so I could hold onto it. Removing the TBI cover also helped. I had to lay across the radiator and air cleaner to reach. Tough as it was, looks like the 03 Trailblazer will be worse. Thanks.

Great video. I need to try this next time but I found removal of the tire and wheel well plastic worked well too. It was not only the plug that was the problem but the wires too.removal of wheel gave me the access needed. I actually permanently screwed up my left hand index finger top joint trying to remove that wire. Joint is all swollen now so definitely be careful when doing this job. That is when I removed the wheel! Thanks for sharing

THUMBS UP because that worked !!!! I just changed my plugs on 2002 GMC Sierra 5.3 - didn't have to move the oil dipstick, just the right sizes for getting to the plug.....THANK YOU

Wanted to add to the thanks for posting this crowd. Exactly as described, no issues with plug #8. Thanks!

Great. Had managed to replace 7 plugs and was struggling with this one. Was about to remove the wheel + cover but will try this 1st. Thank you

Thanks for the video! Moving the dip stick support really did the trick.

Man you just saved me a tone of time. Appreciate the video!!!

I struggled with that damn #8, for a couple of hours yesterday. You're the MAN!!!

I hate when I get to that last plus, have to change mines this weekend. Thanks for that easier tip.

Thanks for this. I spent 3 hours on number 8 yesterday with no success. Going to try this later. Chevy and GM really do not want people to DIY.

Thanks for the hint here...I have a 2005 Suburban...this 5.3 Vortec has eaten my lunch for something as simple as plugs and wires. Getting the boot free from the plug has been the worst but I'll get through it...Glad I found this video because I did all on that side but #8. Thanks again!

Thanks for the great advice.. Basically it comes down to putting a 1/2 extension on top of the socket, that along with removing the dip stick mount unit, and a lot of patience.. I'm a little scuffed up but I saved a lot of money by doing these things myself.

Thank you Sir. changed all 7 except for #8. Going to get the extensions and try again tonight after watching your video. Dip stick was in way a bit so I'll try that too.

yeah buddy thanks on that #8 plug went through an 18 pack trying to figure it out...just waiting for this hangover to go away then going for #8 cylinder bubba

haha this was the same idea i had! Came to search and the first video i found confirmed my idea! Thanks!

Scott tips are good and I don't know why GM didn't made the accumulator shorter, but you don't want to bend the oil stick, oil stick is hold down by 1 screw when you get that screw out just pull the tube out you will have more room the other thing is use a prime tube over your 3/8 wrench and do it from top you will have more lever and don't have to bend much. a 3/8 wrench should do the job easier and more room spark plug only need about 20 to 25 foot pound torque if you ask me 1/2 wrench is an over kill. when you are finish with spark plug installation place the oil dip tube back you can see it from under wheel base for alignment. hope this help your next job. just giving some point out there your video is awesome.

This worked for me! Thank you!

I removed wheel/fender well and it was super easy to get to.

OMG dude, thank you sooo much. Minus the heatsoak, it was cake. Thanks a lot man!!

Excellent!! I am struggling with this currently. Along with the screws on the coil. I will go out an buy those additional items. Being that I am 5'6" I need to climb on top..LOL!! Now I need to locate a video to remove the screws of the #8 coil (and the other side, back).

Thank for the video I was having a hell of a time trying to remove that spark plug.

Thankyou for Advice!!! Never thought that I should loosen dipstick pipe!!! also couple of hoses as well. I had hard time removing that dang sparkplug boot!!! Took me 20 minutes twisting and wiggling it in tight spot (especially with my "mechanic's arthritis" hand) then finally popped it off. I was able to remove old plug in couple min with some difficulty BUT life of me can't figure out how to put new one in without dropping it. I don't understand why GM design engine where Right side spark plugs angle facing forward and Left side facing back. Wish they hires Engineer with Common Sense!!

Thanks for sharing this!

I didn't need to move the dipstick on my 2012 Silverado but I did need to remove a bracket that holds the heater hoses in place. I did plugs, wires and all 8 coils. #8 is a SOB. I broke the wire trying to remove it. Ended up using clamping pliers to pull it off the plug. Used a universal only to remove and replace that plug. It's tight but doable. WEAR GLOVES unless you like to bleed. Dealer wanted $600 for a tuneup. Those coils aren't typically cheap. I found a whole set for $112 online. Made in China so buyer beware if you choose this route. Runs smooth now. Had a miss and code "cylinder 1 misfire". That plug was a mess. Hopefully nothing mechanical fouling it. Truck has 134K miles so she was due. Also, I rescued the heat shields from the wires. Highly recommend you do thatBTW, my research indicates to use OEM plugs. DO NOT use splitfires or anything other than AC Delco Iridiums. What I put in is the same as the factory installed. Happy knuckle busting!!!

I used a short wobble joint, not the best but it worked. Only took a few minutes to remove the plug. It took me longer to remove the plug wire with a long bent style needle nose plier.

You f-ing ROCK!!! Thank you!

Getting my parts from Rock auto next week, be changing out spark plugs and oil coolant lines, Thanks for the tip.😁👍🇺🇸LGB.

Thanks, I was looking at the #8 plug on my 2007 Yukon and was glad to see your video. Will save me some time when I get to that plug.

Good video still helps me in 2024 tanks

I can’t even get the damn wire off 😂😂😂

Wonderful! Many thanks!

OK good I was glad to find out that it was ok to move the oil dipstick. I'm not mechanically inclined to glad to see the confirmation.

Haven't tried this yet but it seems a little easier on my 03' Silverado 2500 6.0.

Very helpful, Thanks.

Thank you for this good sir 😊

Thanks for your video. I changed mine too.

thank you for the insight.

Lol I used a short wobbly extension, a bit of swearing and 20 minutes I got it

Good idea, what has worked for me is a swivel spark plug socket

good job bro!

what a life saver! thanks alot!!

I am with you 18pk! Drank a lot of beer,lost my religion three times,trying to get the damn thing back in,dropped it so many times must have destroyed the plug, now my check engine light is on .went to parts house they say #8 is miss firing. Sunday morning back at it again. Thanks for the tip on moving the oil stick! If that does not work,probable just get drunk!

Your a genius 👏🏼

did mine today (2007 Tahoe)everything about the #8 plug sucks that includes pulling off the boot!But its done and I have no more Hesitation hitting the gas!!!! :)

I've replaced this plug a couple times now, best way is to take 5 shots of whiskey, step up into the engine well and lay on top of the block, your left hip should be resting on the air intake hose clamp. Take the socket off the wrench and or the plug inside. Reach in there with your left hand and get It started by hand. Then reach down with your wrench in left hand and crank away! No torque wrench is needed for spark plugs.

Thanks real helpful tip

RIDEON thanks brotha every body dose drivers side not passengers side 👌 cool

Great advice sort of figured it outOh my talk about hard as hell, for me I had to put a drop cloth down on the top of the engine climb my fat ass up into the engine and used my 3/8 wrench with, 5/8 deep socket, I knew I was short and needed the extra little extension but got lucky and got the plug then loose I used my air wrench tool, putting the plug back on Oh you bet your ass I put anti seize on the threads and dielectric grease on the wire plug ends! Then I put the plug in the 5/8 socket and manually tightened it, then used my air wrench, then went back and made sure it was tight with my 3/8 socket wrench. Next is my Silverado to do it all over again, but I have the extra extension.

If you don't have those extensions you can use a 5/16 or 3/8 ID fuel hose to get it started. Just push the hose over the tip of the spark plug and you're good to go.

getting the boot off is the hardest part. One really needs those long, bent needle nose type boot removal pliers for this job. At 134k miles, the plugs were toast-- 2 almost had no gap at all. No wonder the thing had a hard time starting.

🏆 u win

Standard 3/4 socket on a ratchet. Put your spark plug socket on the spark plug. Then go at it with your 3/4 socket and ratchet. Very simple.

mine is stuck but very lose #8 is. any sugg÷stions?

owe you a beer!

I just bent the heating plate out of the way and use the spark plug socket with a swivel . No need to take off the tire or wheel well covers. The heating plate can be bent back into place .

Good vid, except that my 2008 Suburban also had this annoying metal heat shield that still got in the way. I also have larger than average hands. Solution if you encounter the same: cut about 4 inches away from the shield, then wrap the AC lines with heat-resistant tape.

Great idea. You are the man. Getting ready to attempt. GM did succeed in cramming 5 pounds of shit in a 1 pound bag

I removed the heat shield that's right there in the way. That helps too

Swapping out mine now. Had to google because I saw cylinder 8 and knew it was going to be a bitch. Fortunately I have a reducer, going to go back out and get it finished! Thanks buddy.

Great video, that’s for taking the time to post it. And yes it’s hard to keep the video steady and explaining the process.

There’s a swivel in 3/8 or Half inch i recommend small ones I have both works better with a smaller swivel adaptor

I did the same thing as soon as I coukdnt find a short enough extension. 3/8 to 1/4 then 1/4 to 3/8.

Thanks, what's the half inch reducer?

Props!

Just did mine. Its not that bad. 1 inch extension and a ratchet fits with a little angling

Not sure what year/make and model you're working on. I removed the passenger inner fender liner on my 2013 Suburban. 10 minutes with an 8mm socket and a clip tool makes this job much easier. There is a heat shield that makes access to the #8 plug difficult. I removed two of the three 10mm nuts that held the shield to the body. The shield is just tin and you can bend it out of the way easily. This allows decent access to the #8 plug. Once the boots are off you can easily get them all out with a long extension. As long as you have the fender liner out, pop the lower radiator hose and do a coolant drain and refill while you're in there.

Did you remove anything else? I can't even get my arm down in there to the damn plug.

Whats the torque spec for spark plugs on that 5.3 ?m

What I did was I used a swivel extension and taped with electrical tape, so it won't bend.. It bends juts a bit which is helps a lot.

What kind of Sparkplug did you replace it with ?

I have a 2000 GMC Yukon and I can't seem to find out which one is #6

I have a super simple solution for all of you on this cylinder. Your 5/8” spark plug socket has a 19MM socket size end, i used the 5/8” spark plug socket with a shallow 19MM 12pt socket and 3/8” rachet....had it out in seconds

I did my whole passenger side in like under 10 minutes but that was after removing the passenger wheel and liner. And that only took me about 10 minutes.

Easy I inch extension on 1/4 drive.

How about snapping the dam wire on.lol Beating me up.

Fuck these metal heat shields around the boots 👊🏾

My problem is the boot! Can't pull it off

Oil dipstick over the number 8 cylinder?? All my GMC 5.3’s have the oil on the driver side of motor, the dipstick over #8 is the transmission dipstick…

I imagine it would be hard to do holding a phone with one hand. 😂 Just did mine it's not that difficult.

What about the boot itself, i'm going through hell just to get to the damn plug

2hrs i later i get it all swapped out & im struggling to get the wire back on.. fml right now..