Let me start by apologizing...I know there are threads on this already, but I cannot find the one I was reading before I joined :/ I have a 1999 3.8 V6, and I was able to get all of the plug wires, and all of the spark plugs except for the plug in firing order 4 (passenger side, middle plug) changed out.

I have small hands and could get to everything without getting my hands banged up, but cannot get to that freaking plug! I spent 3 hours under that car trying to get all the plugs changed. The car sounds beautiful now, but I would love to get all six plugs changed out. Can anyone give me some specific tips on getting that one plug out?

I saw someone posting advice on just breaking that plug to get it out, but I am not super confident doing that, or what to do once the plug is broken....I also read people advising to remove the heat shields over the manifold to make it easier to get to all of the plugs, but that plug is so close to (the O2 sensor?) that I don't know if that would help...and I am not sure I want to put in that effort for one plug if it isn't essential...and I am just kinda guessing that the aluminum looking metal over the tops of the manifolds are the heat shields the poster was referring to?

 

do you have a rachet with a flex head. that helps. unfortunately i have never done a v6 but on the v8 i have to put the socket with a short extension on first then put the rachet on. might try changing your body angle, on one i have to sorta lay across the engine to get the right way for my hand and fingers to fit right.

 

I have a swivel ratchet. For most of them, I had to work the socket onto the plug, then attach an extension, then tetris the swivel ratchet onto the extension. I cannot even see plug 4 from the top...I'm kinda short...if the car is on jacks, I have to get a step stool to reach anything in the engine bay lol

 

it's plug #6 on the lT1 even with long tube headers

place 7/8 socket without handle onto plug

using open end wrench or ratcheting box wrench, put wrench over socket and break it loose. Then when loose, reach in with hand and spin the socket

or you can try a tite-reach. I put it on my XMAs list and got one!!!! I haven't used it yet but trust it's going to save my knuckles

 

As suggested above, once plug is loose - 3/8 inch ID fuel line hose shoved over insulator and unscrew by hand.
New plug - antiseize on threads and use hose to screw in hand tight, then wrench to tighten.