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Re: I just picked up an 03 alero...
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Posted by MI-Roger [Email] (#882) [Profile/Gallery] (more from MI-Roger) on Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:50:13 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: I just picked up an 03 alero..., Johnson [Profile/Gallery] , Tue, 19 Apr 2016 14:14:53
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I always liked the Alero styling better than the GrandAm. Maybe an age thing. My Son obviously liked the GrandAm styling better.

For the tips:

I found that if I removed the right most (passenger side) coil pack from the engine, only two easy to access screws with 7/32's or 5.5mm heads (WTH?), I then had a usable sight window for plugs 1 and 3 (IIRC). Still an obstructed view but usable.

Only buy 100K mile Double Platinum or Iridium plugs.

Buy new wires whenever you change the plugs. The old ones may break internally when removing them from the old plugs.

Make sure you use a high quality spark plug socket. Almost all of my problems were caused by the weak rubber plug retainer in my bargain basement plug socket.

The plugs are gapped to 0.060 inches. Most old style plug gap tools don't go that large. Many/all plugs for this engine come pre-gapped to this dimension, but do you trust them?

Buy a serpentine belt tool, only $16.99 at Harbor Freight during their current Sale (ask me how I know?). There isn't really enough space for any other 3/8 drive tool to fit between the body members and the tensioner. Maybe a slim head ratchet, but maybe not too. I could release the original tensioner with tools on hand but the new Dayco unit has a different casting placing it closer to the car body members.

The retaining clip on the sole back side plug wire comb is a bugger to release blind. There are three such combs on the front so you have ample opportunities to practice before trying the rear one.

With a better plug socket, knowing about removal of the one coil pack for access, and pre-purchase of the Tensioner Tool, the job would have been closer to two hours and maybe less.

->Posting last edited on Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:55:34.
_______________________________________
Saabs owned:
2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles
2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver
2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022
1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project
2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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