No tricks. You have to move the alt. to get #1, the rest of the rears are from underneath. THe fronts are easy. Other way is to remove the plenum which isn't that hard. If you do that I'd go ahead and do VC gaskets since you'll be there already. I'll be doing that on my 99 since at 200+k it will be getting it's 2nd set of plugs and I might as well lol
LArry
Larry is right, pretty well. I have gotten to the #1 w/o moving the alternator however it is easier that way. Removing the plenum is a good idea also, so you can clean it up inside.
Buy the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL if you are buying any manuals. The other ones are, well, I really can't repeat it on here, what I think of them. You can find FSM on e-bay all the time.
The 2001 plenum makes it alot easier to do on the 4th gen vans. All plugs from the top. :thumb:
Just thought I would throw my two cents in. My manual says to remove the wiper module/cowl. Haven't done it yet on mine but it does look relativly easy to do. I believe a Hayes manual also shows this procedure to change the rear plugs.
i have long arms and fingers so getting underneath my van and changing the plugs was easy (just make sure your exhaust is cool first, i learned that the hard way *blush*
I went the route of pulling the plenum and cowl. Having that cowl out of the way was a *big* improvement. It just looked like there was too much stuff in the way to go from the bottom w/o a lift. I hope I never have to do it again though.
No slappin required Chas... I found a link here that shows you a plenum. Removing the plenum makes access to the rear plugs easier, but involves more prep time. As Rich mentioned, it is a good time ot clean the plenum while you have it off.
Man...these three rear plugs are a pain to change (compared to most other vehicles). However, getting rid of the plenum makes everything much..much..more easier.
AMD, yes, that is a plenum however it is one from the 3.0 Liter Mitsu engine. It does give the idea of what you have to get around, as a plenum is a plenum.
This is a picture of the new plenum ( the black molded plastic part) on an engine. It is on a 2001+ engine and the redesign really helps when changing rear plugs, compared to the pre-2001 models.
I wonder if the plenum from the 4th gen body style 3.8 liter engines will fit into the the 3rd gen body style? I understand from a thread here that the LHS plenum from the 3.8 will work with our vans also....
I just did the plugs and wires on my 2000 grand caravan, let me say what a pain. got it done in just under an hour tho and that includes moving the alternator for #1 and going from the underside to get the other two back ones. i hope i dont have to do it again but if so oh well my van runs a lot better now
I removed the wiper cowel or tray as some describe. That made the job pretty easy and I didn't have to remove the plenum or altenator. as for how long it took me, probably a lot longer than most concidering I have Muscular Dystrophy so tight spaces are a real challenge. I think it was two and a half hours but then I work slow and steady. Changing the back three seemed as easy as the front three. Just don't forget to mark the position of your wipers and drivers side on the top.
I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.0 L. The best way to change the spark plugs is to remove the windshield wiper tub, this is for the 3 behind. It takes no effort to take it out actually, it takes me about 10-15 minutes now. It's just few nuts and screws, that's all. It looks pretty intimidating but after you have done it its very easy process. It will take you a bit longer the first time but it will be easy for the second time around. The #1, #3 and #5 are quite accessible once you have removed the tub. #1 is a bit of a pain in the butt, but if you have the right length of extensions you will have no problem taking them out and putting in the new ones. Like i said, don't be intimated, its a fairly easy process. If any questions just email me at caldhahan@gmail.com. Would be happy to help and I have received lot of tips from the net from other people or various topics. I hope my two bits will help someone.
Thanks for the tip. I recently bought my 2000 T&C and am going to take a look at the wiper tub assembly this week. I'm also thinking about removing the intake and other components as I may want to change the valve cover gaskets.
The plectrum is just another way to say air intake it's 2 pieces as top and bottom. Put it this way me and my brother In law (who has been a pro diesel machanic 20+ years) 2 and a half hours to do mine
any chance the 2001 plenum will fit a 2000? if I am going to remove it to do plugs might as well swap to prevent the problem in the future if the bits are compatible.
Like Andy says, seriously doubtful; the two aren't even remotely similar in design, layout, orientation, plumbing (intake charge and EGR), and cable routing.
It would require lots of extra work, like modifying wiring and the intake system, possibly the accessories. I thought about it to give my 3.8 more power but didn't seem worth it.
I'm getting ready to do this job too. I just found this nifty video how-to on removing the wiper cowl and tray. Looks pretty easy. Unfortunately, the guy DOESN'T tell us which extensions and/or u-joints we need to get the rears out. I don't have many tools and will need to go buy any special sockets and adapters BEFORE I take my van apart.