3.4 L V6 Chev Venture Van Question?

[homer]

Hey out there!

Anyone have one of these? I have a 2002 3.4L V6 venture van (POS, believe me, I will never buy another one!). Wondering about changing the spark plugs? I've heard it's a big job, not one for a do it yourself'er. Have you had it done? Does the check engine light come on when it's time for a change? It's coming up to 160K, which I believe is the time to have them done. How much from a dealer/garage to have done? I know a licenced mechanic who works from home, so I"d like to have an idea on the actual price. Thanks

Homer

 

[BiffRudy]

Hey out there!

Anyone have one of these? I have a 2002 3.4L V6 venture van (POS, believe me, I will never buy another one!). Wondering about changing the spark plugs? I've heard it's a big job, not one for a do it yourself'er. Have you had it done? Does the check engine light come on when it's time for a change? It's coming up to 160K, which I believe is the time to have them done. How much from a dealer/garage to have done? I know a licenced mechanic who works from home, so I"d like to have an idea on the actual price. Thanks

Homer

Check engine light will not come on when it's time to change the plugs. At 160k you are definitely past the best before date as i believe the maintenance interval is 100k. Plan on paying $12-$15 per plug (platinum) . Stick with either AC Delco or NGK (NGK manufactures AC platinum plugs).

 

[WoodPeckr]

Platinum plugs should last 100,000 miles.
Had a '92 Transport with platinum plugs that I took up to 160,000 miles on the original platinum plugs with NO PROBLEMS or drop on fuel economy. Had lots of fun it that van. It had the 3800 V6, one of the best engines GM made then. The 3.4L V6 and tranny is not as good. Of course that was back then. Don't know if the newer platinum plugs are made as well. That '92 Pontiac Transport was one of the best vehicles owned. Had almost NO problems with it. Sold it to a buddy who just last yr put it in the junk year with well over 240,000 miles on it. The plastic body still looked great but the metal underbody was rusting out.

 

[landscaper]

the cost will depend on how much excavation the mechanic has t do to get to teh plugs, call the dealership and canadian tire and check prices that will give you both ends of the spectrum. One of the larger questions is will they have to remove the intake manifold to get to the plugs, if so there will be extra costs.