Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Chevy Lumina 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 112K miles
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I have a 3.1L V6 and I want to change spark plugs. Its a side-mount engine and I need to get to the plugs back by the firewall.

Ther is a tool made by Thexton - GM engine moving tool - that will replace one of the front torque struts and you can move the engine forward tilting it until you can get to the back plugs. The tool has a steel threaded rod going throught it with a 3/4" bolt end that you turn to move the engine. Yeah right! Let's see if I can get it to move at all, but that is what it's suppose to do.

My question(s) are: 1 - I know I need to put the car in neutral and block the wheels, but the manual I have says to disconnect the Neg. battery terminal. The car has a GM security system of some type. My ignition key has a black plastic square with a metal contact in it for this system.

I am not going to disconnect the battery fearing that I will lock-up this system some how. As far as I know disconnecting the battery is to prevent arching and I've never done it in all of the many years I have changed spark plugs on cars. Will that be Ok? Should I or can I disconnect the battery? It seems like one more step I don't really need to do and it could make problems for me.

My next question is a general one. I know I am suppose to put the car in neutral and block the wheels. If any of you have used a tool like this to tilt the engine forward can you tell me what I should expect? Is there anything else I should look out for? I plan to do this slowly and keep an eye on everything I can.

I really don't want to do this but it seems to be the only way to get to the plugs back by the firewall. I don't have access to a lift or mechanics pit and from what I can see going in from under the car might not work anyway. IOf there is a better way I don't know about please let me know asap. Maybe I missed something.

the tool works good use it, i do that all the time.

You should be able to unhook the battery no problem at all with it, but you dont have too remove the battery.

i recommend doing it when changing the oil though!, they also have thigns that plug in the cigarette lighter that keeps the memory going and is a worthy investment.

once again ill say use the tool.