1992 Chevy Truck Spark plug locations

CIPRIMM23

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET TRUCK
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
178,000 MILES

I have a 1992 Chevrolet C1500 V6. For a few days it has been making a slight hissing tap noise on the passenger side of the truck near the exhaust manifold. Originally I thought it was a possible exhaust leak so I was going to let it go until I had a chance to get it checked. Tonight when I pulled into the drive way it started making a really loud noise in the same place. Almost like a back fire noise only constant. POP POP POP. It just keeps going. I popped the hood and started the truck. I noticed a spark plug wire (not distributor side, the engine side of the wire) was not connected to a spark plug and I could see a slight spark coming from in. It would be to the spark plug at the front of the engine. It is dark outside so it was tough to see, but I couldn't find the spark plug it was supposed to go to, to save my life. I just don't see it! Can you explain to me where it is at? And also, do you believe that is the problem? Thank you very much.

Sunday, October 18th, 2009 AT 9:19 PM

7 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Wow. . ...that doesn't sound good. . .. . .. . ...

I am sorry to say the manual doesn't show any pics like you probably need. Does your engine look like one below?

Most likely the plug may have blown totally out. Hopefully the threads in the head are not damaged.

When was your last tune up. . ...plugs. . ..wires etc??

Look on the sides of the heads near the exhaust manifold for the plug or the hole. . .. . ...use a strong light.

If it did blow the plug out I would CAREFULLY ease a new plug in to see how the threads took it.

What is the 8th digit of your VIN

Please let me know what you find and if one of these pics help

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, October 18th, 2009 AT 10:08 PM

CIPRIMM23

MEMBER
40 POSTS

Thanks for the quick reply. As far as I can tell, that is the correct engine in the photos. I was wondering if the spark plug blow out was the problem, being that I can't see the plug. I plan on checking it in the morning when I can actually see. Since you say it could be a blow out, it is it possible that the hissing tapping noise I had heard before was air seeping out around the spark plug (because the plug was loose) Then when I pulled in the drive way and it started popping because it had finally pushed the plug completely out? (The load popping didn't start until I got home) I wonder if there is a spark plug on the ground somewhere. I changed my distributor cap last year, and the wires were changed I believe in 06. I will go ahead and change all the plugs. I just have to find where that last one is. I just hope it isn't anything serious. I usually fix the truck myself because I can figure stuff out pretty easy, Hopefully this one will be the same. The 8th number in my VIN is "Z"

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, October 18th, 2009 AT 10:20 PM

CIPRIMM23

MEMBER
40 POSTS

I figured my truck would be cooled off by now, so I went out and had a look. I stuck my hand down there and did some feeling around and found where the plug should be. It wasn't there. I took a look under the truck and sure enough it was there. It is in real bad shape and clearly needed attention and to be changed. The threads on the spark plug seem to be unharmed, but I will give caution when putting the new one in like you said. This should fix my problem. I will let you know as soon as I get it done tomorrow. What size plug do I need?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, October 18th, 2009 AT 11:03 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Glad you found the plug.......I would replace the wires too if it has been a while.

The plug type is AC CR43TS double check at the parts store. Torque for the plug is about 22 ftlbs and the gab is about.035

I would ease a new plug in a little then back out then in and back out and once you see it is taking the plug okay then press.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

-1

Monday, October 19th, 2009 AT 9:51 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, October 19th, 2009 AT 9:53 PM

CIPRIMM23

MEMBER
40 POSTS

I changed all of the spark plugs this morning. The threading where the old spark plug had blown out was in good condition. It was able to thread in and tighten well. The truck started up and is back to normal. I really appreciate your help and definitely know where I can get great service in the future. Thanks again!

Caleb

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, October 19th, 2009 AT 10:26 PM

IMPALASS