How to Change Spark Plugs on a 92 Cutlass

An interesting piece of trivia concerning the 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass: Its 3800 V-6 was the most widely used engine in America; it is on Ward's List as one of the top ten engines pf the 20th century, with over 125,000,000 units sold. The 1992 Cutlass used a distributorless ignition system that relied on a thin flat ignition control module with three coils resting on top. It was known as a "wasted spark ignition," where each coil fired two spark plugs -- one on the power stroke and the other on the exhaust stroke. It is mounted with a bracket to the front of the cylinder head, on the passenger side, closest to the radiator.

Instructions

1

Remove the spark plug wire from each plug, one at a time; replace the plug and reconnect the wire before moving on to the next plug -- this keeps everything in proper perspective for those not familiar with the firing order and other specifics. Start with the number 1 wire, which is on the passenger side, on the head closest to the radiator.

2

Pull off the metal heat isolator, using the needle-nose pliers to twist and pull on the metal cover over the plug wire. They can be difficult to remove at times, so twist and rock them until they release. When they release, the plug wire will usually come off the plug. If not, grab the plug wire at the plug and give it a twist as it is being pulled, and it will release.

3

Remove the spark plug, using the ratchet with a short extension and spark plug socket. Gap the new plug to .035 with the gapping tool.

4

Place the piece of -inch vacuum hose on the top of the plug and begin to thread it into the head. Install the spark plug and turn it clockwise as far as possible, by hand, using the hose, then pull the hose off. Continue to tighten the spark plug with the ratchet and socket until it is snug. Do not over-tighten it.

5

Push the spark plug wire and metal cover on the plug until it snaps in place. Move on to the next plug and use the same procedure.