I just bought a used soccer Mom minivan....

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 I got it from a dude I work with Mom...In nice condition as far as paint and interior . It does need new front tires and front brakes . I'd also like to put all new belts and hoses as I plan to use this for vacation taking my grand-daughter to the ocean. Here is my question's ....It needs tuned up and WTF is the deal with the three spark plugs on the back of the motor...How do you get to them ? Special tool ? It looks like it would be easier to pull the motor and change the 3 back plugs    If anyone has ever changed the spark plugs on a soccer Mom minivan and can give me some tips it would be appreciated. What's the ballpark $$ on paying someone to do this ?

[jer0177]

Dodge?  Crawl underneath it and reach up the backside of the engine to get 'em.  GM? take out the wishbone motor mount on the front and roll the engine forward (at least that's the way the V-6 cars work, don't recall doing one on a minivan when I worked in the shop).

[Patrick]

I've never heard of a 'mom mini-van',so, it would be nice to have some useful info as to what you really bought..
What Jer said is right.. But, all are different. Some are as Jer said, on others the cradle needs to be dropped on some and the intake removed.. Depending on the make and year, it may only need wires or coil pack if it doesn't have a bizillion miles on it..

[BonS]

I remove the windshield wiper "package" on my 2001 Chrysler van. This gives me easy top-side access to the plugs. While I was in there I also got a good look at the steel tubing for the rear heater and was amazed that it hadn't blown out due to corrosion as it passes right next to the catalytic converter and is dripped on by the AC condensate. The OEM replacement is now stainless steel - problem solved.

[paulmull ( Wimp )]

I remove the windshield wiper "package" on my 2001 Chrysler van. This gives me easy top-side access to the plugs. While I was in there I also got a good look at the steel tubing for the rear heater and was amazed that it hadn't blown out due to corrosion as it passes right next to the catalytic converter and is dripped on by the AC condensate. The OEM replacement is now stainless steel - problem solved.

I know Smokinjoe and the van he got is a Plymouth Voyager...I've seen it and it looks well cared for .

[BF]

I used to have a Plymouth Voyager mini-van for the wife.  The easiest way I found to change the plugs (or the oil....or anything on it for that matter) was to trade it in on an suv.  Biggest POS I've ever owned. 
 

[R J]

My neighbor bought a Plymouth Voyager new.     She still has it and drives it daily.   All she has had to do is put new tires, brakes and a few other odds and ends on it in it's lifetime.

It sets outside so her Toyota Supra coupe can set inside.    She brushes the snow off the windows, fires it up and off she goes.

She has to have close to 200K on it by now.   Supra has like 35K on it, her husband bought it as a present on their 50th wedding anniversary. He passed away about 4 months later.   She says she is keeping that car till she croaks, then they will have to read her will to see who gets it.

My son does her mechanical work and he says the Voyager is one strong running vehicle.

[Daniel Meyer]

(tries to picture Smokin'Joe driving a mini-van)
...
...
...
(fails)
(keeps coming up valks or big-rigs)

 

[BamaDrifter64]

I can't wait to see Joe's pictures on Killboy putting that Plymouth through the curves of the Dragon on 2 wheels...and they will be darkside!   

Dave

[amazngrace]

I had a 94 Voyager V6 and changed the plugs at 120K. When I checked the gap on the old plugs I was surprised it would even run!

I remember working off an 18" bench in front of the grill and kind of
laying over the motor so I could get both hands between the firewall and the motor. There was a lot of finger scraping and cussin going on..

..ED

[Patrick]

A Chrysler van.. 5 sparklers are not too bad to get at, the 6th is a %$%$^#&, but, it's doable with small hands.. Don't forget the never-seize..

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

(tries to picture Smokin'Joe driving a mini-van)
...
...
...
(fails)
(keeps coming up valks or big-rigs)

 

I can't wait to see Joe's pictures on Killboy putting that Plymouth through the curves of the Dragon on 2 wheels...and they will be darkside!  

Dave

Thanks everyone for the comments ....Daniel I'm pretty sure I'll only be in that thing when its beach bound     Dave you can bet the river bottom farm you WILL NOT see me doin' The Dragon in the soccer mom sled  


Again thanks for all the commenets everyone I crawled under it again with a flash-lite and I'm just going to pay someone else to do the tune-up and save the hide on my hands  

[Ricky-D]

That's what gloves are made for 

***

[0leman]

Joe: I figured out several years ago that having someone else change the sparklers was the way to go.   Use to change the all the time till they started putting engines in sideways.  If one bust off a plug in the back, real pain to get it out.  So let the shop do it.

[6jugzz]

Here is what u do joe..........go buy the longest 3/8 drive extension u can find. Put it in your tool box. Then run that van off a cliff and call it a good day!!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here is what u do joe..........go buy the longest 3/8 drive extension u can find. Put it in your tool box. Then run that van off a cliff and call it a good day!!

You make a good point Jesse but this is a pretty nice ride as far as mini vans go...Ice cold A/C it's got a heater that will melt your shoe's off.  The body , paint and interior are in real nice condition. The lady I bought it from bought it new and I got a hellofa deal on it.Just going to mainly use it on long trips that's why I'd like to get all new belts ,hoses and a good tune up with new plugs /wires etc.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe: I figured out several years ago that having someone else change the sparklers was the way to go.   Use to change the all the time till they started putting engines in sideways.  If one bust off a plug in the back, real pain to get it out.  So let the shop do it.

I'm with you on this one 

[Ricky-D]

I am not aware that vans are front wheel drive and it's been my experience that vans have access to the motor thru a removable cover from inside the van.

I know this is probably an old impression and am willing to be enlightened.

I've had vans and if they have a good heater and a good a/c they are a wonderful way to travel albeit expensive with the cost of fuel these days.

***

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I am not aware that vans are front wheel drive and it's been my experience that vans have access to the motor thru a removable cover from inside the van.

I know this is probably an old impression and am willing to be enlightened.

I've had vans and if they have a good heater and a good a/c they are a wonderful way to travel albeit expensive with the cost of fuel these days.

***

Six banger front wheel drive no doghouse everything is packed in tight and those 3 rear spark plugs and buried between the motor and firewall  ...Get's decent gas mileage being a 6.

[Jess from VA]

Congrats on the van Joe.  

IMHO, (not counting true collectors, and vehicles used to make a living) all cars/trucks are junk, just biding their time to go to the junkyard..... some are just newer junk than others.  However, I drove used most of my life (cheaper junk), and coming across a good deal in good shape is always a great big plus.  

I twice owned vans in my youth; both times I had collected enough performance awards and points driving my used hot rods to be one ticket away from a suspension.  Amazingly, I don't think I ever got a ticket driving a van, even though I still hot roded them around pretty much like my cars (they were a bit slower, but you can still try).  Plus there were all those coed road trips that were so much more rewarding in a van.  

One of my best friends in HS was a budding cabinetmaker/carpenter, and he finished out an old Econoline beautifully with all the comforts of home.  He took it to pick up a date, and her father asked him to show him all his work.  Dad was truly impressed, but after seeing the plush carpet, stereo, curtains and bed across the back he told my buddy "If you want to take my daughter on a date, go get your dads car, because she will not be going anywhere with you in that rolling bedroom."    

[Skinhead]

Congrats on the van Joe. 

IMHO, (not counting true collectors) all cars/trucks are junk, just biding their time to go to the junkyard..... some are just newer junk than others.  However, I drove used most of my life (cheaper junk), and coming across a good deal in good shape is always a great big plus.   

I couldn't agree more.

[jer0177]

I am not aware that vans are front wheel drive and it's been my experience that vans have access to the motor thru a removable cover from inside the van.

I know this is probably an old impression and am willing to be enlightened.

I've had vans and if they have a good heater and a good a/c they are a wonderful way to travel albeit expensive with the cost of fuel these days.

***

You're thinkin "Van" instead of "Mini-van".  Vans are rear wheel drive, built on a truck chassis, mini-vans are typically front wheel drive (or AWD), built on a car chassis (if you can call it that).

[Grumpy]

I am not aware that vans are front wheel drive and it's been my experience that vans have access to the motor thru a removable cover from inside the van.

I know this is probably an old impression and am willing to be enlightened.

I've had vans and if they have a good heater and a good a/c they are a wonderful way to travel albeit expensive with the cost of fuel these days.

***

Six banger front wheel drive no doghouse everything is packed in tight and those 3 rear spark plugs and buried between the motor and firewall  ...Get's decent gas mileage being a 6.

Hmm easy ??, put plugs in my hemi a couple months ago, 16 plugs and 8 were a whore to get to, had to pull brake booster and a bunch of other stuff, just to remove the coils off the plugs, I see why the dealer gets $300 to install them. next time I will trade it for a new one.

[Patrick]

Hemi sparklers ? What were they in?  I just re-gapped mine, cleaned the throttle body in about an hour.. Parking brake shoes and backing plates have been on order for 3 months though.. Chrysler, I'm not sure about buying another..

[john]

I can't wait to see Joe's pictures on Killboy putting that Plymouth through the curves of the Dragon on 2 wheels...and they will be darkside!   

Dave

me too   ...   

[Grumpy]

Hemi sparklers ? What were they in?  I just re-gapped mine, cleaned the throttle body in about an hour.. Parking brake shoes and backing plates have been on order for 3 months though.. Chrysler, I'm not sure about buying another..

2500 series Ram quad cab with the heavy duty package. The motor sits way back, I think they call it cab forward.

[Oss]

curious which engine you have in there Joe

3.0 
3.3 or 3.8     The 3.3 or 3.8 running regular gas is what we have

we are on our 2nd grand caravan (had a regular caravan) and they are
great for trips    expect 25 mpg on the highway if you dont beat on it
and the tires are 33lbs (its not an avon so dont run 42 in front)

IMHO the only weak point is tranny and you will know when its time

running triple treds and they grip fine in wet and light snow and will take the dragon at speed limit +20

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

curious which engine you have in there Joe

3.0  
3.3 or 3.8     The 3.3 or 3.8 running regular gas is what we have

we are on our 2nd grand caravan (had a regular caravan) and they are
great for trips    expect 25 mpg on the highway if you dont beat on it
and the tires are 33lbs (its not an avon so dont run 42 in front)

IMHO the only weak point is tranny and you will know when its time

running triple treds and they grip fine in wet and light snow and will take the dragon at speed limit +20

That's how I got it she traveled in it to Illinois to see family a couple times a year and the transmission went out on it up in Kentucky. She had a brand new transmission installed but never trusted it so she bought a new van.I've been under it a few times ( changing the oil / looking at the three spark plugs from hell ) and no doubt it has a shiny new transmission in it....Engine is a 3.0

[MacDragon]

A number of years ago, I had one of those Plymouth Voyagers... Yes, a PITA to work on... But a good van.  The reason it's good is because it has a Nissan engine in it.  Same as the Nissan Quest.  Should last a good, long time.