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Joined: Sep 2006
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Oil Can Mechanic
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OP
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731 |
Been driving Chevrolets for better than 45 years with a each of the other GM brands thrown in now and then. Those along with untold customer cars I've worked on I've never seen anything other than AC plugs installed from the factory. Until yesterday. At 96,0000 miles my 01 GMC Sierra started showing signs it was time for new plugs. Packard wires were still present but I was totally surprised to find the 5.3L came equipped with Denso Iridium plugs!!!!
Needless to say ACs went back in.
Chevrolet
Valve In Head, Ahead In Value
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VCCA members have access to a list of over 50 Technical Advisors who can help you with your car. It's worth the price of membership! While you can get a lot of information for free in this forum, sometimes the info that you REALLY need is only available from the right person. This is what "The World's Best Chevrolet Club" is all about!
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
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So, are you the original owner of the GMC? using those Denso plugs Seems kinda like towing your show quality 32 Chevrolet family jewel with a F150 or a Tundra!  maybe I need to check the 5.3 in the 05 Tahoe, if I can even find them! It's plugs are original from Chevrolet in Arlington, TX and still going strong at 100,200 miles. However the mpgs have dropped down a mpg or so. I have been blameing the lower mpg because of leaving the car run with the A/C on for the comfort of the puppy dog when she is in the car at the stores.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Oil Can Mechanic
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OP
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731 |
yep, drove it home with 7 miles on the odometer.
the last 4 fill ups mileage dropped about 2 mpg and started noticing an ever so slight hiccup on light acceleration up a long incline.
number 8 was a bit of a bear but NOTHING like plug accessibility of the F and Y bodies. pulled the end off of only one plug wire.
I'm just curious if this is now common practice or just an instance of using another supplier to meet production demands.
Times they are a changin'.
Chevrolet
Valve In Head, Ahead In Value
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648 |
I've never seen any other than AC factory installed eaither but i've seen Packard wires on them. I wouldnt get alarmed till you start seeing Hochimin wires and zammamotto plugs.
In my shop, quality is a standard, NOT and option.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
I checked with the mechanics at a large Chevrolet dealership last week. They said some engines come with the Denso plugs and some with AC.....and no problem with either. I have seen more than one set of plugs still functioning well afer 200,000 miles.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2008
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
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Boy,
I would hate to try and get a plug out ... after 200,000 miles. I already know how my luck would treat the situation.
Bob
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Happy birthday Bob. 
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,178
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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Boy,
I would hate to try and get a plug out ... after 200,000 miles. I already know how my luck would treat the situation.
Bob Amen to that. My son had a VW with who knows how many miles on the engine, we attempted a change but gave up and took it to a VW guy, before I broke them off in th eheads. 
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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If the proper plugs are used they are made from a material than allows them to loosen with no problem. Not like the old plugs 20 years ago when the threads in the aluminum head came along with the plug or the threaded portion broke off.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
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GM has a general policy to have at least two suppliers for each part. That way if one supplier can't supply the other can. Or if a plant burns down they can still produce vehicles. It also helps control cost both in GM and outside supplier plants.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 762
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Oct 2003
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I just changed the plugs on my 01 Silverado and it had NGK plugs I bought A/C plugs and was surprised when I took out the old ones and saw NGK
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Joined: Feb 2008
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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Thank you ...I don't feel a day over 68 !
Bob
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Oil Can Mechanic
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OP
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731 |
If the proper plugs are used they are made from a material than allows them to loosen with no problem. Not like the old plugs 20 years ago when the threads in the aluminum head came along with the plug or the threaded portion broke off. been there, done that! a 215 Pontiac. 4 out of 8 pulled the threads. that's why I automatically go to a state of pucker when removing plugs from an aluminum head.
Chevrolet
Valve In Head, Ahead In Value
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