GM 5.3L Vortec

[Vermin93]

Let me first say I'm not much of an automobile guy. I change the oil and filter myself, but that's about it.

My 2001 Tahoe is about to hit 100k miles. Gas mileage is down noticeably and it's not turning over smoothly even with a brand new battery. It still has the original spark plugs.

How hard is it to DIY replace the plugs on this engine? Should I also replace the wires?

[Usdi Yonv]

Should take about an hour, and yes replace the wires.

[1shot]

Plugs should be easy on that

[TXFireFighter]

Really easy. You have tons of room under the hood. Yes change wires, plugs, air filter, pcv valve. Don't forget to change the fuel filter also. It's on the frame rail underneath drivers door. I've got 245,000 on my 2000 5.3L Silverado! Take care of it and it will take care of you.

[ccupit]

Do the fuel filter too

[35remington]

GM 5.3L Vortec

Let me first say I'm not much of an automobile guy. I change the oil and filter myself, but that's about it.

My 2001 Tahoe is about to hit 100k miles. Gas mileage is down noticeably and it's not turning over smoothly even with a brand new battery. It still has the original spark plugs.

How hard is it to DIY replace the plugs on this engine? Should I also replace the wires?

The first 7 plugs are easy peasy. The 8th one is a mother loving cluster frag to get out. It's the one on the passenger side, closest to the firewall. You could DIY if you got a socket angle extension. But because you said you're not a car guy, I'd take it to a trusted mech for all the things these guys said. My 5.3 has 205K and runs and pulls great. 14mpg is standard though.

[txtimetravler]

The first 7 plugs are easy peasy. The 8th one is a mother loving cluster frag to get out. It's the one on the passenger side, closest to the firewall. You could DIY if you got a socket angle extension. But because you said you're not a car guy, I'd take it to a trust mech for all the things these guys said. My 5.3 has 205K and runs and pulls great. 14mpg is standard though.

X2

[ultralite09]

X2

lol x3 ....

Lets put it this way, when I changed my plugs and wires, each one took about 1-2 mins each, the 8th by the passenger firewall took an hour. Pretty much jacked the passenger side up and took out the wheel well liner and got it from there.

[35remington]

^^ I'm glad I wasn't the only one who had problems. Jiminey Cricket that was a nightmare.

[dpg481]

I would also replace the fuel pressure valve on the top of the intake. On those they are serviceable and not in the tank like the newer ones of the same body style. It's right there with the fuel filter screen. If your having hard starts or the engine is spinning over an not starting right up you are losing pressure.

[TallTexan]

Really easy. You have tons of room under the hood. Yes change wires, plugs, air filter, pcv valve. Don't forget to change the fuel filter also. It's on the frame rail underneath drivers door. I've got 245,000 on my 2000 5.3L Silverado! Take care of it and it will take care of you.

This

Also be sure to gap the plugs properly, don't ask how I know, and don't go fancy plugs imo. Use regular A/C delco plugs.

I tried the fancy iridium, and ran horribly.

[Grulla]

Try and use ac Delco parts ..

[dropem]

Let me first say I'm not much of an automobile guy. I change the oil and filter myself, but that's about it.

My 2001 Tahoe is about to hit 100k miles. Gas mileage is down noticeably and it's not turning over smoothly even with a brand new battery. It still has the original spark plugs.

How hard is it to DIY replace the plugs on this engine? Should I also replace the wires?

As others have stated 7 of the 8 are easy. If you want to do it yourself and don't have the tools let me know. If you can come by during business hours you can do the work at my shop with my tools.

[Vermin93]

Thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it.

The one thing I'm uncertain about now is what replacement plugs to use. Most of my online research indicates Iridium tipped is the way to go, but it seems a few people have had bad experiences doing so.

[refugioco]

Dropem, that is a great offer. You can learn a lot having access to the proper tools.