Introduction
This guide will show you how to replace the spark plugs in your VE / VF V6 Commodore. Whilst this guide is written for the LLT Engine, the process is very similar for LFX Models, however the intake manifold is plastic.
Difficulty Rating
Tools/Parts Required
- Spark Plug Socket
- Socket Set
- Torque Bar
- Breaker Bar
- Anti-Sieze
- x6 Spark Plugs (1.1mm Gap)
Step 1
To access all six spark plugs, we need to loosen the intake manifold. This will require removal of attached components.
- Unclip and remove the black insulating material
- Disconnect the three PCV tubes. Push the tab across and pull outwards
Step 2
Unclip the purge solenoid from the intake manifold. It slides off towards the firewall.
Step 3
Unclip the throttle body loom and disconnect the intake pipe. Also unbolt the support bracket as circled.
Step 4
Remove the five long bolts located on top of the intake manifold. The bolt closest to the front is shorter than the rest. Keep this in mind when reinstalling.
Step 5
Next, remove the final bolt securing the manifold to the engine. You will need to unscrew this bolt entirely, however you will not be able to remove it from the manifold due to a lack of clearance.
(This picture has been borrowed from an LFX engine. The bolt however is identical)
Step 6
Raise the intake manifold and place an object underneath it to support it. This will provide enough clearance to access all the spark plugs.
Step 7
Unclip all looms from the ignition coils. Simply push the grey tab downwards, then press on the connector and disconnect.
Step 8
Unbolt the ignition coils and remove from the engine.
Step 9
Using a spark plug socket and breaker bar, gently remove the spark plugs from the engine.
Step 10
Install the new spark plugs by applying a light coating of anti-size and gently thread them into position by hand. Be very careful not to cross thread the plugs.
Tighten with a torque wrench to 20nm.
This Post Has 18 Comments
Hi did you re-use the original gasket from under the intake plenum when putting the plenum back on? Or did you have to buy a new gasket kit?
Re-used the gasket as it is a solid piece. Older models with paper gaskets should be replaced.
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I am looking at doing spark plugs and manifold clean out at 100,000km. (93,500 now).
This is excellent advice! I appreciate your work. Really it such an informative post. I’ve read so many amazing things about your article! Looking forward to reading more of your blogs…
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the howto instruction, I was able to use it to get my plugs changed. Though I was unable to find the last bolt to release the manifold in step 5. Even with the manifold still in place I was able to get the coils off by loosening the purge solenoid bracket that was on the side of the manifold and swinging it forward. So Basically I could have done the job without removing any manifold bolts, throttle body bolt or removing the intake pipe. So only the pvc tubes would have needed disconnecting. Hope this helps someone else. Cheers. Thanks again.
To change spark plugs in VE Commodore(lfx) there is no need to remove manifold; I did it last week and I am 75 years young.
You don’t need to do any of this on the LLT engine either. Remove a couple of hoses, and the solonoid (to get to number 5) but you definitely do NOT need to loosen or remove the intake. I replaced coils and plugs today on an ’09 LLT engine and didn’t touch any of the manifold bolts. Once you pull the coil from the port, you just need to rotate it 90 degrees so the mounting tab will clear the intake. You’ll need an articulated plug spanner or socket to get the plugs out of 5 and 6 (unless you want to remove the plastic trim below the windscreen). This is a 1-hour job at the most and is of medium complexity at best.