Chrysler Repair: 1990 Chrysler Imperial, change rear spark plugs, chrysler imperial, mental picture

Question
How do I gain access to change the rear spark plugs on a 1990 Chrysler Imperial?

Answer
Hi Don,
You didn't mention it so I'll guess: you have the 3.3L engine stuffed into that engine compartment, correct?
I haven't had the "pleasure" of dealing with that set-up but I hear your pain. The plugs are located between the pipes of the exhaust manifold on the rear side of the engine. You may just have to do it by feel or with the help of a mirror to see what you can. Fortunately if the last person who installed the plugs used some anti-seize compound on the threads and didn't overtorque (spec is 20 ft-lbs) you ought to be able to get them to release without too long of a ratchet handle. Be very careful to thread the new plugs in by hand so as to not cross-thread the holes. I don't have a mental picture of anything that might be removeable to increase your access. Have you looked up from under the vehicle to see if they are accessible that way? I wonder about the engineers agreeing to put that large and so-configured engine in crosswise. I guess that is one of the reasons they put it in lengthwise when the LH body came out in '93.
I wish I had a trick to suggest. You might inquire at a dealer to see if their tune-up mechanic has any ideas. Please let me know how you work around this problem.
Roland