Replace Spark Plugs on Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8

My spark plugs on the used truck that I bought were almost worn down to nothing (the electrodes)! I’m guessing they’ve only been changed once in the 170,000 km on the truck. This should be the same procedure for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with the 5.3L engine from 2007-2013.
I am replacing spark plugs on the 5.3L engine of my 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. This procedure is the same for the GMC Sierra version with the same engine.
Tools needed:
5/8” spark plug socket (I used the Gearwrench 80546 spark plug tool)
3/8” ratchet
3/8” universal swivel joint
Anti-seize compound
Torque wrench
Torque spec for spark plugs: 11 ft-lb. or 132 in-lb.
Magnet
8 new spark plugs gapped to 0.040 inch.
Note: I didn't realize the factory spark plugs were iridium and in this video I replaced them with platinum. Since realizing my error, I ordered iridium plugs and did this again.

[@brianbezotte4595]

Number 8 plug is a demon. I was literally laying on top of the engine to get at it. I used my old plug wire to guide and thread it into position and then tightened it off with the socket.

[@lmsdiy]

Good idea to use and old plug wire to get it started!

[@tonyreagan4553]

Great tips, just changed mine out today. Wow , so went over the hood on the driver side and all the spark plug connectors took the longest to get off basically. The passenger side has no room so someone in your comments asked if you can get to the passenger side from the wheel well. Well the answer to him and you, is yes. Jacked up the side, tire off and removed the wheel well cover , few screws and some tabs that I replaced. No way in hell I would have gotten it done over the top , especially the furthest one back was almost invisible but could reach them all much easier thru the wheel well fyi to whoever reads this.

[@lmsdiy]

@tonyreagan4553 thank you for sharing your suggestions and experience on this!

[@stevefoster6233]

I came here for that number 8 plug. Glad I am not the only one struggling 😊

[@lmsdiy]

I hear ya.. I should buy the plastic/rubber spark plug tool. It’s flexible and great for starting spark plugs off in awkward spots!

[@wesstuff2751]

I agree with what you said regarding not knowing everything But also satisfaction of the job, patient’s is golden and why pay a shop to due the things that your comfortable doing, good video

[@lmsdiy]

Totally agreed!

[@joecnc3341]

A good trick to use when putting in spark plugs is to force the porcelain end into a 3/8 id chunk of vacuum/fuel hose - keeps from dropping the plug, and you can feel when the threads line up - no stripping of threads. Also-not a bad idea to apply a small amount of high temp anti-seize to the threads. A little dielectric grease on the porcelain end is a good idea too

[@lmsdiy]

Yes to all of the above! Thanks for sharing.

[@jacobmartin1951]

Ive personally found it easiest to just put the sparkplug socket on the plug then use a ratchet with a 19mm shallow socket. works perfect

[@slicksilver9441]

What?

[@JefeDoesIt]

I like using a piece of rubber hose on the end of a spark plug when hand threading it in.

[@lmsdiy]

Excellent choice...!

[@edwardcharron474]

The tip is worn, although it didn’t start out with the shape of the new ones, the stock plug is iridium and they have a pointy electrode and not a blunt pin shape.

[@lmsdiy]

Thanks @edwardcharron474!

[@Faithisfuture]

Thank you I have not done it ever kind of scary at the beginning I hope it works cannot get it started right now

[@lmsdiy]

Best of luck. Make sure all the spark plug wires are in good shape and reconnected!

[@jimrodriguez7640]

Thank you for making this video! It helps a lot!

[@lmsdiy]

My pleasure! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

[@keithburton1410]

Wrap black electrical tape around your universal socket adapter it will keep it from flopping around on you as much.

[@lmsdiy]

Thanks for the tip! 👍

[@terryraines9952]

thank you, getting ready to order my pluges from rock auto as well, your toque wrench? I have the same I just bought but I can't hear a clicking soounds? , just the feel I think when it tightens down, is that the way it's suppose to be

[@lmsdiy]

Yes, it's very quiet and subtle, especially with such low torque (7 ft.lb / 132 in.lb), it barely takes any effort so the click is very quiet.

[@BrianLongenecker]

I'd just like to point out that you removed iridium spark plugs and replaced them with conventional plugs. They are two different plugs. While the ones you removed are worn, they never looked like the ones you put in. Iridium plugs are rated to last 100,000 miles, the others about 60k. Your 5.3 was designed to use Iridium.

[@lmsdiy]

Yep, thanks for the feedback. I realized after checking later that factory is iridium and I thought it was platinum. Guess I get to do this all over again soon! 🙂

[@BigHunt206]

How are those plugs working out for you? Time to tune mine up and exploring my options. Thanks!

[@lmsdiy]

No problem with AC Delco here! I also changed it my spark plug wires a few months after I did the plugs because I found one was faulty.

[@BigHunt206]

@@lmsdiy Great! Thanks brother!

[@davidcook1048]

Thats great, now show how you did the number 8 cylinder plug and wire. lol

[@lmsdiy]

That was just elbow grease and determination 😂

[@wesstuff2751]

I actually like the passenger side As I’m a lefty and it’s easier,Lol

[@lmsdiy]

@@wesstuff2751 Haha must be nice. Lefties are way often more ambidextrous than righties!

[@BigHunt206]

It's easy, one inch extension and lay across the front of the engine, only took minimum profanity. 😂

[@luhkreg4598]

I’m going through the passenger side right now any tips? Smaller space compared to the driver side I just did all those no problem.

[@ericvangampler2887]

Helpful vid man 👍can you access those passenger plugs through the wheel well just wondering I have gorilla arms lol

[@lmsdiy]

Lol that’s a brilliant question. I’m not sure actually… let me have a look at the truck this weekend. It’s warm out.

[@ericvangampler2887]

@@lmsdiy I've got a 2010 suburban & I have to check the code but I think it's gonna be a misfire code so start with the plugs it's freezing here & I haven't checked yet either lol maybe next time doing plugs if you can go through wheel well might be easier lol be good man

[@brianneri7388]

Yes going through passenger front tire gives you more room and leverage 👍

[@allthingsandmore4613]

Would these directions work for the new body style.

[@lmsdiy]

Not “exactly” as shown but very close. At a high level, it’s the same approach/concept. Check part numbers and spark plug gap measurement according to your year and engine model.

[@catfisher420]

why wont my socket go on #7? do i need a thin wall socket?

[@lmsdiy]

Depends who put the previous one in and what's in there. 🙂 They should all be the same...

[@catfisher420]

@@lmsdiy Thanks for the reply. I was changing plugs for my dad because he got a misfire after my brother changed his plugs a week ago. Half the porcelain was broke off #7 and jamed between the cylinder head and the head of the spark plug. i had to dig the pieces out with a screw driver and blew it all clean with air. it was so dumb and frustrating! lol

[@lmsdiy]

@@catfisher420 brutal!! Glad to hear you got it out and replaced!!💪👍

[@MrHarlem45th]

What is the gap setting for a 5.3 vortec motor

[@michaelriggs184]

💪🏻💙

[@MrHarlem45th]

What is the gap size for 5.3 vortec motor

[@lmsdiy]

I added specs and tool details in the description. Cheers!

[@angelcampa8765]

Dude i cannot pull that silver cylinder thats covering the spark plug. Shit is so stuck on

[@lmsdiy]

You probably mean the spark plug boot (the silver cylinder on the inside) that connects to the back of the spark plug. Yeah sometimes that happens. You may want to replace the spark plug wires while you are at it. I did that shortly after. Thr dielectric grease will help with that in the future!

[@angelcampa8765]

@@lmsdiy great advice that i will use man. But yeah i had no other choice but to completely destroy the wires and install some mew ones lol

[@lmsdiy]

@@angelcampa8765 yeah it happens. Sometimes ya got no choice 😁👍

[@patrickspatrick-jb2my]

Dude no offense, but you use wayyyyyy wayyy wayyyyyy too much anti seize. The only reason I'm watching this video is cause I'm doing my dads plugs and never worked on a chevy. First off your gonna overtorque wet threads, and mess with the spark

[@lmsdiy]

Don't worry...I knew that when I put it on but didn't need to record that I wiped most of it off afterwards. I was staring through the camera screen while I was doing it to get a closeup so messed up... Thx for sharing your opinion though. You are correct that you don't need much on the threads.

[@lmsdiy]

Oh, I should note...that's why I added the comment on the video about not needing that much. Like I said, I didn't realize how much was on there until I stopped the camera and took a good look at it... But I just added the note to not use that much rather than record me wiping it off!

[@NotUrAvgBro]

whats an alternative or something , a coin? im doing mines now but dont have a pregap, but it said it comes pre gap already (adelco) like yours, im thinking if there not that should be adelco fault an possibility sue🤔🤷🏽

[@lmsdiy]

Sorry I wouldn't use a coin. It's pretty precise so a spark plug gap tool is the way to go. They are quite inexpensive too and highly recommend...