engine prep and security
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 23
From: Guthrie, oklahoma
engine prep and security
i have some work to do on my C5 coming up....a serpentine belt and a plug change and i have gone through some thought on how to render the engine lifeless since i want to increase as much as possible a safety factor in order to save what fingers i have. i have thought the best way is to remove the negative lead from the battery. any thought out there on the usual and most effective method? i used to work on all my cars years ago, and never gave it a thought. 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
That is a simple task to do and should not cause any busted knuckles. For changing the plugs and wires just use a few different extensions and even a flex extension. If you are replacing the wires then it shouldn't really matter if you damage the other ones taking them off, so a pair of pliers will be useful.
When you replace the plugs be sure to add some anti-seize to the threads and lithium grease to the end where the boot connects. This will make it MUCH easier to remove them/check them if you need to in the future.
The serpentine is extremely easy and will literally take 5 minutes, just use a buddy to hold the 15mm socket(if I remember correctly) used to move the tensioner pulley toward the engine to release the tension on the belt.
When you replace the plugs be sure to add some anti-seize to the threads and lithium grease to the end where the boot connects. This will make it MUCH easier to remove them/check them if you need to in the future.
The serpentine is extremely easy and will literally take 5 minutes, just use a buddy to hold the 15mm socket(if I remember correctly) used to move the tensioner pulley toward the engine to release the tension on the belt.
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Yes you can remove the negative battery cable, but I haven't heard of any unexpected engine starts by simply doing a belt and plug swap. Most factory service manuals do state to disconnect the battery so it won't hurt to do so. If you have the theft lock set on the radio, be sure you have the code so you can reset it if needed. Be sure to do the plug swap while the engine is cold and the advice above about tools to use is very good. The only difficult plug to get out is the #7 one so take your time and use a flex extension.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
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From: Western NY
FWIW, and not to be sarcastic, in the 45 years I've been "wrenching" on cars, I've NEVER disconnected the battery, to do a spark plug change or belt change. IMHO, in today's cars, with all of their electronic crap, you might inadvertently wind up doing more harm than good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Yes you can remove the negative battery cable, but I haven't heard of any unexpected engine starts by simply doing a belt and plug swap. Most factory service manuals do state to disconnect the battery so it won't hurt to do so. If you have the theft lock set on the radio, be sure you have the code so you can reset it if needed. Be sure to do the plug swap while the engine is cold and the advice above about tools to use is very good. The only difficult plug to get out is the #7 one so take your time and use a flex extension.
I use a belt tensioner tool to unload the tensioner, but a ratchet and socket will do the same thing. I always work from the Driver's side and remove/install the belt from the alternator first and last - I have found that is the easiest way for me working alone.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 23
From: Guthrie, oklahoma
thanks a lot
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