'03 V8 4Runner - Replacing Sparkplugs

[golharam]

Hi all - So I'm about to replace my sparkplugs...got 126K miles. I bought the Denso iridium plugs. I checked out the forum for a guide and found one, but its for the V6, not the V8. When I opened up hood, I noticed the layout is different and it looks like a bit more effort to change these things.

Here are some pics. On the passenger side, it looks like the entire air filter compartment needs to be removed to get to 2 sparkplugs behind it. On the drivers side, it looks a little easier, but some hoses and whatnot need to be removed.

I'm going to use a torque wrench and extension bar, but that means I'll need some clearance to get to them so I will absolutely have to remove other things first to make room.

Does this sound right? I feel like I'm missing something and want to be sure before I start taking things apart.

Has anyone done this on an '03 V8?

 

[message]

Don't worry it's not bad at all...
Remove your entire air box on the passenger side to access both front plugs.
On the drivers side use a knuckle/swivel with 2 socket wrench extensions and the plug next to the brake reservoir will come out just fine.

 

[golharam]

what length extensions

Thanks. knuckle/swivel is a great idea. I'll have to go get one. What size extensions? I have one that's about 1 foot long. I imagine I'll need a much shorter one to clear the brake master/booster.

 

[message]

I used a 4" or so extension to get out past the valve cover but not into the brake reservoir, a knuckle and then my 1 foot extension.

 

[Lineman]

Go plug by plug. Very easy job. Good luck, you'll do fine.

By the way, clean up that engine bay when complete :cheers:

 

[golharam]

almost there

I managed to get 6 of them changed. It was easier than I thought. All the old sparkplugs look great. All of them were also tightened to about 7.5 ft lbs according to my trusty torque wrench. The coil bolts were 15 ft lbs.

Now for the 2 most forward sparkplugs, I couldn't get the bolts holding the coil in place. They were too rusted on top. I think I need to replace them, but first, how do I get them off? And where to I get replacement bolts?

 

[GMZ]

I managed to get 6 of them changed. It was easier than I thought. All the old sparkplugs look great. All of them were also tightened to about 7.5 ft lbs according to my trusty torque wrench. The coil bolts were 15 ft lbs.

Now for the 2 most forward sparkplugs, I couldn't get the bolts holding the coil in place. They were too rusted on top. I think I need to replace them, but first, how do I get them off? And where to I get replacement bolts?

First use a bit of this

Auto Zone sells these, they work.

 

[golharam]

coil bolts

Turns out these have a part # as well: 90080-11590. I'm going to take one to Autozone and see if they have replacement bolts.

 

[golharam]

done.

Alright, that was easy enough. The only trouble I ran into were the two rusted bolts. After cleaning the bolts, having a proper hex socket provided enough grip to get them loose. I ended up replacing the 2 rusted bolts.

For someone who hasn't done this in more than 20 years, pulling off the air filter unit was probably what got my anxious the most. Now I do need to clean the engine bay...what a mess.

 

[WXman]

I'm going to do my spark plugs in the morning. I checked it out under hood tonight and it looks like they'll all be easy except the two closest to the firewall. Hopefully all goes well with the job. So 13 ft/lbs of torque?? Anybody use anti-seize on the plugs before installing?