2004 V6 Spark Plug install

[PolkManiac]

How difficult is it to install the plugs in a 2004 V6? I'm thinking I'd like to save $300 and do this myself.

I've seen a couple threads about doing the job on a 2003 and V8 models, just curious about the 2004 V6 job.

When I look at my engine, I can see 3 wires on each side of the engine each running to a cap on the block itself - I believe these are my spark plugs. When I pull one of those caps up, am I going to see my spark plug, or am I going to be looking at the coil?

Are the plugs really far down in the engine - am I going to be able to hand-tighten them? If not, how do I avoid cross-threading them?

Is there anything else that I'll need to disconnect or remove when changing the plugs?

Should I also change the wires, or is just the plugs okay?

I know that's a few questions, but I appreciate any help I can get.

Also, if this is successful, I'm going to photo-document the entire procedure and post a how-to thread. I know most of you guys won't ever need it, but for the non-mechanic type like myself, it should help alot.

Thanks

 

[PolkManiac]

Also, which plugs should I use? I was thinking that most people seeem to prefer the NGKs, wondering what makes them better than the Denso...

 

[hossmaster]

Ok don't make this any harder than it is. Those black boxes with the wire on it, 3 per side, are the coil packs. Below those are the sparkplugs. Don't forget that these engines have overhead cams so the top of the combustion chamber is a good way down there.

First unbolt the retaining nut on the coil pack. Then carefully pull the coil pack up, there will be a long shaft with a rubber boot at the bottom. If the wire allows simply move the coil pack out of the way, if not just disconnect it. Then using a 3/8" ratchet, a long extension, and a sparkplug socket unbolt the sparkplug and pull out of the head. Wipe off the coil pack and sparkplug boot of any dirt. Take new sparkplug and apply a bit of anti-sieze on the threads do not get any on the electrodes. Now put the sparkplug into the sparkplug socket but twisted to where the sparkplug does not go into the socket just far enough for the socket to hold it. With the sparkplug and socket on the extension, by hand carefully thread the sparkplug into the head. Do about two turns with the sparkplug socket and then switch to the same size deepwell socket and hand tighten the sparkplug until snug. I usually give the plug a slight tightening with the ratchet. DO NOT over tighten or you will either strip the head, break the plug or worse. Once the sparkplug is installed, take some di-electric tuneup grease and put a small dallop on a Q-tip and wipe the inside of the rubber boot on the coil pack. This is to assist in keeping moisture and dirt off the sparkplug connection. Now install the coil pack back into the hole and retighten the retaining bolt and then move on to the next sparkplug. Its very very simple, just take your time on the first one and the others will be extremely simple. You will have to unbolt the stupid plastic engine cover and prop it up so its out of the way. Good luck, post up if you need more info.

 

[sharp4runr]

Do a search for a post by toolmanjohnson. He posted a thorough how to with pictures,

 

[PolkManiac]

So is there a special sparkplug socket that I need to pick up, or just a deep 3/8" socket?

Thanks

 

[hossmaster]

So is there a special sparkplug socket that I need to pick up, or just a deep 3/8" socket?

Thanks

If you have a tool set, you probally have a sparkplug socket in it. If you look inside the socket there is a rubber boot in there that grabs the top of the plug so you can retrieve it out of the engine head. Also look at the etching on the socket as well. You will need a deep socket also when you tighten the plug up. If you use the sparkplug socket to tighten the plug up, when you go to pull the extension and socket out the socket will stay attached to the plug. When you do this, you have to unbolt the plug and start over. You will get the idea when you do it.

 

[PolkManiac]

makes perfect sense...

I went with the NGK LFR6C-11 regular plugs, is that the right decision?

 

[hossmaster]

makes perfect sense...

I went with the NGK LFR6C-11 regular plugs, is that the right decision?

I use denso, doesn't matter really as long as they are factory replacements. NGK and Denso are competing for market in toyota engines. Hence 3 and 3 in the sparkplug.