changing the plugs ... painful?

[hendy]

I have a '97 SR5 w/ 160k on it and time to change the spark plugs.

I thought it'd be easy to change them, but after fishing around under the hood it looks bloody hard. Got a Chilton's guide and unfortunately can't find any clear instructions which makes me even more suspicious.

So, how much pain is involved in just changing plugs & wires? And if it's pretty straighforward, can anyone give me some tips?

Many thanks!

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

if your 97 is like my 96 and im sure they are they same, it takes some doing, but you can do it yourself. for the passenger side of the block, you end up taking apart part of the air intake assembly to get to them, but once its removed, it is pretty easy. you will see coil packs sitting on top of where the spark plug cover would be, just have to remove those to get to the plugs. as for the driver's side, you end up moving some hoses out of their brackets, to make it easier to get to things. you might even need to remove some things i cant remember its been awhile, but with an extension it can be done. good luck!

 

[Kramer420]

the driver side is the easy one its the passenger one your gunna have some trouble (and some select words =P) to get to em....IE: 80% of the air intake assembly and some random hoses and brackets....make shure you got a good extion ratchet and universals =) Good luck

 

[hendy]

Thanks, guys. You've confirmed my fear.

I don't think I have the patience right now. Used up my monthly allotment of cussing last night replacing the antenna. Just getting to the antenna motor was a trial. Toyota engineers otta be keel-hauled for using those plastic expansion plugs that secure the plastic cover to the wheel well.

ANyway, probably will have the lads at the service garage do the plugs this time. I only have so much courage.

Thanks again!

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

well the reason i said passenger side was easier, is because once you remove the stuff in the way, it is a straight shot to all three of them, compared to the driver's side which really only one is accessable. just my opinion

 

[SHICKS]

Uggghhh... I have 43k and have not done the plugs for this reason. I will have to suck it up someday. Maybe this weekend with the oil change. Do you think NAPA will have the recommened pugs?

Steve

 

[mike1305]

you think this is hard? from a glance, it looks like a walk in the park compared to changing the plugs on my old 95 camaro. you had to jack the car up and do it from underneath!!! it was a nightmare. you seriously couldnt even see them without a few minutes of inspection! thank god i got rid of that.....