First time sark plug change

[Jeff.Denson]

Hey guys/gals I'm doing my first spark plug change in my 06 4runner v6, and have been trying to read as much as I can about changing spark plugs. I read some where (I have no idea where, I've read so much) about tightening the spark plugs only so much? Is this true and if so how much and how do I know with a regulars pocket wrench? Any help would be great! A lot with spark plugs I am doing break pads. I have done some mods on my runner and thinking about starting a build thread too! I've been browsing t4r for quite some time so I figure it's about time to do so!

 

[scw1991]

I picked up a in-lb torque wrench and small ft-lb torque wrench from Harbor Freight years ago for dirt cheap. Works great to properly torque spark plugs to 15 ft-lbs (180 in-lbs).

 

[Brutalguyracing]

i always go snug then a tad bit more
use some anti seize on the threads a little goes along way
make sure you start the plug by hand
make sure gap is correct
most importantly make sure spark plug hole area is clean and free of debris that can fall into cylinder
when using your ratchet and extension and socket i tape them togther with electrical tape so they do not come apart
i do the same when installing the new plug i tape it to spark plug socket
one at a time and good luck take your time

 

[Jeff.Denson]

i always go snug then a tad bit more
use some anti seize on the threads a little goes along way
make sure you start the plug by hand
make sure gap is correct
most importantly make sure spark plug hole area is clean and free of debris that can fall into cylinder
when using your ratchet and extension and socket i tape them togther with electrical tape so they do not come apart
i do the same when installing the new plug i tape it to spark plug socket
one at a time and good luck take your time

Thank you! I've been kind of nervous about the process but I think I might be over thinking it

 

[BCfish]

Be careful of using anti seize on the threads I know there was a post about it on here I'm pretty sure but here's a link to the NGK site

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-0630111antisieze.pdf

 

[montijo505]

Parts guy at toyota specifically told me not to use anti-seize

 

[V8Man]

I picked up a in-lb torque wrench and small ft-lb torque wrench from Harbor Freight years ago for dirt cheap. Works great to properly torque spark plugs to 15 ft-lbs (180 in-lbs).

Be careful with the harbor freight ones. HF is ok for somethings, not torque wrenches. I took my wrenches to a certified test bench. The HF ones were new but very off spec. The worst part is they were not repeatable meaning each time the torque wondered all over. My best wrench is a Snap On from 1958.

 

[Brutalguyracing]

Yea sure snap on best
But who has that kinda money
They recently did a survey on a bunch of torque wrenches
And hf was remarkably accurate
I will try and locate this tonight
I use them and also have a husky one for 250ftlbs
But i very rarely use one with the exception being axle nut for wheel bearings
And a few other critical things
Then again i have been working on cars for 20+ years
I have yet to have a wheel come off or snap a wheel stud or anything like that
Just my .02
Common sense goes along wAy

As for the anti seize i use it on my plugs just did so for this truck as well have had non issues
But then again i don't over tighten anything

A hf torque wrench is better then none at all if you don't have the gift of knowing when is when

And trust me i am not a fan of harbor freight at all

Most importantly you must return your torque wrench to zero before storage

Good day and good luck
Take my advise for what its worth

 

[ben550]

How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE) - Tacoma World Forums

I used this when i did my 04 v6. No issues and easy to follow.

I did use anti seize... but i guess from the above discussion i shouldnt have. I didnt need it and the previous plugs i removed came out with ease. I used a torque wrench to tighten the new plugs. I used 6 denso plugs.

good luck.

 

[MikeInNH]

I've never used a torque wrench for spark-plugs. I guess it might be worth it if you never did spark-plugs before.

As for HF tools. Complete junk if you ask me. I needed a 9/16 socket once. So I went to HF since they just opened up and were running specials. I ended up buying a small set of sockets....I think the second time I used the 9/16 it broke....sure they offer a life time warranty..but so what. Now I had to take time out of my day just to drive over to get a new socket. No thanks.

Not all plugs have Zink coating of the threads. But NGK and Denso do. This means you should NOT use anti-seize on those plugs.

 

[YotaDriver]

Be careful of using anti seize on the threads I know there was a post about it on here I'm pretty sure but here's a link to the NGK site

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-0630111antisieze.pdf

This bulletin has less to do with anti-sieze and more to do with not overtightening your plugs, really.

 

[BCfish]

This bulletin has less to do with anti-sieze and more to do with not overtightening your plugs, really.

IMHO Yes it has everything to do with the anti seize because the anti seize throws off the torque readings you get and you can end up over torquing even though the reading is in spec.

 

[Jeff.Denson]

Well update, I went to change my spark plugs and the spark plug socket I bought wasn't deep enough so I actually didn't get it done so I need to find a socket that'll work, I appreciate all the advice! Hopefully I get this done soon!