How difficult is it to change the spark plugs?

M

Mattsbay18

New member
I recently purchased a 04 runner (v6) and I am in the process of tuning it up for spring. I am trying to do this tune up on a budget, which means if there is something I can do in my garage I am all for it.

1) How difficult is it to change the spark plugs?
2) Are there any tips that you are willing to share?
3) What type of spark plug do you recommend? (I purchased Autolite XP Iridium)
4) If this doesn't fix the misfires, what else do you recommend I replace?

Thanks,
Matt
 
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Congrats on owning your TR4, I love mine!
Spark plugs are an easy DIY project as (for me) most of the regular engine tune stuff is easy. Tons of great threads on here on this just take a quick glance on here, I even put mine on here which I was proud of. This is a great site to get info on and replies come pretty quick. Depending on your mileage you may also want to do other tune up changes OR MODS as well.
Good Luck and enjoy your 4Runner!
Sincerely,
Aquabear
PS: Green Bay- VERY Cool MAN! I got a Navy buddy up over there in Tomahawk, we're trying to plan a holiday meeting and taking a trip to the Dells! Thumbs up Mattsbay18!
 
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Most Toyota engines run the best with the plugs that are recommended in the owners manual. NGK or Denso. I would return the Autolites.
 
Jeff T said:
One little tip. I duct taped my extension to the socket so it wouldn't come apart! Good Luck!
Click to expand...

You can also get locking extensions for sockets at Home Depot or online. A bit more reliable. Here is a link, cheap and good insurance.

Really needed for my 08 4R spark plug job.

Bob
 
Mattsbay18 said:
I recently purchased a 04 runner (v6) and I am in the process of tuning it up for spring. I am trying to do this tune up on a budget, which means if there is something I can do in my garage I am all for it.

1) How difficult is it to change the spark plugs?
2) Are there any tips that you are willing to share?
3) What type of spark plug do you recommend? (I purchased Autolite XP Iridium)
4) If this doesn't fix the misfires, what else do you recommend I replace?

Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...

I am assuming that was a subtle slip that your engine is experiencing a misfire situation? :p Any codes/MIL? Is it occasional or very noticeable? Details?
 
I recomend you use a thread chaser to clean the spark plug threads before installing the new plugs. The chaser has a groove in it to collect the crud it removes, I put a small amount of grease in this groove so the crud sticks and doesnt fall down into the cylinder. Clean the greas and crud out of the groove each time and dont use so much greese it coats the threads or you risk a plug backing out on you.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
I am assuming that was a subtle slip that your engine is experiencing a misfire situation? :p Any codes/MIL? Is it occasional or very noticeable? Details?
Click to expand...

I guess misfire was not the proper word choice, it is more of a slip. It happens about often, a couple times a day. Where I live there are a ton of round-abouts. When I come out of the round-about and accelerate there is a noticeable gap between the time a push on the accelerator pedal and when the engine responds. (Gap time is between .5 - 1 second) During that gap the engine makes a sound like it is gasping for air.

I don't know if it is my driving behavior that is causing this or if it is time to replace something under the hood. It's an 04' SRV (V6) with 85,000 miles.
 
Jerrydog said:
I recomend you use a thread chaser to clean the spark plug threads before installing the new plugs. The chaser has a groove in it to collect the crud it removes, I put a small amount of grease in this groove so the crud sticks and doesnt fall down into the cylinder. Clean the greas and crud out of the groove each time and dont use so much greese it coats the threads or you risk a plug backing out on you.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerrydog, that is a good tip. I will pick one up later this afternoon.
 
AE1M said:
You can also get locking extensions for sockets at Home Depot or online. A bit more reliable. Here is a link, cheap and good insurance.

Really needed for my 08 4R spark plug job.

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. I haven't seen that color of Runner before. Looks slick!
 
AE1M said:
You can also get locking extensions for sockets at Home Depot or online. A bit more reliable. Here is a link, cheap and good insurance.

Really needed for my 08 4R spark plug job.

Bob
Click to expand...

Man, can't agree with you more! I was going nuts when I dropped mine...finally got it out...

I would def. recommend getting this. haha
 
I agree, it's an easy DIY job. A friend of mine had a Snap-On magnetic spark plug socket that I borrowed...MUCH MUCH better than the standard ones with the rubber gasket. While you're at Home Depot picking up your locking extensions and thread chasers, get a magnetic spark plug socket too!
 
aaronfro17 said:
I agree, it's an easy DIY job. A friend of mine had a Snap-On magnetic spark plug socket that I borrowed...MUCH MUCH better than the standard ones with the rubber gasket. While you're at Home Depot picking up your locking extensions and thread chasers, get a magnetic spark plug socket too!
Click to expand...

But the center drivers side plug is really hard for me to get too...

Any ideas or tricks?
 
Anyone have experience with the E3 spark plugs in your 4R? They have been all over TV recently (sponsoring shows on Speed Network)
 
Wow, checked out the thread, and it looks like you already tried them. Too short, and not worth the risk... Thanks for the heads up martini
 
I just finished replacing my spark plugs. I made it a lot harder then it really was. Thanks for everyones guidance and tips along the way.
 
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