I have changed my own spark plugs in the past with some of my older cars but this was the first time on my 4Runner so I was happy to find it. The passenger side was a piece of cake however (at the risk of sounding like an idiot) I'm having a hard time with the drivers side. I can't get the socket around the plug on that side. Is there a seal or something in the way? When I look at it with a flashlight it appears there is a black ring above the widest part of the plug that prevents the socket from contacting the nut on the spark plug. Am I crazy?
How to: Installing 3rd gen spark plugs
- Thread starter zcruiser
- Start date
TheDurk
Elite Member
It should not be any different than the others. My WAG: PO's plug wrench (or maybe yours, is it still there?) lost its gripper insert on that plug. Now you'll need a seal puller or grabber tool to get that black thing off.
TheDurk
Elite Member
Only if they go bad. They are considered a 'lifetime' part. They do go bad, like any electric component. But I suspect 90% will outlive the cars they are in.
JohnsD90
New member
Nice, On Dec 31 i bought the NGK plugs from Advance Auto for $15.xx using a $10 off coupon, then today i got the NGK TE 66 Wires from Advance Auto for $27.xx using another $10 off coupon (PM if you want the coupon), So $42ish for a change ain't bad, the thing is in december i attempted to only change the plugs and a wire snapped as i pulled it out, i did a quick fix to the wire and have had a sort of misfire/hesitation when i shift up too early since then, now i am excited and am hoping this stops it and gives a little more power and mpg's but i doubt it cause i changed the clogged air and fuel filters and got no extra mpg's. :shrug:
BTO
Member
Finally getting around to doing the plugs. Going with NGK. Which are preferred? Standard, V-Power or G-Power?
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_finder/car_truck_suv/default.asp
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_finder/car_truck_suv/default.asp
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CO_FlyFisher
New member
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RustyRhino
New member
I am glad I found this web site I have a 02 4runner and I didn't pass my inspection on Friday, it says Cylinders 3, 4, 6 misfire detected... I am hoping that it is the plugs, and wires. I went by the auto-parts store and they checked it out again as well said the same thing. My question is would I need to change the coil on # 3 cylinder or just the plugs. anyone have any idea? I am thankful to zcruiser for making this post. Wish me luck, I am going under the hood, before it gets 100+ today
BTO
Member
I'm also doing ours today. I ran into a little snag here. The Denso plugs I bought from Rock Auto part number K16TR11, are gapped at about .032. The 4r.org writeup says they will come gapped at .044. I guess I will have to open each one up.
Doing a google I found posts saying the correct gap is .032. Now I'm really confused.
Doing a google I found posts saying the correct gap is .032. Now I'm really confused.
zcruiser
Senior Member
How many miles on your truck?
I'd start with just the plugs. Wouldn't think you'd need wires on an '02, but there are only 3 of 'em so not hard to change out...
BTO
Member
Correct. The plugs have what's called "U-groove" which means the ground electrodes have a curved surface toward the side radius of the center electrode. Measuring with a flat feeler gauge would give an incorrect reading. You must use a wire gauge and insert it side ways. The spark comes out of the side of the center electrode instead of the top like a standard plug.
RustyRhino
New member
120,000 miles on 02
I changed out the plugs and wires, now I have a rough running 4runner(worse than before). Is there any way to tell what plug wire comes off of what coil? I am guessing that my way is not right, I went with the longest wire to the first coil the next longest to the net coil and shortest to the coil closest to the front. Is this correct?
5 - 2 ------------5 - 6
3 - 6 ------------3 - 4
1 - 4 ------------1 - 2
front of motor ( how I have it )
I changed out the plugs and wires, now I have a rough running 4runner(worse than before). Is there any way to tell what plug wire comes off of what coil? I am guessing that my way is not right, I went with the longest wire to the first coil the next longest to the net coil and shortest to the coil closest to the front. Is this correct?
5 - 2 ------------5 - 6
3 - 6 ------------3 - 4
1 - 4 ------------1 - 2
front of motor ( how I have it )
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BTO
Member
Something like this...
Exactly. I wonder how many used a flat gauge like I almost did and opened the gaps up to .060 accidentally?
zcruiser
Senior Member
From the FSM (embellished and cleaned up a bit)...
Coil 5 connects to plug 2
Coil 3 connects to plug 6
Coil 1 connects to plug 4
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