Should i change the spark plugs?

Carl_G

Carl_G

Member
Would like your guys' advice on this please:

Over the last week I have got into the DIY scene and changed the oil on my gf's v6 4runner and on my V8, including installing Fumoto valves. Yesterday I lubed the propellor shaft on both. I've also changed the battery. I really enjoy doing work like this and find it relaxing.

If I can handle the above, should I also attempt to change the spark plugs? They are both due soon.

I think I would need to buy a torque wrench, spark plug socket, and 12" extension but they would pay themselves off. I am a bit scared of cross threading a plug or a plug being too tight to remove.

Thanks.
 
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Just make sure to start the plugs by hand. If you feel too much resistance you're crossthreading them. You shouldn't have any problems. On the V6, the back 2 plugs on the drivers' side are a pain if you don't just pull the vacuum line. You'll know exactly what line I'm talking about when you get in there. Just remember to put it on when you're done. With it removed, you can just barely get the coil out when it's in the right position. Really, it's not too hard.
 
Thanks very much. When you say coil you mean the wire that attaches to the plug? Btw they only have Denso at the Toyota dealerships in my area bit I think they're a good as NGK from the research I've done here.
 
For Denso/NGK, it's a toss-up. Get what you can. I did put iridiums in the V6 like most people do.

The coil is on top of the spark plug and is about 5 inches long. Just push the clip on the wire to pull it off (they can be stubborn) and unclip the wire then there's an 8 or 10mm holding them onto the head. After that everything just pulls off the plug and you unscrew the plug.

For the one on the middle of the passenger side of the V6, you just have to rotate it to the right position it'll come out past the brace (you'll see it)

COIL:
repl504609.jpg
 
I found the coil packs are much easier to remove by applying pressure to the clip with a small screw driver. My fat fingers had a hard time getting the clip to release otherwise... Also, on my V8 having a socket swivel/u-joint along with an assortment of extensions made changing the plugs a whole log easier. All I removed was my air cleaner box assembly.
 
Imagine that....a Japanese vehicle where spark plug maintenance reminds you or a porsche instead.

How much does the dealer charge for a tuneup?
 
The writeup helps, but he removes everything. I didn't. I could get them all out on the passenger side just unclipping the air intake from the airbox and they're right there.

The drivers' side I didn't remove the metal brace or anything, just used a socket with a flex on it and removed the vacuum line right by the brace (in the tutorial it's the one right after he removes the brace.). The coil will come out, just get it in the right position. The plug is easy from there. I skipped the part about removing the brace and the VSV sensor and it worked, took about 30 minutes for all 6.
 
Last edited:
ky_runner said:
I say go for it. Here's a great write-up with pictures for the V6. Just take it slow and easy when threading the new plug. It's a gratifying job, plus you'll save yourself a few bucks in the process.

How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE) - Tacoma World Forums
Click to expand...


I agree. I changed my plugs (v6) for the first time this winter and it's very doable. The above write is very helpful. Just take your time, and make sure you have the right tools. In particular, get the socket extension recommended by the article above if you don't have them, before you start the job.
 
No need for a torque wrench on the plugs. Just snug them in. I use a 12" piece of clear rubber tubing that fits over the spark plug to thread them in so I don't cross thread. I also use some permatex anti seize on the threads. Very easy.
 
I don't use a torque wrench either... just go by feeling. Also, I secure the socket to the extension with black tape...... and I remove the extension from the wrench when starting the threads to keep from cross threading.
 
Spark Plug removal 04 V-8 Sport

How difficult are the V-8 plugs to remove? I was at the dealer today and they told me 2 hours labor plus the coat of the plugs. 90x2 180 labor
Do these guys take there lunch after the 4th plug and keep the clock running or is it that difficult? 2 hours labor???:cowboy:
 
Took me roughly 2 hrs and I'm no expert mechanic. As long as you have a swivel/knuckle and a couple extensions to get at the drivers side rear plugs you'll be fine. Also if you remove the air cleaner box you can easily get at all the passenger side plugs without using a swivel/knuckle.

Also something I read after changing my plugs that most spark plug manufacturers recommend NOT using anti-seize and just installing them dry. This is specifically for spark plugs that are silver metal (Trivalent Coating) as apposed to a black metal threads.
NGK Technical Bulletin here: http://www.ngkplugpro.ca/content/contentfiles/pdf/NGKSP-0907-1R-Anti-SeizeonSparkPlugs.pdf

Thoughts anyone???
 
ky_runner said:
I say go for it. Here's a great write-up with pictures for the V6. Just take it slow and easy when threading the new plug. It's a gratifying job, plus you'll save yourself a few bucks in the process.

How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE) - Tacoma World Forums
Click to expand...

thank you so much for posting that! It was exactly the tutorial I was looking for. And even though I can change motorcycle spark plugs in my sleep, I think I'll leave this one to my mechanic. The car's overdue for her 100k service anyway.
 
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