spark plug removal from 3vze

[Red]

Im going to go check out a 4Runner that I might purchase tomorrow night and I would like to pull a spark plug to see whats going on.

I have a set of sockets at home but I think there is a specific socket you can buy for taking out spark plugs, correct?
anyways, Im wondering if someone could tell me what I'll need to take out one of the park plugs, sizes would help (this is the V6).

Also, which cyclinder would be best to look at? or does it matter?

Another question, If I do take a spark plug out, what should I be looking for? I know they can be black and charred or have white substances on them but im not sure, any advice would be appreciated.

I cant remember what it looks like under the hood of a 93' T4R, is it a pain in the ass to take out a spark plug? if it is I might not bother looking.

Thanks guys

 

[MT4runner]

ya theres spark plug sockets...there basically a deep-well socket with a bushing at the top to protect your plugs and the end of it is hexagonal so you can fit a wrench on it. i think you'll need a 13/16" socket and either a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet....
look for abnormalities on the plugs like dirt, white (usually antifreeze burn off) excess oil. etc.
if theres dirt that means dirt got into the intake system and dirt will scratch the cylinder wall, so usually with dirt theres oil.
if theres oil and no dirt it could be bad rings, valves outta wack...
if there antifreeze burn off that could be from a cracked head, bad head gasket and if its the 3.0liter its not uncommon.

hope that helps at all

 

[Red]

ya theres spark plug sockets...there basically a deep-well socket with a bushing at the top to protect your plugs and the end of it is hexagonal so you can fit a wrench on it. i think you'll need a 13/16" socket and either a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet....
look for abnormalities on the plugs like dirt, white (usually antifreeze burn off) excess oil. etc.
if theres dirt that means dirt got into the intake system and dirt will scratch the cylinder wall, so usually with dirt theres oil.
if theres oil and no dirt it could be bad rings, valves outta wack...
if there antifreeze burn off that could be from a cracked head, bad head gasket and if its the 3.0liter its not uncommon.

hope that helps at all

Thanks, that helps alot. hopefully this 4Runner turns out to be as nice as I think it might be, been waiting a couple months to find my first 4Runner!

 

[MT4runner]

you wont regret ever getting a 4runner, such a awesome vehicle. its simply amazing. if you get it post some pictures for us!!!

 

[K_Labs]

I'm not trying to be a stickler but it's a 5/8 spark plug socket for the 3VZ. I only know because I just repalced my plugs yesterday.

 

[MT4runner]

really thats small. i have a 22re so i just took a guess
and RED you get that 4runner or what?

 

[K_Labs]

Well in the service manual it says 16mm but 5/8 is good enough.

 

[Red]

really thats small. i have a 22re so i just took a guess
and RED you get that 4runner or what?

Im actually going tomorrow to look at the 4Runner, then sometime this week I might pick it up, as long as it all looks good.
as soon as I do get a 4Runner though I'll definitely be posting pictures of it on this forum. Im pretty excited about getting a 4runner, I've been reading on this forum for about a month and im looking forward to getting more involved once I have a 4Runner of my own.

This forum is a great resource for anything 4Runner related, Thanks for the help guys.

 

[prodigy2k7]

ya, technically u use metric, some standard sizes work but it depends on the teeth. When using 19mm I found that some 3/4 fit and some dont, it depends on the teeth of the socket lol

 

[rafal_c]

Im actually going tomorrow to look at the 4Runner, then sometime this week I might pick it up, as long as it all looks good.
as soon as I do get a 4Runner though I'll definitely be posting pictures of it on this forum. Im pretty excited about getting a 4runner, I've been reading on this forum for about a month and im looking forward to getting more involved once I have a 4Runner of my own.

This forum is a great resource for anything 4Runner related, Thanks for the help guys.

be careful putting spark plugs back in!!! the thread is fragile, dont force anything!!

 

[K_Labs]

Not only that torque them down a tad past hand tight and use anti sieze. I have a buddy that owns a dodge dakota r/t and the dumb A$$ broke off the spark plug in the head. Cost him like 85 bucks to have it taken out.

 

[MT4runner]

that would suck major.

 

[prodigy2k7]

Not only that torque them down a tad past hand tight and use anti sieze. I have a buddy that owns a dodge dakota r/t and the dumb A$$ broke off the spark plug in the head. Cost him like 85 bucks to have it taken out.

85 thats it? thats not bad for that situation haha

 

[K_Labs]

yeah they used one of those 4 sided square lookin easy outs.

 

[4R_in_Uzb]

Red,
let us know if you got the 4R.