Spark Plug Replacement for V6-Stealership or DIY?

[sjr13]

What are the Spark Plug Torque Specs on a 2000 4Runner, 4 cyl 2.7 L.I.?

I picked up the parts at the dealership and forgot to ask. Thanks

I'm doing a tune-up and I was talking to a guy(parts guy) at the dealer today and he said you should change iridium plugs every 40,000-50,000 mi. He said that if you leave a spark plug in their for 100,00 mi or more it can basically "freeze" into the threads. He said if the block is aluminum and the spark plug is steel they may start to corrode and the two metals "may" freeze together. He said I should remove and check iridium plugs every 30,000-35,000 mi; just in case.

 

[jeober]

Good advice here:

Use anti-seize. Lubricating does affect a bolt torque rating and there is a risk of over torquing, but don't worry about this with a spark plug. Just be gentle considering the aluminum head.

60,000 miles is OK on my V-6 plugs, but suggest to do this only after your warranty expires. I took out my 30,000 mile plugs and might reinstall someday since they are almost like new.

 

[spo0587]

Stealership. I tried to do my myself, but was too paranoid about not threading them right. Got them changed at 117K. They only charged $100, i already purchased the OEM iridium plugs from them for about $80. Not too bad because he had to take the air box off. Good for another 120K. My baby just rolled over 120K on friday!

 

[dipNrip]

just replaced mine

The idiots at the dealership argued that my plugs were good to 80-100K and I belived them so I guess I'm a bigger idiot. So I finally found out on here that my V6 needs replaced at 30K unlike the 80-100K which is suggested on the V8. I was a little bit leary about replacing them myself, as I stripped a cast iron engine installing plugs on my jeep before. But I took my time and used the fuel line trick to get the plugs started and it took be about an hour or so. Very easy, including the drivers side which some said were a pain. I ended up getting the NGK Laser Iridiums for $50. I was at 68K miles before the change. The old Densos were all ok but the NGK electrodes were noticeably worn. I noticed a big difference in how smooth my engine runs and acceleration is little bit better afterwards. The results are most likely a bigger result of the condition of the old plug as opposed to the upgrade to iridium plugs.

 

[KP Texan]

Re: Re: Spark Plug Replacement for V6-Stealership or DIY?

Since these are aluminum heads I would use a torque wrench and be very careful not to cross thread. Cross threading and over tightening are the 2 most common mistakes.

Since anti-seize compound would be used, would it be better to use the tightening angle method? The plugs for our engines use a washer and not a tapered seat so you are therefore trying to achieve a certain amount of washer "crush". Torque would not indicate the distance the plug has traveled and, depending on type/how much anti-seize compound was used, the compression generated by a torque would be inaccurate. I believe my NGK plugs say 1/2 turn or 180 degrees. Did anyone else use this method for tightening their plugs?

Thanks,

Wes

 

[drmorbius]

Re: Re: Re: Spark Plug Replacement for V6-Stealership or DIY?

Since anti-seize compound would be used, would it be better to use the tightening angle method? The plugs for our engines use a washer and not a tapered seat so you are therefore trying to achieve a certain amount of washer "crush". Torque would not indicate the distance the plug has traveled and, depending on type/how much anti-seize compound was used, the compression generated by a torque would be inaccurate. I believe my NGK plugs say 1/2 turn or 180 degrees. Did anyone else use this method for tightening their plugs?

Thanks,

Wes

Toyota specifies a torque value. They do not mention the use of anti seize.

 

[KP Texan]

A steel plug in aluminum heads would be asking for trouble without anti-seize compound. Removing a galled fastener from aluminum is not fun at all.

-Wes

 

[KP Texan]

Double post.

 

[drmorbius]

A steel plug in aluminum heads would be asking for trouble without anti-seize compound. Removing a galled fastener from aluminum is not fun at all.

-Wes

It isn't steel against aluminum, all spark plugs are plated and so are the washers. My whole reason for recommending a torque wrench was the people who have ruined their heads. You can do what you wish, but a half turn with crossed threads tells you nothing about the effort, but with a torque wrench you would see that you were already past the torque rating and would stop immediately. I don't have anything against anti-seize either, but if push comes to shove I would rather be sure I was not ruining a very expensive head not to mention the labor involved in replacing one. That is the reason for a torque wrench.

 

[Kmvreter]

It isn't steel against aluminum, all spark plugs are plated and so are the washers. My whole reason for recommending a torque wrench was the people who have ruined their heads. You can do what you wish, but a half turn with crossed threads tells you nothing about the effort, but with a torque wrench you would see that you were already past the torque rating and would stop immediately. I don't have anything against anti-seize either, but if push comes to shove I would rather be sure I was not ruining a very expensive head not to mention the labor involved in replacing one. That is the reason for a torque wrench.

Bingo! Well said.

 

[drmorbius]

Bingo! Well said.

:cheers:

 

[LlMITEDstar]

quick question, I just replaced my spark plugs w/ NGK w/ 1 prongs and a day later I got check engine light on. I went back under the hood today and noticed that there's a sticker that said to used only 2 prongs plugs, is that the problem? BTW, 2000 sr5 v6 engine code is P0440. Thanks in advance.

 

[renep74]

I change my spark plug yesterday with NGK iridium and it took me longer time on the 2 spark plug near the brake fluid container and the rest is easy. I notice that the engine is running smoother and much responsive.

 

[CannondaleMan]

I change my spark plug yesterday with NGK iridium and it took me longer time on the 2 spark plug near the brake fluid container and the rest is easy. I notice that the engine is running smoother and much responsive.

I changed mine out with the Densos 2 weeks ago and the truck runs smoother and I have noticed an improvement in mileage as well, although 30,000 miles for a change seems to be a bit low on the mileage.

I got rooked at the dealer though - Freaking $4.20 a piece for a spark plug?!?!?!?!?!?! Get bent.

I found on online place I should have ordered them from instead. Oh well.

Took about an hour with the aforementioned brake fluid container being the most painful of them.

It is a great reason to get out on a beautiful day, get some sun and not waste your money making some other guy rich.

 

[riceandpho]

just changed my plugs on my 4.0 v6 sport, had a friend to help me, took only 40 mins to change out all 6, denso on the passenger side and ngk on drivers, changed everything out to denso ikh20, nows its much more better and responsive, maybe some horse power gains, i know i got a 29 horse increase with trueflow xdi intake and custom cherrybomb exhaust with 3 inch pipes, all costed me 500 bucks

 

[srpage]

We ran 66,000 miles (6 years) on our 2003 V6 with no noticeable degradation in mileage or performance. Just replaced them so you can definately go more than the 30,000 recommendation.

 

[achen]

Guys,

I have 33,000 miles on my V6. I guess it is time to change my plugs. Which brand you recommend? any cheap websites? How much they go for? Any recommendations? Do i go with iridium or platinum? Is there a website with details and pictures of how to install the plugs easily? Midas Auto Center quoted me $27 a plug for NGK. how realistic is that? total price quote job plus parts was like $265. thank you for your help!

 

[spo0587]

$265 sounds like you are getting ripped off. I paid $80 for the plugs (V8, OEM Iridium, $10 bucks a piece) and tried to install them myself, but got scared and took it back to the dealer. Installed for $100 flat. All in all $180 for parts and labor. I am good for another $120K. I just hit 130K! :driving:

 

[ABooker]

The V6 plugs get replaced every 30k miles or so with cheap plugs. More miles if you use better ones. I paid almost $7 per plug and installed them myself in less than an hour. No special tools except for a ratchet extension.
Good luck!

 

[achen]

would someone please post pics and show me how ti change the spark plugs? I am confused how to take out the plugs after pulling out the coils. What do i need to pull out the spark plugs? a demo of pics would be helpful. Is there need to get expensive Iridium plugs? thank you!