Spark Plug Socket Tool

[andynj]

Just did my spark plugs after 25k, they looked pretty good coming out but replaced them with a set of iridiums and it seems to have sorted a very slight flutter I used to get at idle.

Its not a hard job but took about 90 mins as I was being really careful removing the coils and stuff out the way to make sure nothing got damaged. The plugs on the coils are a pain to remove in such a tight space and a pick helps but I was afraid of snapping off the tab as that would turn the job into a nightmare. Also put some die electric grease in the coil for the top of the plugs and in the coil piugs to make things easier next time.

Anyway the first time I did this it was a pain as my spark plug socket kept disconnecting from the extension bar in the hole and I ended up having to tape it on to make sure it didn't get stuck. this time I got this tool and would highly recommend makes things 10x easier

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH5ZDMD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[zguy1]

This tool looks interesting. Does it make it harder to start threading the spark since the end swivels?

 

[dexter_5000]

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-23...motive&sprefix=5/8+long,automotive,107&sr=1-8

this is similar to the one i have that i've used with success in the past. as there is nothing to let go either. just one solid socket.

 

[d33pt]

You can also get locking extensions too. Then you can use it for other purposes.

 

[Drcoffee]

The swivel is essential to avoid cracking the porcelain. Im cheap by nature so I went shopping at ebay. Found a nice used snap on spark plug socket for $25. Love it. Magnet inside holds the plug and the swivel work great.

But make sure the BB on the extension goes into the socket where the hole is. Otherwise it can pop off. If there is no hole, drill one

 

[ArthurKotb]

(snip..) Also put some die electric grease in the coil for the top of the plugs and in the coil piugs to make things easier next time.

Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages
noun: dielectric
a medium or substance that transmits electric force without conduction; an insulator

I keep reading about people putting dielectric grease on spark plug tips and connectors. Dielectric grease is an insulator. High energy electrical systems do not need an insulator on the metal parts. It's going to cause problems. Dielectric grease is to be used on a spark plug rubber boot and ceramic area to prevent energy from going where it shouldn't and to make it easier to remove a boot from the spark plug. You can use it on a part that will not be conducting energy to the plug's metal tip where it connects to the plug wire, but not on anything metal. Make sure you didn't accidentally get any on the iridium tip either.

It's been a while since I changed my plugs and I remember removing the coil but I don't remember having any difficulty. Best to just clean up the area with a dry cloth and not use any grease. If you're getting misfires, clean off the dielectric and install the plugs again.

 

[Bluesky 07]

FWIW, iridium isn’t the OEM specified plug for the V6. Don’t know why but I trust Toyota’s engineers are better qualified than I am to determine such things so I change mine every 30K with the spec plugs.

 

[AuSeeker]

FWIW, iridium isn’t the OEM specified plug for the V6. Don’t know why but I trust Toyota’s engineers are better qualified than I am to determine such things so I change mine every 30K with the spec plugs.

Yes this is true...at least for 4th Gens....until 2010 5th gens came out, then Toyota switched the plugs for the V6 to the Iridium plugs, which is why many 4th Gen V6 owners now install them in their V6.

The V6 engine I don't believe changed from 4th Gens to the 5th Gens, unless the ignition coils changed.

 

[Cuervo]

I use this type of tool at work. I got it off the Matco truck as a kit. It came with various length sockets. At the time (2011) I paid $36 I believe. This has been the best spark plug socket I’ve owned in my 18 years of wrenching

 

[andynj]

This tool looks interesting. Does it make it harder to start threading the spark since the end swivels?

No problem hand threading the spark plug to start it, the end does not turn independently, I got them hand tight and only needed a small tweak to get to torque.

 

[andynj]

Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages
noun: dielectric
a medium or substance that transmits electric force without conduction; an insulator

I keep reading about people putting dielectric grease on spark plug tips and connectors. Dielectric grease is an insulator. High energy electrical systems do not need an insulator on the metal parts. It's going to cause problems. Dielectric grease is to be used on a spark plug rubber boot and ceramic area to prevent energy from going where it shouldn't and to make it easier to remove a boot from the spark plug. You can use it on a part that will not be conducting energy to the plug's metal tip where it connects to the plug wire, but not on anything metal. Make sure you didn't accidentally get any on the iridium tip either.


Yep,

It's been a while since I changed my plugs and I remember removing the coil but I don't remember having any difficulty. Best to just clean up the area with a dry cloth and not use any grease. If you're getting misfires, clean off the dielectric and install the plugs again.

Yep it went on the tip of the plug that goes in the coil not anywhere near the iridium end. I've done that on every car i've had as some glue themselves to the boots over time. Probably wouldn't happen on the 4R as the plug is held in by the coil screw and there is no detent but it can't hurt. I'm pretty sure the slight misfire I had was one of the spark plugs not being torqued fully, a couple were looser than the others when I removed them.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Yes this is true...at least for 4th Gens....until 2010 5th gens came out, then Toyota switched the plugs for the V6 to the Iridium plugs, which is why many 4th Gen V6 owners now install them in their V6.

The V6 engine I don't believe changed from 4th Gens to the 5th Gens, unless the ignition coils changed.

Interesting thought as my truck is due for new plugs. If I did Iridium I probably would never need to touch them again and the plugs are only a couple bucks more per plug. Interesting thing is, RA lists different plug numbers for both standard and Iridium between model years 03 & 14. Also different coil part numbers so maybe something is different.

 

[riceandpho]

I've been running the Denso iridium plugs on my 07 v6, no problems, on a 3rd set now, also with the spark plug socket, I just tape my socket to my extension so it don't come off. I am using this Stanley tool set I got from Walmart since 2008. still works fine, I'll splurge on something better when I win the lotto.