Time to replace Coilpacks?

[haybeav]

So yesterday I replaced my own sparkplugs for the first time on my 2000 4runner with 83k miles (just purchased last month). It was actually easier than I expected except for 5 of the 6. I'll let you take a guess which one gave me the most trouble.

I bought the OEM plugs from the dealership a few weeks ago and finally got around to installing them yesterday. Had no issues until I started getting to the plug closest to the firewall on the drivers side. When I reached down to pull up the rubber coil assembly, the rubber stopper that sits on top of the plug did not come up. I couldn't reach the plug with my wrench so I had to spend an hour trying to pull out the rubber around the plug itself. Once I got it up, I replaced the plug.

At this point, I assume I'll have to replace the assembly that is missing the rubbber stopper. My question is whether I should just replace all the coils packs and assemblies while I'm at it? What should I expect to pay in terms of parts? How long to the original coils last before having to be replaced?

Just for fun, this pic shows the assembly after I pulled it out with what looks like some corrosion.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Whatever choice you make be sure to use the Toyota / OEM part. Especially for plugs, wires, injectors and (I assume) coil packs.

Bought from a dealership! No way dude. Buy legit OEM / Toyota dealer parts online from dealers in AZ/TX. Google: "Camelback Toyota Online Parts" Sales.

About the coil packs, I'm still on my originals for most part. I replaced one to get rid of a misfire code but it came back 4 months later and disappeared again so I don't know if the coil pack really was bad after all. Currently at 220K miles.

 

[haybeav]

Whatever choice you make be sure to use the Toyota / OEM part. Especially for plugs, wires, injectors and (I assume) coil packs.

Bought from a dealership! No way dude. Buy legit OEM / Toyota dealer parts online from dealers in AZ/TX. Google: "Camelback Toyota Online Parts" Sales.

About the coil packs, I'm still on my originals for most part. I replaced one to get rid of a misfire code but it came back 4 months later and disappeared again so I don't know if the coil pack really was bad after all. Currently at 220K miles.

Thanks for the heads up. I thought parts from a dealership were all OEM. Did not realize there was a difference.

This is my first 4runner and the first time working on my own vehicle so I'm kind of a newb.

 

[nissanh]

IF you are new to toyota, keep this in mind, the most frequent repairs/services are oil changes and brake shoes/pads. Any other repairs are less frequent. So check with us before doing any other repairs. Most owners replace parts based on their past experience with non-toyota cars/trucks.

My 4runner has almost 190 K and so far with OEM alternator/starter, etc.,

Majority of toyota electrical and AC items are DENSO. Buy OEM or denso products if you want the toyota reliability.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Not to hijack the thread, but I thought any sparkplug would work as long as it is the double-grounded type???

 

[BrianSD_42]

Thanks for the heads up. I thought parts from a dealership were all OEM. Did not realize there was a difference

The point I was trying to get across was instead of paying $200 for parts at local dealer buy the same Toyota part for $140 from a dealer but online.

Camelback Toyota has special pricing from their internet sales dept. Same dealership, just different method of commerce, 25-30% off.

 

[haybeav]

The point I was trying to get across was instead of paying $200 for parts at local dealer buy the same Toyota part for $140 from a dealer but online.

Camelback Toyota has special pricing from their internet sales dept. Same dealership, just different method of commerce, 25-30% off.

Ahhh, I see what you're saying. Thanks for the tip.

Side note: Will running without that rubber stopper that used to sit on the spark plug do any damage?

 

[TheDurk]

If the only problem is the coil boot (aka 'rubber stopper'), I'd try replacing that. I don't think Toyota sells them, but NAPA does, $20 each, BEL 702450. Then learn to lubricate the boots each change with dielectric grease, also at NAPA.

Spark Plug Boot (Coil to Plug)

If you do need a coil, forget the stealer--online or otherwise, unless you like paying double to get a red box. The OE coil is a Denso 673-1201, available at Amazon for $64.95 (Prime eligible). SAME EXACT PART, half the price. I would never just swap out coils for no reason, the vast majority of those coils will outlive the truck they came over in--especially if you grease the boots each time.

http://www.amazon.com/Denso-6731201-673-1201-Ignition-Coil/dp/B002Y39NFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375757268&sr=8-1&keywords=673-1201