changing spark plugs on my 3rd gen?

Brad Grier · 11-01-2009, 01:43 PM

Any specific instructions for changing spark plugs? looks pretty tight...maybe I shud just pay a toyota mechanic ($120. per hour in my City)??!!

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brian2sun · 11-01-2009, 06:36 PM

If you are going to get into wrenching on your own truck like most of us here, plugs are about the best place to start learning. They are easy to do and paying someone $120 to do plugs would be like paying $120 for a meal IMO. Maybe some people would, not me.

It's a little tight in there, but I've never had any problems getting to them. Just move what you need to out of the way. I suggest getting an inch lb. torque wrench - it'll come in handy in the future for a lot of things. The torque for the plugs is 167 in. lbs.

Remove 1 wire and 1 plug at a time, then replace them. Don't remove all the plugs and wires at once because it can get confusing trying to remember the order if you're not familiar w/ the engine. Put a little dab of anti-seize compound on the threads of each plug before installing and put a little dielectric grease where the wire boots contact each plug. And the most important thing:

Use NGK #BKR5EKB-11 or Denso #K16TR11 plugs only. Don't let the auto parts store sell you Bosch plugs.

For wires, use: Denso #671-6182 or NGK #TE66. You'll only get 3 wires because the coil packs sit directly on top of the other 3 plugs.

Brad Grier · 11-01-2009, 06:43 PM

Thanks...appreciated...I'll pick up the plugs you suggest tomorrow and put them in. I do usually just take it to the Toyota service dept but with this kind of mileage it doesn't seem worthwhile spending that kind of money any more.

rimpainter.com · 11-01-2009, 08:08 PM

Warning: The hardest plug is the driver's side rear. Take your time; don't force it. Definitely the easiest one to strip. Good luck!

OpenFire · 11-01-2009, 08:12 PM

another tip: when your putting on the new plugs, use a piece of fuel line (or similar sized hose) and attach to the boot end while holding the other end to get the plug started on the threads.

If u just crank down with the ratchet right off the bat and the threads arent aligned u chance ruining the plugs. just be delicate

Ron Helmuth · 11-06-2009, 07:49 PM

find a good writeup and print it out so you can arrange all the supplies and tools needed.

I think you can find one at 4x4wire or heck there is likely one even on Yota Tech or t4r.

Follow their advice about cleaning your work surface areas before you remove any spark plug boot. This way you have no worries of any foreign substance entering while the plug is out.

Have another vehicle available if possible for that emergency run to the parts store.

I am a total mechanical idiot and with my teenage son assisting we were able to accomplish this. A large part of the job is removing the air intake assembly to free up the space on the passenger side to do the work. Once you do that side you will gain the confidence to attempt the drivers side. I personally would not attempt the drivers side first but that is just me.

Consider splitting the job into 2 halves if that makes it more manageable for you. A few specialty items make the job even easier. I bought one of those cheap plastic plug wire boot pullers and it helped this old guy to get better grip on the boots without pulling on the actual wires.

And as stated above get heater hose or clear vinyl tubing to fit the spark plug heads.Take your new spark plug to the store to be sure to get the right size. This extends your reach down into the dark recess of the ports-you can start the plugs by hand using this tubing and get a better feel for dead on threading and avoiding cross threading.

Post your city of origin and 3rd gen vehicle specifics-could be one of us just down the road who would gladly help you out with this. This is a good first wrench step to enable you to tackle a variety of upgrades along the way. Do not be intimidated- this is how we all got started with our 3rd gens.

And welcome to this fine forum. Glad to have you aboard.

mohadib · 11-07-2009, 09:20 AM

i use an extension with no ratchet attached to start the plug. lot easier than trying to reach in. i have yet to crossthread anything. good luck.

11-01-2009, 06:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
brian2sun Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Mtns, CA Posts: 502	If you are going to get into wrenching on your own truck like most of us here, plugs are about the best place to start learning. They are easy to do and paying someone $120 to do plugs would be like paying $120 for a meal IMO. Maybe some people would, not me. It's a little tight in there, but I've never had any problems getting to them. Just move what you need to out of the way. I suggest getting an inch lb. torque wrench - it'll come in handy in the future for a lot of things. The torque for the plugs is 167 in. lbs. Remove 1 wire and 1 plug at a time, then replace them. Don't remove all the plugs and wires at once because it can get confusing trying to remember the order if you're not familiar w/ the engine. Put a little dab of anti-seize compound on the threads of each plug before installing and put a little dielectric grease where the wire boots contact each plug. And the most important thing: Use NGK #BKR5EKB-11 or Denso #K16TR11 plugs only. Don't let the auto parts store sell you Bosch plugs. For wires, use: Denso #671-6182 or NGK #TE66. You'll only get 3 wires because the coil packs sit directly on top of the other 3 plugs. __________________ 97 4Runner SR5 3.4L 4x4 305/70R16 Mastercraft M/Ts on black stock 6 spokes 2.5" suspension lift ARB Bullbar ARB rear locker 4.88s Factory wood grain dash My 4th Toyota truck "If guns kill people, then pens write novels."

11-01-2009, 08:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
rimpainter.com Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,797	Warning: The hardest plug is the driver's side rear. Take your time; don't force it. Definitely the easiest one to strip. Good luck! __________________ www.rimpainter.com Get your O Gasket Mod Here! My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

11-06-2009, 07:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ron Helmuth Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver metro area-CO Posts: 1,339	find a good writeup and print it out so you can arrange all the supplies and tools needed. I think you can find one at 4x4wire or heck there is likely one even on Yota Tech or t4r. Follow their advice about cleaning your work surface areas before you remove any spark plug boot. This way you have no worries of any foreign substance entering while the plug is out. Have another vehicle available if possible for that emergency run to the parts store. I am a total mechanical idiot and with my teenage son assisting we were able to accomplish this. A large part of the job is removing the air intake assembly to free up the space on the passenger side to do the work. Once you do that side you will gain the confidence to attempt the drivers side. I personally would not attempt the drivers side first but that is just me. Consider splitting the job into 2 halves if that makes it more manageable for you. A few specialty items make the job even easier. I bought one of those cheap plastic plug wire boot pullers and it helped this old guy to get better grip on the boots without pulling on the actual wires. And as stated above get heater hose or clear vinyl tubing to fit the spark plug heads.Take your new spark plug to the store to be sure to get the right size. This extends your reach down into the dark recess of the ports-you can start the plugs by hand using this tubing and get a better feel for dead on threading and avoiding cross threading. Post your city of origin and 3rd gen vehicle specifics-could be one of us just down the road who would gladly help you out with this. This is a good first wrench step to enable you to tackle a variety of upgrades along the way. Do not be intimidated- this is how we all got started with our 3rd gens. And welcome to this fine forum. Glad to have you aboard. __________________ 99 4Runner SR5 4wd 3.4/5 spd- Fact. Rr. Locker/Diff Breather Ext. Old Man Emu lift springs- 881 fronts/890 rears O/M/E shocks- N91s fr./N86 rr. All Pro Off Road welded sliders-prevent body damage! ARB"Taco"bumper/Gamiviti clear lenses/Hella 500s Redline Tuning hood struts/Bushwacker Extend a Fenders all my photos are over on Facebook now-I gave up on photo hosting sorry.... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=5795132731

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11-01-2009, 06:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brad Grier Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks...appreciated...I'll pick up the plugs you suggest tomorrow and put them in. I do usually just take it to the Toyota service dept but with this kind of mileage it doesn't seem worthwhile spending that kind of money any more.

11-01-2009, 08:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
OpenFire Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Albany/Rochester NY Posts: 18	another tip: when your putting on the new plugs, use a piece of fuel line (or similar sized hose) and attach to the boot end while holding the other end to get the plug started on the threads. If u just crank down with the ratchet right off the bat and the threads arent aligned u chance ruining the plugs. just be delicate

11-07-2009, 09:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
mohadib Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5	i use an extension with no ratchet attached to start the plug. lot easier than trying to reach in. i have yet to crossthread anything. good luck.