badmofo

Greetings to you all. I thought I would take a sec to introduce my self. I'm 27, live in Missouri and work with Computers for a living. I just bought a Beige 01 Tacoma 2.7 4x4 s 5-sp xtra cab with 100k miles on it. I was looking for some instructions on how to change my spark plugs because looking at the engine in my new truck is a little less than intuitive. I've searched the threads and found some info but I'm still lost. The good news is I was able to locate my fuel filter thanks to this site I also ran a bottle of seafoam in the gas last week because of the recommendations from this site. The reason I'm looking is because I think my truck feels a little rough when idling, as compared to my old 96 Jimmy. But I don't know if this is normal so I'm just trying to take some precautions. Plus I don't know the maintenace history on it. I'll gladly take any advice offered. I consider myself a pretty good shade tree mechanic, but the tree knows better

Cheers,

rocket

iTrader: (1)

Those 4 black boxes on top of your engine...remove those and look down the tubes. Your spark plugs are down there. 5/8" spark plug socket, 10" socket extension and your ratchet of choice are what you need to swap them out.

Welcome to YT

Elton

welcome to yotatech

crazy_horse3030

Look on top of your engine. There are 4 black wires running to 4 caps. Pull those caps loose and there will be a tube down in the top of each extending to the spark plug.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...0k/2.7L_I4.jpg

There wires go down into the engine right behind the oil cap labeled "2".

You need a long extension. Make sure the engine is cool or you will rip the threads out of the aluminum.

Beartracker

You probably already have the plugs changed but it's a good idea to blow out around the plugs with a good air hose before you remove the plugs to make sure there's no dirt or anything to fall in the whole when you remove the plug. Also a good idea to do one at a time so the holes are not left open or place a clean rag over each hole. Also a good idea to clean the throttle body while you have it tore down that far and clean the MF sensor too.
If you have any problems let us know, Mike

etan

they pretty much got it, but make sure you use a spark plug socket!!

badmofo

Thanks guys, I'm going to give it a go this weekend

Nic

Also, make sure to check the gap on your new plugs before you put them in.

If you are not changing the wires out too, be gentle when pulling them loose from the spark plugs so they won't get damaged.

You may already know, but you cannot access your plugs by hand, so (as someone already stated) a spark plug socket with a rubber insert for gripping the plugs helps in removal and installation.

If you have an ordinary socket that will not grip the plug, you can use a rubber or plastic hose pushed over the end of the plug to take the old ones out and you can also do the same thing to screw the new ones in. Installing them this way helps against cross threading since the hose will slip on the plug when it gets under much resistance.

Use some ant-seize on the new plugs for cheap insurance.

That's all I can think of.