This is a newb question, but from what I understand, changing out the spark plugs on a 3vze can be a PITA. What is the best process for changing them out?

 

Yeah, it's a newb question. But, it's okay...so what, right?

Have a ratchet, socket, and some wobbly extensions of different lengths. Start at plug one (or six) and work you're way around. While it's been labeled a PITA, there's no way around doing it. You just have to get in there and figure out what works best. But, the extensions really help.

Oh...I will say this. Be careful not to crossthread the plugs in the head. You can use a fuel line cut and slipped over the end of the plug to thread them in. But, I've found a wobbly with the socket works pretty darn well.

 

what, if anything, has to be moved/removed (besides plug wires of course)?

 

First, Let Engine Cool At Least 2 Hrs. To Keep Aluminum From Coming Out With The Threads. Also, Put Truck On Stands And Take Wheels Off, Its Easier To Get At Them From Underneath Sometimes Plus Its Easier On The Back If Truck Is Lower To The Ground. Use Air Hose And Blow Gun To Get Rid Of All The Loose Stuff Around The Plugs Before Taking Them Out. Spray With Some Penetrating Lube Ahead Of Time. Get A Mirror To See In There If Things Go Tough, Dont Force Them Out, If It Feels Tough Screw It Back In And Lube It Again.take Your Time, Dont Start This If You Need To Go Somewhere In A Hurry. Lube The Plug Boots With Silicone Grease Before Putting Them Back On.dont Forget To Check The Gap Before Putting The Plugs In Either.

 

Wow, i find it pretty easy, except # 5 (or is it 6? i always forget) because of those vaccum lines. For that one i take off the little cover and work from underneath. drivers side is easy to do, pass side is a bit tougher cause of the lines.
And it shouldnt take more than 2 hrs if you replace the wires as well. (less if you dont).
Take your time and dont crossthread anything, it should all go in pretty snug by hand (use a spark plug wrench to thread it in, just with no ratchet attached) and tighten them nice and snug, dont strip out the head... (you'll feel it)
goodluck!

 

I have done mine twice, and its not fun, but just be patient. I think its the one on the passenger side furthest back that is the PITA, but other than that it just takes time. Have lots of extensions and spark plug sockets handy and get creative.
Here's a tip: by using two or three extensions linked together, you can snake your socket into some tight areas.

If your truck is running poorly, and in need of spark plugs and wires, this can make a huge improvement. Afterward, treat yourself to some cold beer and pizza with the money you saved.

 

First, IMO it's a PITA for sure.

3 different length extensions, and a rubber hose plug installer is REQUIRED. Unless you got itty bitty hands your not threading #2 or #5 by hand without the rubber hose, or something of the sort to get it started first. They're both "blind" approaches, you can't even see where there going 'till you feel them get there. Hoping you've hit the hole and not just fouled your plug with engine debris, causing redo after redo.

About moving things, I can't get to #2 on mine without turning my distributor all the way counter-clockwise. Yes, my timing needs reset after I pull my plugs, it sucks.

 

I have never had a problem changing plugs on a 3vz-e. All the plugs are quite easy to get to.

 

Oh yeah, different length extension are a must.
Ever try changing the plugs on a fwd OHV v8 caddy? now THAT is hard.

 

I tool off all of the intake from TB to filter... made that side easier at least.

 

I don't think it's bad at all. I use one of the spark plug sockets with the little rubber insert that holds the plug. If you don't have one of those, you may need to use the hose technique, because as mentioned above, it's a blind job. You'll need an extension of course, and be sure to not crossthread them!

Plugs on my 4Runner are MUCH easier than my Impala. Definitely have to go through the wheelwell for the even #'d cylinders, and even then it's tough.

 

Transverse motors....that's a PITA.

 

I let almost all the air out of the front tires so it's an easier reach then just refill them when I'm done.

RBMC

 

I have changed mine a couple of times and have never had to move the distributor. Now removing the air intake pipe does help alot.

 

I just did mine. Removed intake (only a couple hose clamps) to get to the drivers side much easier. As stated above, a couple extensions (2- 1 long and 1 short) and a universal joint are necessary.
Using the proper tools, it should only take about 15 minutes to replace the plugs. Very, very, easy.

 

Yeah, they aren't too bad. I usualy just remove the intake tube to get to the driver's side plugs and use a couple of extensions.

Not the easiest motor, but I've seen some way worse.