Ease of maintenance?

Lol, this.

I’ve popped mine twice so far, once to install the gas struts that makes opening it easier for the service guys at the dealership.
And another time to install the faux grille.

 

My service advisor at the dealership mentioned that the spark plugs are difficult to get to in the V6 engines. He made it sound like it required an engine lift. Not sure how accurrate this info is, but he seemed sure about it. I was given the impression that the 4 cylinder engine isn't so complicated.

 

3rd gen maintenance = pain in the ass

2nd gen maintenance = easy peezy

 

Engine lift would be pretty severe...

 

You must not have ever owned a 1st Gen V6 then. You need to remove the skids, and be a contortionist to get to the filter if you don't have a lift. Oil runs everywhere.
I don't see why folks have a problem with the cartridge filter, simply drain the oil from it and remove it.

 

Scuff it with a piece of 600 grit, wipe it off and then check your oil. Much easier to read.

 

Kind of archaic and I don't know how it sits in there but I don't really have a problem with the cartridge on my tractor... but a 5 gallon bucket will sit under both the filter and drain plug.

 

I had a 2000 Tacoma and don't remember removing the skid plates to change the oil, I must be a good contortionist, lol.

 

OK, so it's a good thing the spark plug change interval is not too short (Note step 1):


IIRC, the passenger side coils don't look too bad.. it's the driver's side that's a bitch.

 

More clarification on the coils/plugs:



That f'd up looking curvy thing on top of the engine is the intake air surge tank. Yes, there are gaskets involved, and yes the throttle body bolts to it.

 

In laymans terms is that the intake manfold?

Really doesn't look that horrible.

 

The intake manifold is underneath the surge tank. You may be right, but it's surely not something your average guy doing "routine maintenance" is going to try.

 

I'd have to see it in real life first but I ain't scared yet.

 

Not trying to scare anyone, but remember when you only had to disconnect the wiring harness, unbolt the coil, pull out the coil/boot and then remove the spark plugs?
All I'm saying is this is way more work to do a simple job. Not scary. No one is doubting your abilities. Relax.

 

Yeah sometimes with the right tools you can bypass the "factory" way and get it done another way. A little creativity can go a long way. That being said this is probably a PITA haha

 

I ran out to my truck and grabbed the maintenance guide, it has 60k as the change for normal, not under severe, the 4 cylinder gets to go longer. As I mentioned earlier, it was 30k on the old 4.0 so at least we get to go twice as long.

 

I'm with you man, if there's a way to get those coil packs out without removing the god damn surge tank I'm in. I've had a cursory look, and on the driver's side there doesn't seem to be a snowballs chance some of them will clear it enough....

 

Worked on some old Fords that required that to remove one head, and 'almost' to get to a couple plugs on the same head. Cyclone CJ and Boss Mustang come to mind..............

 

You're not helping.

 

Fuck it. Just don't change those ones. 4 out of 6 ain't bad.