How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE)

Changed my plugs yesterday (first time at 60k miles) and notice such an improvement in how the truck drives. My scanguage is already showing 1.5-2 mpg improvement. Thanks for an awesome "how to" thread. I wouldn't have attempted this if it wasn't for this write up. The dealer wanted $300 for parts and labor. I did it under $50. Thanks again!

One piece of advice for any other newbie doing this: When you tape the socket to the extension bar, make sure you tape it really good. I got it stuck down in the first plug. Took a while to get it out. I made sure it wouldn't happen again.

 

Just had to say thanks for the tutorial. Got it done without a hitch at 66K miles.

First change dealer at ~30K $$$.
All old plugs were at .48-.50
All new plugs are at .40 at 40 degrees outside
Took half hour on passenger side
Took one hour on drivers side

Got to use my new inch-pound torque wrench as a bonus.

Thanks Chris and others.

 

Why is it that many vehicles have plugs that last around 60,000 miles plus and on a Tacoma you are having to change them a lot earlier.??

 

From what my mechanic told me, they're all going over to 30,000 mile change of spark plugs. With the 100,000 mile plug change, people thought there was no maintenance necessary beforehand.

But mostly, it avoids the pit falls of trying to remove plugs that are seized because they are so old.

Jim

 

+2. I am also dreading the day that I have to change out the iridium plugs on my wife's Highlander. The transverse mounted 3.5 requires the front cowl to be removed as well as a host of other parts to get to the back three cylinders. Allot of beer will be consumed that weekend.

 

DONE!! First time, too! Woohoo! Very easy, aside from a stuck bolt on the bracket and that forward driver's side plug. Had to unbolt an extra wire harness to get in there more easily. The used spark plugs finished gapped between .050 and .055. Gapped new ones at .041. Thanks for the tutorial!

 

Should plugs be replaced with original plugs or is there a better plug that would actually make a difference..??

 

I bought them from a Toyota dealer. Think all 6 were about $22. Did that because I remember reading a thread here that ultimately said one spark plug isn't any better than another spark plug.

 

Well that makes it simple.. thanks.. Did you use the same plug on both sides,..?? Is there a reason why some have 1 type of plug on 1 side and another on the other side.??

 

Naw, I just threw them all in. According to the OP there's no rhyme or reason behind the two different OEM plugs. My truck hasn't noticed.

EDIT: Chris beat me to it! heheh

 

Thanks for the info.. How long would you keep the Denso`s before changing them.. ( Mileage.)

 

What kind of mileage will you get out of the Denso`s before you change them..??

 

Thanks Chris

 

If I used ngk change them sooner or pull and regap them?

 

Thanks Chris4x4 for the great write up and to all the other comments. The tips and tricks made this much easier. Bought my truck new and thought it had iridium plugs like my former truck. After reading you article, with 107,000, it was time to change. The Denso were up to .057-58 and the NKGs were up to .063. I replaced with the Denso copper (from NAPA-in stock) after reading all the responses. It still ran fine but I can feel the additional pep now. Cleaned the MAS while in there.
This my first post and I want to thank all who contribute. More work ahead!

 

Great write up!

Just completed first time change 92,235, truck had been running pretty good gas mileage was ok about 16-17 around town I have no other mods. Plugs came out no problem. Passenger side Densos were 0.50-0.52 gap, driver side NGK were 0.59-0.61. Replaced with Denso copper plugs.