Changing Sparkplugs

Interesting... Gonna have to check my records to see how many miles since I put in the current set. Truck is running great, but never hurts to check and keep up with preventive maintenance.

Thanks!

 

But anti seize on the threads?

 

15 foot pounds, I go 12 because I use anti seize. Recommend using a torque wrench. Aluminum head. Easy to cross thread.

 

Best tip I can give for using anti-seize is - Throw the bottle away after using it.
Because “There ain’t no damn way there’s any left in it, with amounts that’s all over you.”

 

There are 7-8 Youtube videos on changing the spark plugs. Watch a few and you'll get a good idea of what to do. Being a New Mexico truck you shouldn't have a problem with rusted ignition coil bolts. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=1gr-fe+spark+plugs

A few pointers:

• Duct tape the spark plug socket to the extension.
• If you have a manual transmission, there are additional hoses and lines on the driver's side not shown in the videos.
• You can get anti-seize in a tube, a bit less messy:
  $6 Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz. Tube , White
  https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81343-Anti-Seize-Lubricant-Tube/dp/B0002UEOLO/
• Use a wire type spark plug gapper instead of the coin type:

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.30479/

 

PArty pooper

 

I did it three times on my 2006, and now twice on my 2014.
Extensions are needed but here is a wanna-be pro tip.

Use a foot long piece of 3/8" plastic tubing to take out old plugs and put in new. Sure, some sockets have the rubber insert for plugs. Using the tubing ensures a nice hand start to the thread.

 

IMHO, one of the best writeup on this process on TW:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.30479/

OP , if its hasn't been mentioned, stick with all Denso plugs.

 

Well said.
If you go through with it be prepared to take your time. If a spark plug feels like it's coming out too hard, stop and spray some penetrating oil down the hole and start working the plug back and forth until it comes out. It'll free up and start to move freely. I've always been able to remove plugs that seem to be hard to turn out with this method without stripping threads. Knock on wood!!

 

So they quoted $200 for parts and labor? The first question to ask is what's your time worth vs how much will you enjoy the project vs how much will you enjoy keeping that $150 in your pocket? I DIY almost every thing around the house because that's my hobby, but some tasks I pay others because I hate them. For example mowing grass and shoveling snow. Paying my yard guy makes me happy. He gets to walk around in circles in the hot sun or freeze his butt off moving snow and both of us are happy about it. Win win!

If you do decide to DIY, which I highly recommend, here are a few things to consider - If you don't have the right tools to do the job, just go buy them. You're going to be paying $150 in labor or $100 in tools. That's still $50 in your pocket. A socket set and torque wrench will fix many many things and change literally thousands of spark plugs. Do not buy some bougie brand name, Harbor Freight is just the ticket for these tools. I've been following that advice for years and have grown my tool collection to the point where I can to do pretty much any job. Second don't listen to those that tell you this is job for a professional.

Third, and this will trigger some people, install iridium plugs. For the same $50 you're paying the dealer you can get iridium which will last 100K miles. Because let's be honest, changing plugs isn't that much fun. You may ask why didn't Toyota put iridium plugs in at the factory? Well, because when building a car some decisions are made by engineers, but most are made by accountants. An engineer would use iridium. An accountant says we can save $6 and the dealers will be happy because they can charge $200 to replace them every 30K miles.