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

Thank you, @chris4x4 for taking the time to do this write up. I consider myself fairly handy, but I'm a bit apprehensive when it comes to doing maintenance on my truck. Mods are a different story ;-) . I had relied on a 'friend' who told me that I didn't need to replace the plugs unless there was an issue. Since I bought it used at 21k miles, I just now replaced the plugs using your direction. It now has just over 74k miles, and the plugs told me what I already knew-which is to follow the schedule. It took a bit longer than the other guys but I did have the advantage of small (women's) hands and I double checked the directions after each step. She started up more quickly than before, idles smoother, and is definitely more responsive when it comes to a little power nudge. Now enjoying one of my favorite beverages so 'Cheers!!'. "I think I'll have a double..."

 

Did my fifth spark plug change today, using this thread everytime as a refresher.

The last change, I opted not to use anti-seize for reference. It was significantly more effort to remove the plugs, almost as if there was mild loctite or something.

This time I used a copper based anti seize but less than usual. Curious to see the difference next change. Currently just shy of 177,000 miles.

 

You have the wrong place! This has nothing to do with replacing spark plugs.

 

Really appreciate this guide. Recently purchased my taco with 60k miles so I did the transfer case and diffs and decided to do the plugs as well. Took an hour or two, pretty straight forward. Used denso plugs with a small amount of anti seize. Pulled 6 ngks out so someone must have done it once. Torquing the plugs down was the only part that made me nervous. Used the 15lbs recommendation and everything started up and ran fine on my test drive afterward. Thanks again!

 

This thread is way too long to see if my question has been answered. I have a 2011 Tacoma 4 cylinder extended cab 4x4 that I bought new in 2011. I have never changed the plugs and it has around 56k miles on it. All the discussions I have seen have all been about 6 cylinder engines that have half Denso and half NGK. I’ve never seen any discussion on 4 cylinder engines. Can someone enlighten me on what the factory plugs are and how they are arranged in the engine?

 

Chris thanks for a great write up brother!!!

I installed new plugs today at 194K!! (there was a chance they were done at 90K, but not so) I took my time and all went well.

I will say the driver side NGK's were a bit harder to unscrew. 2 things that you stated really helped.

1st was to tape the socket and extensions together with electric tape. I was using a new 5/8 spark plug socket and it was tight.

2nd was to gently ease the spark plug down to the hole and turn it gently counter clockwise a few times each, feeling for the bump, then gently turn it clockwise to start the plug.

Plug Gap Stretch!
3 - Denso Passenger Side Gaps: .069, .070, .068
3 - NKG Driver Side Gaps: .074, .072, .075

 

Unless the plugs were replace previously and the person doing the work specifically put in 3 of each brand then your plugs could be original. They look like they are in too nice of shape to be original. From the factory Toyota used 3 of each brand. Interesting.

 

Aaron I bought the truck brand new and have never changed them. (yea I need a kick in the ass)

At 90K my truck was struck by lightning and they installed 6K worth of electronics, sensors, etc and I thought they did the plugs.

But I think they are the originals.

@ACEkraut

 

LOL. Judgement free zone here! Does it run better?

 

Possible proof that Densos are superior.

 

@wingspar ....I really don't think you can go wrong with all Denso OR NKG. I used all Denso in my 2005 4.0 V6 with no issues. I would not stress the choice. Others may disagree, by my truck runs just fine. 231K and counting......

 

Thank you, Chris4x4 and everyone else that has added to this thread. Just did this job for the second time. Some blood. No ancillary breakage. The most difficult part of the project was working with the surge tank stay lower bolt. I do not remember doing anything with it the first time (9 years ago) but like other bolts and plugs on these trucks, it was really tight. Plugs shown are in the positions they came out of. A slight sheen on all of them.

 

Thanks Chris4x4 for this write up, just changed my plugs today, went off without a hitch (except when the electrical tape detached from the extension and stuck to the socket in the head…) used those needle nose pliers to unravel the tape stuck to the socket. A little adversity is expected with any job, right? I owe you a cold one. 15 years after your initial post and people are still looking at this post and taking a stab at it. Seriously, thank you.

 

I just performed a spark plug change on my 2014 TRD OR DCSB with ~ 70k miles. I bought it when when it was at 67k and the plugs had not been changed previously but came out looking ok all things considered.

5/6 plugs were easily replaced but I experienced an extremely tedious situation with one of them. Somehow the plastic coating sheared off and was blocking my access to the plug head within the cylinder. I managed to fish it out with tweezers taped to long reach needle nose pliers and then removed any particles I saw. Gave me a scare that I did something wrong. But the last plug was removed and replaced after that…

Truck started up ok and I let it idle for a few minutes and believe everything is ok. But that was certainly a challenge for my first spark plug change.

 

thank you for this write up! helped me change my spark plugs with ease and truck is running smoother than ever now

changed at 133k replacing the autolite's from the last change god knows how long ago to the densos. great tip on the anti-seize

 

Great write up, this is probably the biggest job I've done on any car/bike I've owned.

One of the plugs was pretty cooked. I removed the coil on top and it smelled like smoke/burnt. Glad I got to it when I did. Runs great now and super smooth. The plugs lasted at least 75k, that's how long ago I bought the truck.

If you have not, definitely do the adhesive between the spark plug socket and the rubber grommet. It got stuck a few times which made the job about twice as long.