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How To: Replacing Spark Plugs and Wires on 5VZ-FE 3.4 V6

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by TacomaJPP, Jan 31, 2013.

  1. Mar 12, 2017 at 11:14 PM
    #101
    RandyL

    RandyL Active Member

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    I do/did. Just put six new NGKs in and like the peace of mind of KNOWING they were right. Only one needed a minor nudge.
     
  2. Mar 13, 2017 at 7:44 AM
    #102
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    Why isn't this a sticky? :annoyed::frusty::facepalm::boom::bananadead:
     
  3. Mar 17, 2017 at 5:44 PM
    #103
    Misplaced Nebraskan

    Misplaced Nebraskan TTC #007 'First Gen Best Gen'

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    So I just did the plugs and wires. Also read more and researched a ton on the whole gaping dual probe plugs, specifically the NGKs. I read on some other forums that the gap is not measured at the tip to probe like a single setup and some have claimed to talk to NGK reps and confirm this. I wanted to know for sure so I emailed them yesterday, got a quick reply. A bit vague, but I'll ask for more clarification. Emails:

    ME:

    Hello, I was writing to inquire about the BKR5EKB-11 spark plug. I was curious as to how to check/adjust the gap on these, if necessary at all. I've read lots of conflicting information on the subject and wanted to just come to the source. Is the gap measured at the tip or down around the insulator? I've also read that the 2 tips should be .022 for a total of .044 for this application. Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.

    NGK:

    Hello,


    Thank you for your inquiry. Since the dual ground plugs are only intended for certain applications, they come pre-gapped. You cannot adjust the gap because they are laser measured from the exact center of the center electrode. And because it does not spark straight up and down like traditional plugs, they are measured differently.


    Not sure if I'll get much more out of them, but hope this helps. Oh and picture because pictures are always required...

    IMG_20170314_154016.jpg
     
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  4. Mar 17, 2017 at 7:08 PM
    #104
    lpt0n

    lpt0n Member

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    At 80k miles on a 2000 Taco, just did mine with NGK wires and Denso dual tip cheap plugs (OEM) from Amazon. checked the gap with the wire gap tool; the gaps were all, consistently, very close to .044 so i slapped em in. Super easy, idles smoother, very afforadble. Cleaned he MAF. should have replaced the PCV valve while i was in there, its like a $5 part.
     
  5. Mar 17, 2017 at 7:10 PM
    #105
    Misplaced Nebraskan

    Misplaced Nebraskan TTC #007 'First Gen Best Gen'

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    Didn't even check mine. Just installed. Runs smoothly. Didn't do maf or pcv either. And still trying to isolate the p0302 code. Coil swap is next.
     
  6. Mar 27, 2017 at 4:29 PM
    #106
    Cr250jumper

    Cr250jumper Señor member

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    Gaping and gapping are two totally different things :eek:
     
  7. Mar 27, 2017 at 4:39 PM
    #107
    Misplaced Nebraskan

    Misplaced Nebraskan TTC #007 'First Gen Best Gen'

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    I get intimate in my vehicle repairs :rofl:. Ha. Good catch :thumbsup:
     
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  8. Mar 28, 2017 at 5:51 PM
    #108
    Dannny boy

    Dannny boy Stab it and Steer

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    Last edited: Mar 28, 2017
  9. Mar 28, 2017 at 7:59 PM
    #109
    Dannny boy

    Dannny boy Stab it and Steer

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    A gap is a gap man, it's the distance a spark has to jump from the electrode to the prong. check the gap on both sides of the electrode. It fires randomly between the two depending on conditions and functions the same as a single prong plug other than spreading out the wear. These motors are designed with long maintenance intervals in mind so these plugs make it possible to hit 100k before a change.
     
  10. Mar 28, 2017 at 8:02 PM
    #110
    Dannny boy

    Dannny boy Stab it and Steer

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    Anyway the gap depends on the size of the prong, or number of prongs.
     
  11. Jun 10, 2017 at 9:06 AM
    #111
    Wulf

    Wulf no brain just damage

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    Just replaced a 16 year old set of Sumitomo wires with the blue NGK ones and my truck is idling smoother and seems to run better under load :thumbsup:
     
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  12. Jun 10, 2017 at 3:20 PM
    #112
    02 quadcab

    02 quadcab Well-Known Member

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    Same exact thing happened to me as OP. Changed carrier bearing still had vibes. Realized vibes were still there when in drive with brake held and engine loaded. Pulled plugs and they were shot. I got the replacement plugs from Toyota 5.99 each and pre gasped. The plugs I got from orileys looked much different.
     
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  13. Jun 10, 2017 at 3:21 PM
    #113
    02 quadcab

    02 quadcab Well-Known Member

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    Also was advised by Toyota tech not to put grease on the plug threads
     
  14. Jun 12, 2017 at 1:46 PM
    #114
    dgshelto

    dgshelto Well-Known Member

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    As already mentioned, at least with NGK / Denso plugs there is no need to apply anti seize to their threads as the nickle coating will act as a natural lubricant. So good move!
     
  15. Jun 12, 2017 at 9:24 PM
    #115
    rhion82

    rhion82 El Duderino

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    IMG_0211_zps12d14e24_9b9d359ae068d26c51936618d6f596daf282afd1.jpg

    Anyone know where I can get 3 of the 10mm bolts for the coils at? Changed plugs and wires today but 2 of 3 bolts were rusted and in the trash now...
     
  16. Jun 12, 2017 at 9:31 PM
    #116
    Misplaced Nebraskan

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    Take one to Home depot/lowes and match it possibly? not sure on exact specs. or a Fastenall if you've got it.
     
  17. Jun 12, 2017 at 10:09 PM
    #117
    02 quadcab

    02 quadcab Well-Known Member

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    Truck was much smoother after replacing these. Not sure if ever replaced.

    20170610_212345.jpg
     
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  18. Jun 13, 2017 at 6:11 PM
    #118
    labrador01

    labrador01 Well-Known Member

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    I got around to replacing my plugs & wires at 195k. I bought this truck with 163k & I am not sure if they have ever been replaced. My truck developed a severe drive line vibration which caused me to replace them sooner than later. Each of the 6 replaced plugs were between .052-.058
     
  19. Jun 13, 2017 at 6:21 PM
    #119
    b_r_o

    b_r_o Beef jerky time

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    It's 6 x 1.0
     
  20. Jun 13, 2017 at 6:26 PM
    #120
    Misplaced Nebraskan

    Misplaced Nebraskan TTC #007 'First Gen Best Gen'

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    Thanks. Couldn't find any info on them.
     
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