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

Ha!

 

Do you know how many beers it takes to find my tools?

 

It usually takes me a minimum of 3 to find mine brother. But I decided to hold off this time since it was my first go at the Spark plugs. It'll probably take me 2.5 hours next time

 

I believe in using anti-seize on spark plugs. I've replaced mine 4 times now and I think I've got plenty on threads from prior replacements. They were a little "slow" coming out but they came out with only about 20-25 lbs of force. I didn't use A-S on my last thinking there was plenty left on the block threads from the times before. On the other side of the coin, my sons '97 4Runner didn't get any anti-seize and plugs torqued to 15lbs. One day he came home with #4 plug completely missing. It came loose and was dangling from the spark plug wire. Maybe anti-seize acts like locktite in some cases after getting hot.

 

I have had my 09 2.7 for 2 weeks 113436 KM so thought I had better check the plugs. They were original 10 years old. Installed NGK platinum. and anti seize on the threads.Time for a test run
Jan

 

Replaced the plugs this AM with new Denso's.... took it slow and easy. All went well. The old plugs had a tad over 30K on them with normal wear. Start to finish it was 1.25 hrs. Twenty bucks for the plugs and an 1.25 hrs of my time was well worth it.
This write-up was very helpful so a big thanks goes out to the OP. Much appreciated!

 

OP, you an MVP! I did this today and it was a BREEZE, my only issue was pushing the wiring harness clip OFF the front most coil pack on the drivers side, and by “issue” I mean it took like 10 minutes to remove the coil pack and get that clip out of the way. Otherwise it was a very smooth job!

2008, 135k miles. Unknown when last time they were changed but I’m so stoked I was able to do this so quickly and easily (I’m a very basic mechanic of sorts). Also swapped my PCV valve for a new one while I was back there.

 

Same. The Denso plugs I bought on Amazon were “ok”. 4 of the 6 plugs were capped at about .040, the other two I had to gap. They were closer to .035

 

I'm gonna bite here so please don't beat me up too much for not reading the whole thread.
I did read the 1st 5-7 pages and the last 5 or so. I have a 2012 4.0 V6 that will trip 50K in a 3-4 more months.
I'm gonna do the dif service front/rear, tranny drain and fill, flush the coolant as well as change the plugs.
After all is said and done what is the best choice for plugs?
Denso one side NKG the other?
All Denso?
All NKG?
Or as long as they're gapped properly does it really matter?

 

Doesn't matter. I usually just get the Densos from the dealer. They are cheap.

 

I guess making sure thy're properly gaped is the most important.

 

Just posted a video on my install. Thanks so much for the write up @chris4x4! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm4RzzHvl-k&feature=youtu.be

 

AWESOME video! Thanks for taking the time to do it! Loved the comedy as well.

PS. Loved you in Titanic!

 

hahahaha thanks, I really appreciate it!

 

We did that on the lawnmower, is there any other way??

 

i know the op says plug gap needs to be .039 to .043 but should i aim for a certain exact spec? or as long as it’s between .039-.043 i will be fine. wasn’t sure if there’s a better or more ideal gap i should aim for?

 

.04025 is ideal.

 

changed em out finally. 93k miles

 

Subd

 

I’m going to give this a go and report back after the weekend.