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

Thanks, I backed the plug back out, inserted it less into the socket, then screwed it back in. It was able to release after that.

 

Just finished doing this job. My first time changing plugs, and this guide was super helpful, so thanks for the write up, and all the advice in here. It was good to get in there, and do this maintenance. I cleaned my intake tract as well, cleaned my filter, the MAF and the throttle body.

Aside from the socket getting stuck it went smoothly. It seems the plugs have been changed before at some point (before my ownership), since all 6 plugs I removed were Denso (I haven't changed the plugs since I bought with ~94k miles, i'm currently at 145k.) They all looked fairly normal, except for the middle passenger side, which had some oil on the threads. I don't know exactly what that means, but I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to have oil on them, so I'll look into it when I have some more time.

Thanks again for this thread!

 

Most plugs already have antiseize from the manufacturer.

 

That would be nice, I get that ish everywhere

 

Finally did my plugs today at 90k mi. Bought the truck at 50k, but I'm thinking these might not have been changed at 30k as they still were the 3 Denso / 3 NGK combo. I had never gotten around to it since 60k when I bought the plugs and tools heh. It was much easier than I thought, only taking a little under 2hrs for my first ever time working with spark plugs. Can't wait to do our 17 Corolla where all 4 are right there on the top with zero obstructions!

 

Don't put anti seize on spark plugs that have chrome threads

 

Replaced my plugs today, and the air cleaner. Actually, my buddy came over and did it for me. Cost me a beer. Just over an hour. He did the work while I played with the plugs: the new Denso plugs were in spec between .039 - .043, but I pulled them all a bit closer to .041. First plug change, miles on my 2015 at 50,400, old plugs all nicely matured with gaps at .051 - .054. Don’t expect great things from the change, just maybe prevented some poor changes going forward. Oh, by the way, plugs and beer less than $30, local shop wanted $300+ for the job. Works for me.

 

Since you've seen it done, suggest doing it yourself next time. Just watch the YouTube video on how to do it. These engines are not very difficult to change plugs. You should try changing the back bank of a Toyota FWD V6. The front three plugs are easy, but I think you have to pull the intake manifold to reach the back three.

One tip: buy a spark plug socket with an embedded magnet instead of just the rubber hose insert (that will eventually fall out...lol). It's a better tool.

 

Not my first rodeo, and have changed a few plugs in my time. I posted on this old thread to encourage you young whippersnappers in doing your own plugs and saving some money. For me, the beer with a friend and car talk was more valuable than the money saved.

 

Man, I did this it was pretty easy. The one thing that bothered me is the torque wrench just seemed like it was too much. I went hand tight and got at least another half turn or slightly more before torque wrench registered. Nothing was spinning freely but I’m still not feeling good about it days later.

 

Thanks for the reassurance! Let me add I haven’t done my own plugs in 15yrs I have a general mechanical knowledge but am by no means a mechanic. This is my first torque wrench even dialed it back to 13ft lbs because of the anti seize.

 

I tighten mine by feel, the torque wrench seems too tight to me.

 

Ya honestly the next go around Idk that I’ll use it. It was giving me anxiety turning that each time, it was a harbor freight Pittsburg too so thought maybe wrench was faulty lol.

 

Good call, maybe that’s the way to go next go around.

 

If you are novice enough to use a Torque Wrench that you don't trust and/or don't trust a Torque Wrench to do its job, there is no way that you will ever torque anything to what it should be torqued to. Torques values are set for a reason. I have been a mechanic for 30 years and I still use a Torque Wrench even though I know that I can get within 5% torque using just my elbow.