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

Thanks Chris for the great write up. I can't stress enough the use of electrical tape on the socket - very important.

Thanks again Chris!

 

Thanks for the write up!

 

going to do my plugs tomorrow. Thanks Chris. i feel much better prepared to do it right the first time. and in a more timely manner.

 

Did my plugs. followed these instructions and thank god Chris used tape on the socket. i also cleaned the MAF and TB. now it feels much better but i have the check engine light on. oh well. will investigate tomorrow. I verified all plugged back in.

 

Replaced the passenger side plugs easily enough, but I'm having a heck of a time replacing the drivers side plugs. There are 2 area's that are holding me up. I attached a picture because it's easier to see what it is I'm trying to describe.

1) I was able to remove both bolts attached to the surge tank stay, but I can't move it more than an inch. Attached to the stay are several hoses (behind the large hose in the forground, you can see the markings "DOT KYO3). They are preventing me from moving the stay. Are these removable as well?

2) How did you remove this plug? I can get the 10mm bolt removed, but I can't for the life of me get my big ogre hands in there to press the clip down.

 

Is this the same process and plug gap for a 2008 4 runner? I just turned 30K and about to go on a 2000 mile road trip. What is the plug gap again?

 

I will be doing a change out soon....
Thanks for the heads up.

 

Thanks Chris4x4 for the write up. Got my done in about an hour. All the NGK were .050 or above. 48,000 miles (I know its a little long...)

Also i put some boot protector on inside of the boots. Guess this is optional??

 

Chris..

I'm a little worried. I just bought this truck. It's has a lot of miles. 160000 miles. I've been reading this thread. Thinking I better check into this. I emailed the seller and asked when he last changed the plugs...... HE DIDNT!! The whole life of the truck...

So.. Should I just have Toyota do this one????

I'm dead ain't I???

 

Yes.. 160632 to be right on.. well, called the toyota dealership and was told that it would cost around 400 dollars! um.. NO!!! so today went and got the denso OEM plug. Same part number that you told us. Plus a 3/8 torque wrench.. and some anti-sieze

okay.. the three on the passager side (DENSO ONES)... came out awsome.. WAY WORRIED WHEN I STARTED TO TURN THEM OUT.. but, it was okay.. got a little used to it by the third one..

okay.. now on to the drivers side......... I had to come back to your post and study some more...

wish me luck!

 

Good luck, that side is tricky. Chris did mine and made it look easy though.

 

I DID IT!! I DID IT!!! taking a big deep breath.. started it up and kicked over and idled like it never did before.. i feel good now..

THANK YOU SO MUCH ON A GREAT THREAD..

CHRIS YOU ARE THE BOMB..

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PICS AND HELP.

THANK YOU,

THANK YOU!

by the way, the old plugs were over .60 and the electrode was almost gone!! and yes.. they were the from the factory.. Denso on the right and NGk on the left... I can't beleive it.. over 160000 on those plugs..

I hope now that I get some better fuel milage.. and i also replaced the air filter (since i was that far in the airbox) with a k&n filter..

 

Congratulations ! My first thought when I was reading this thread was "Welded" as in plugs welded to the block. Glad it didn't happen. Any pics of those plugs ? Amazing they still were working at 160,000.