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

Going one at a time worked good for me but that's with two ratchets

 

By the way, changing the factory plugs at 44570 miles, here were the gaps. I list them with plug number in brackets, plug manuf/model, wire gauge results (max size I had was 0.045"), and vernier caliper measurement in cm:

Plug Numbers (as best I know, from http://bit.ly/iLwSnz )

[Engine Fan]
[2][1]
[4][3]
[6][5]

[1] Denso K20HR-U11 >0.045" 0.12cm
[2] NGK R LFR6C H >0.045" 0.13cm
[3] D >0.045" 0.12cm
[4] N >0.045" 0.13cm
[5] D >0.045" 0.12cm
[6] N >0.045" 0.12cm

Acceptable gap range is 0.039" to 0.043", or about 0.10 to 0.11 cm. Mine were over, but I have not noticed any driveability, mileage, or roughness issues. Most of my driving has been 55-70 mph commuting.

While the caliper measurements are rough at best, two of the three NGK plugs were measurably wider gap than any of the Denso.

 

By the way, it seemed odd that I didn't feel any sort of 'click' when reinstalling the coils. Do they just use the bolted-in style to make sure there is contact between the coil and the plug?

 

do you really need to use the dielectric grease on the coil packs? I changed mine at 30k I put the anti sizeing compound on my plugs. When i had my 2000 Altima, it was wires and plugs and I put dielectric grease on that. 60k is coming up already on my truck... should I add the grease this time around?

 

do i put the grease on the ceramic part of the spark plug? or put it on the coil pack outside boot part? thx

 

Inside of the boot, smear it around a bit. I've never used much. I have the same little tube of dielectric grease in my toolbox that I've been using since the mid-1990s.

 

30,960 miles on the 2010 PreRunner. Changed the plugs tonight with the new recommended Densos. The old NGKs looked a little worse than the old Densos. There is a definite difference in performance and power on the test drive. Thanks, Chris for the great write up. It was a hassle free 3 hours to get it done.

 

Thanks Chris for the write up, I'll be using it soon to do my plugs.
I had to buy my plugs on line, because none of the auto stores around me carry the denso's. I checked Advance auto, auto zone , napa, caps and carquest. Then I called the stealer and they wanted 13.99 a plug. So I went here: http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?productTypeID=1&AAIA=1442970 and paid 3.46 a plug.

 

Perhaps I should have asked, but when I changed plugs at 30 K I changed to iridium. I decided that if they would work in cars for 100 K they would work in pickups. I think it's toyota's way of getting dealers more work.

 

You could be right but I do not agree with that. You own the truck and you can take it anywhere you want to. In fact, it is more enjoyable to work on it yourself. This of course is up to a certain extent since now they have all those computers and stuff. I keep getting calls from my dealer and Toyota reminding me to take my wife's 2011 Highlander in for their complementary free oil change. I told them not interested since I do not trust the local and only dealer in this area. Some engines are very picky when it comes to the plugs. The GMC Envoy my wife had required a specific plug and no other. If you put another kind, it will act like some of the trucks in this forums. I say change the plugs per Toyota recommendations and you will be golden.

 

Good Lord!

You should show them what you paid for them. I can see them for 6 bucks but 13 for one of them, is plain illegal.

 

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Here is a good deal on OEM Denso plugs. My dealer wanted $12 each. This dealer in VA wants about $20 (for all 6) shipped anywhere in USA.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310212774879&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

 

They wanted $45 for a stock air filter. I havent tried any other local dealers for prices. I have just been ordering on the net.

 

i paid 28 for all 6 from dealership 2 months ago

 

Just payed $30 at the dealership here in Hawaii (for the set). Ouch!

 

Thanks for the write up! I did mine in less than an hour. I used my extendable craftsman magnet to retrieve the plugs and to start them, because the rubber grommet in my socket was to loose.