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

Just slapped in some new sparkys. Going through doing all the generals on this truck I just picked up a month ago. 145k glad to see something rather then stock plugs in it, like everything so far general maintenance was kept up, but these plugs were def. ready to be retired! Best gap was .045 with most over .050. I hope that helps the ol' mpg' s out alittle

 

Have changed mine out using your guidance, Thank you. While at the dealer last week, I asked parts dept. about another set of plugs for my 07 6cyl. Would not sell me anything but copper plugs as they are seeing burnt out coil packs due to higher resistance at the plug when either non-copper or excessive plug gaps are present. For the sake of 1 1/2 hours in the garage with Black Sabbath cranking and cold Bud cans kicking around, I will stay with copper plugs.

 

Well at this point, decide for yourself.

I'd rather change my plugs too early than too late and break one trying to take it out.

But again, it's your choice.

Jim

 

OK, I just did my first spark plug change on my 2009 Tacoma Prerunner @ 72k miles.

Followed Chris4x4's instructions from the opening post and everything went smoothly. Even the drivers side was easier than I thought it would be. Had all of the proper tools and materials and everything went fine.

The gaps on the Denso's were all about 0.05 thousandth's and the NGK's were were in the mid to upper 0.05 thousandth's(0.055 to 0.059).

I will now try to follow a better schedule on doing this to keep my truck running in tip top shape.

Thanks for the great tutorial Chris4x4!!!

 

Just picked them up today. Probably won't do them til the Spring unless we get some mild weather - going 2 B in the single digits this week.
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Before I jump into this, how deeply set are the plugs in the valve covers? Aligning them up so as not to cross thread them are the only thing that worries me. Any advice? And thanks Chris for the great write up.

 

You will need 10-12" of extension to get at them but it is not very difficult. I have found it very easy to get them threaded the correct way. Just make sure you do it by hand and only break out the torque wrench once they are snug by hand.

 

x2

 

Are you guys using an actual spark plug socket? If not how are you keeping the plug seated in the socket as you insert it into the valve cover?

 

5/8" spark plug socket works well. A reg deep well socket would be risky as far as cross threading it in I would think. A new spark plug socket will be worth piece of mind and save a lot if you crossed it going back in.

 

Mine are magnetic, so it holds the plug in.

 

The same place that had the $45 dollar deal on 10 YZZD3 oil filters and 10 drain plug gaskets with free shipping is selling 6 of the Denso plugs for $21 with free shipping...

 

Got a link?

 

Contact Dahl Toyota. I got the oil filters from them and asked what kind of deal they would have on spark plugs...

 

Hey, thanks for the great thread, it made changing the plugs super easier especially because I have never done it before. I also had a friend help me as well and we followed the instructions to a T and it runs fine, but for some reason it sounds a bit louder/different, a little more clanky or pingy not sure how to describe the sound. Could I have done something wrong? I gaped them to within specs... I changed the oil at the same time but don't think that has anything to do with that. Got any suggestions?

 

Thanks for the great pics and instructions. I paid less than $2 each for the Denso plugs from Rock Auto. After the

 

Thanks for the great pics and instructions. I paid less than $2 each for the Denso plugs from Rock Auto. After the successful change, I now have the amber check engine light. What do you think might have caused that, and, how do you clear it without going to the Dreaded Dealer Service Garage?

 

Get the code read for free at a parts store (advance, autozone, etc). Fix the problem.

 

If you haven't already, you might try retracing your steps; you may have left, or pulled something loose during re-assembly. Is it running smoothe ... maybe a coil not seated properly. Barring that, the free Autozone check sounds right.

 

Great write up! Changed mine today at 54k and went flawlessly. The previous owner must have never change them since they were still the two types. Sounds noticeably better as well as smoother acceleration and appeared to be an improvement improvement in mpgs via my ultragauge on my way home.

Only thing I did differently was unhooked everything on both sides and did the drivers side first to get it out of the way.

Thanks for such detailed instructions Chris, they were very helpful.