Learning to DIY: Questions about spark plugs

Hi! It has been awhile since I've been on here (Army duty, work, graduate school, etc) and I've been paying for oil changes and all of that sorts. Now that I have time, I'm wanting to learn how to do it myself. I know how to do the oil and filter changes, but but Tacoma is at 109K so I thought I would change the spark plugs. What do I need and what are the best spark plugs for my truck? I am short and small, so I need a step stool, but I have small hands that can perhaps reach into places that "man" hands can't, so keep that in mind. Also, what else can you change on your own?
Thanks so much!

 

You need a set of sockets, a long extension and a little bit of neverseize for the reinstall. It's not a hard process at all.

I just use OEM plugs.

I'll see if I can find the DIY write up that someone did.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/30479-how-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.html

Great write up for someone to learn to as well.

 

That was the one I was looking for. I got distracted though...

 

I thought so, I had the minute to do what your thought was. Good team effort!!! haha

 

Hey we just shared a wifi "wireless hifive"!!!!!! were like connected now!!! haha nerd joke, love it.

 

Hi,
I am the tech manager at Autolite Spark plugs. Our XP Iridium plugs will work great in your Toyota. We have tons of how to videos and other ignition diagnostic and spark plug technology videos at autolite.com under the tech tab or find them on my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/cadzillals6

 

NGK or DENSO !

 

I'm sure your company makes decent plugs, but putting iridium plugs in the Toyota V6 doesn't gain you anything. The 4.0L will go through spark plugs every 30 - 40k miles so putting a high mileage plug isn't cost effective. I'd stick to either NGK or Denso as mentioned above.

Your iridium plugs sound like they'd be a much better option for the 4 cylinder which I believe call for iridium plugs in the service manual, if I recall correctly.

 

Yessir, 4cyl is spec'd with iridiums............not autolite tho. Closest I would get to autolite in anything I have would be in the Ford 3.0l v6 in the Mazda Tribute my daughter drives.

 

NKG or Denso plugs. I got mine at the dealer because it is the cheapest I could find the plugs locally. I followed the DIY link above. It only took me about an hour because i took my time and triple checked anything. Good luck.

 

OP, make sure you get a decent spark plug socket. If this is the first time the plugs have been changed (which it shouldn't be, but it's possible), don't be surprised if you find Denso plugs on one side of the motor and NGK on the other, it's just what they had stocked on that side of the assembly line.

Don't over-torque, 15 lbs is not much at all.

I used those Autolite XP plugs on my previous Tacoma, they worked just fine but were probably overkill. The store didn't have the NGK or Denso at the time, and the XP's were on sale and had a rebate, so were a good deal for Iridium.

 

Thanks guys! I hope to start on it next week (being I hear the fishing isn't so great) although catching a bull shark on an inlet creek would be AWESOME!

 

WOW...I just looked at the DIY link y'all posted for me..and I think they had me in mind when they did the step by step with pictures!

 

As you can see, the NGK or Denso are the more popular, and effective ones. I ONLY use NGK plug when I work on my customer's Toyota trucks.

Good luck! and remember, if you DO use the anti-seize on the threads of the plugs, make absolutely SURE that you only get it on the threads, and not anywhere near the end where the spark occurs. It will cause a missfire.

 

Nah, Chris16 (the author) is just old so he needs to makes these really in depth write ups so he doesn't forget how to do it next time his truck needs service

 

Haha. Also I think there is a thread about spark plugs that those "better mileage and more power" is a bunch of BS. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/152726-truth-about-spark-plugs.html

 

Awesome info on the two types of plugs install at factory since am the second owner of my 2002 V6 PreRunner it was great insight

 

Old thread, I know. But I just changed my plugs and wires today. Went to O'reilly and they gave me Autolites Iridiums. They came in the box at about 4.3, which is what my manual recommends. Truck wouldnt start. So I gapped em to 3.2, which the autolite site recommends for my truck, wouldnt start. Then I checked my old OE plugs, which were burned down to like a 5, and gapped the autolites to that, and the truck wouldnt start.

Then I went back to O'reilly and traded em for NGK's. Came out of the box at like 4.2's. Truck started up first try.

No idea why my truck didn't like the autolites. But the manufacturer states that they're compatible with my tacoma. Weird. Any ideas as to why?

I drive a 2000 4cyl 2.7L prerunner for reference.