spark plug change

I am just below 30k miles and decided that instead of going to the mall and wasting money, I might as well work on the truck and save a few bucks. I had changed all the gear boxes at 25k and the air filter, so today was the 30k oil change AND spark plugs.

While it took me 90 minutes, in a shop with good tools, this is NOT a job for a newbie mechanic. The plugs are hard to get to, various covers, hoses, wiring harnesses and such need to be removed and replaced and unless you have a fancy, long tailed spark plug socket, it can be a real PITA job...

I also finally painted and installed the high lift jack mounts for the bed. Not quite sure how often I plan to leave the jack there, but it sure looks handy.

Howard

 

I have been thinking about changing my plugs soon. I only have 20,000 miles on my truck but thought it can't hurt to change them a bit early, I figured it would be a PITA job, but I'll get it done. I have an extra deep socket that I bought when I had my '97 Tacoma so that should help.......i hope

 

Long extension to remove,but a long piece of fuel line helps when installing them. Worked for me.

 

Good idea, I always forget the fuel line trick

 

I have an old spark plug boot that I use to grip and spin off/on the plugs. Very handy, like the hose piece. I have platinum plugs so I only change them out at around 90k miles.

 

Wait until 30k to change, my plugs came out looking almost new...

And if you have a good socket, no need to use the fuel line...

Howard

 

I agree. I just don't take a chance with aluminum heads.

 

I don't take chances either. when I install new plugs they get an acceptable coating of anti-sieze on the threads. Never had another plug seize up on me since. (Well, my current Tacoma did, but that was because I bought it with 180k and original plugs. lol)

 

A good socket with a 6" extension is all you need. Most good sockets have a rubber sleeve in the bottom of it to grip the socket when removing the old ones and replacing the new ones. Just remember to use anti-seize and torque them to spec to make removing the old ones a walk in the park.

 

My 13 year old Pathfinder with 130k miles still had the stock plugs, don't over think things.......just saying.

 

Passenger side on the v6 is easy and the drivers side front next to the oil filter is a real pain. The other 2 are not a real pain. There are hoses in the way but they move enough

 

Actually I found the 4.0L to be a piece of cake to change the plugs. If you want a pain in the ass try a 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5 L I4, damn thing has eight spark plugs and two of them are a son of a bitch to change. Just read the great sticky about changing plugs and roll on. Also buy the socket with the rubber insert to hold the plugs, worth its weight in gold.

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

 

I had a 98 Ranger with the 2.5L and 8 plugs in the 4 cyl. Insane pain in the ass. The plugs on the 4.0 Tacoma aren't all that bad considering.

 

Do you have a manual trans?

 

If u have a dirt bike and u have a plug wrench it jas a gasket in it that grabs the plug, test the size of the wrench and plug size though.

 

Changing mine tomorrow for the second time. I don't find it to be all that difficult and I'm just a hack.

 

LOL, looks like a sex toy

 

5 speed manual, yes.

I'm happy with my spark plug boot. Perfect fit, and cost me nothing! lol.

 

I didn't think changing the plugs was all the difficult. First time at 30k miles took me about an hour since there was a little bit of a learning curve. Second time I got it in under 30 minutes.

 

I know that I was talking about changing out spark plugs still...lol.