Engine Spark plug change DIY??

Spark plug change DIY??

Sorry if this a noob question, but how do you change the plugs on our cars?

Thanks.

I don't know what level of help you are seeking but here's a guess, assuming you have never changed spark plugs: visit an auto parts store in your area and ask for someone to show you the correct spark plugs, the correct size socket, anti-sieze compound (very important for aluminum head engines), and some general guidance to avoid over-tightening the new plugs (finger tight + 1/4 turn is a reasonable guide). My apologies, if this guess was too basic for your question.

Unless you are changing them cause you got the S/C (have to run one step colder plugs), then you shouldn't change them out untill 80K+ miles :wink:

To answer your question, take off the coil packs (two screws each I believe) and then pull them out. Then take the plug out with the proper socket and put the new ones in with the proper TQ (can get it from Toyota or a factory manual) and put the coil packs back on. Good to go :wink:

Something that's VERY important - NEVER EVER EVER install spark plugs into a hot engine. It's easiest to take them out with the engine hot, but let it cool for a few hours (can you put your hand on the engine for 10 sec without it burning?) and then install new plugs. Otherwise, you'll end up with seized plugs for sure.

Trav

first off, its always a good idea to disconnect the negative battery cable when ur doing any work on ur car, it may seem silly but its a good safety precation, especially when ur working with the electrical system

ok, the four black things that are along the middle of the valve cover are the direct ignition coils, all u have to do is pull them straight out. they just slip onto the end of the spark plug so u can just pull em out. of course be carefull with 'em, and make sure u mark where each one goes or else u could really mess things up

after that, go to autozone or someplace and get the correct sparkplug from the ppl there, and get a tool to gap the sparkplug. correctly gapping the plug is actually very important. the specs for the gap should be in the owners manual (dont have one on me right now so i can't help u with that)

then u just put the sparkplugs in the hole (being very carefull not to get any debris in the cylinder) and screw 'em in. DONT overtighten them because with an aluminum head, if u overtighten them u'll get them stuck in there PERMANENTLY

so just get 'em in there firm and they'll be good and guess what!... ur done!!!

if this is too simplified for u, sorry... but it'll help anybody with no automotive knowledge what so ever

Thanks for the replies. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm still somewhat unfamilar with car things, particularly in and around the engine. I don't plan om changing the plugs, just wanted to know how to do it if and when the need arises.

How many miles are on your car? When do you plan on changing them? I wouldn't wait 80k to change plugs. Plugs are relatively cheap and you'll notice the difference with new plugs immediately. I change mine every 15k on all other cars I had and it was a very noticeable diiference. What kind of plugs do you plan on putting in?

Well, since we have 100K iridium spark plugs to start off with in the engine (the best plugs out there right now), that is actually changing them a bit early :wink:

Oh, and at $13 a piece (around), they aren't exactly cheap :?

Toyota recommends replacing those iridium plugs every 30,000 miles though. It's in the warranty/maintenance booklet thing isn't it? Someone go check! :-D

Besides, considering how much $ I've poured into my car, $13 x 4 plugs is probably the cheapest upgrade/maintenance I've ever done. Besides, if you're paying $13 per plug, you're paying too much. You can definitely get better deals elsewhere.

By the way, if you get your plugs from Toyota, they will be Denso SK16R plugs. These are the stock plugs. Denso calls them their "premium" line of plugs, which is supposed to be their second-to-best plug. However, if you go to a place like AutoZone, you will get Denso IK16 plugs, which is the top of the line iridium plug that Denso offers. The proper gaps for these plugs are different.

That's all news to me, thanks for the info :wink: