spark plugs
09-10-02, 02:50 PM
#2
Pole Position
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Maryland
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Man, let me tell you I changed the spark plugs on my 97 ES3 and it took me about 2 1/2 hours. Partly because I didn't have the right tools and the screws were so damn hard. I wouldn't reccommend you to even try it, it's really not worth it. I knew that my plugs needed a change bad and I had already bought the DENSO platinum plugs, so I put them in. Unless you're really mechanically inclined don't do it.
09-10-02, 04:05 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Changing the spark plugs is easy if you have the right tools. Have you ever done it before?
In the GS300 it is really hard because the throttle body sits right on top of the engine and covers most of the plugs! However, it looks like in your cars the engine is easily accessible once you remove the plastic cover.
I just completed changing mine and probably saved about $1000 by doing it myself. Make sure you know how many ft/lbs to torque the spark plugs to before you begin. Good luck.
In the GS300 it is really hard because the throttle body sits right on top of the engine and covers most of the plugs! However, it looks like in your cars the engine is easily accessible once you remove the plastic cover.
I just completed changing mine and probably saved about $1000 by doing it myself. Make sure you know how many ft/lbs to torque the spark plugs to before you begin. Good luck.
09-10-02, 11:29 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
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Be really careful.. a guy at work did it himself but had problems and broke a piece inside where the spark plug goes and spent double.
Warning ! if you have done it before in othe cars, go ahead. If first timer be really careful.
Warning ! if you have done it before in othe cars, go ahead. If first timer be really careful.
09-11-02, 12:45 AM
#5
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I just got it done last week. Now I am the type who will try anything, once I see it done once. But this one I'm not sure. The front three are extremely easy because they are right under the plastic cap. But the other three are in the back of the engine very close to the wall of the engine compartment. The mechanic that did it was frustrated & had a hard time. If you try it have have a mechanic on standby for real. Also the proper tools are a neccesity. (long arm swivel ratchet) GOOD LUCK
09-11-02, 11:13 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Yeah, do it with someone who has done it before because there are a lot of little things you have to be aware of that are very important. Once you've done it once, you'll realize how easy it is.
09-11-02, 05:04 PM
#7
Super Moderator
if you think you can really do it, i can post full instructions for you. they are rather long, but i would be more than happy to try and get them up here. Skill level-wise, it doesn't take rocket science, but yeah, you should know basic use of tools, and you should have a good set of tools(ratchet, wrenches, files, etc). The process is more time consuming than hard, IMO.
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09-16-02, 12:28 AM
#10
Super Moderator
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Ok, finally had the time so here goes, for future reference.
Before starting with anything, make sure your battery is disconnected, and engine area is cool enough to work with bare hands (duh).
1. remove the bank cover
2.disconnect the coils wires from both sides of the cylinder heads. make sure you label them with tape or something so you dont lose track of which was where.
3. turn wires connected to the spark plugs (spark plug boot). once it is loose enough, pull UP, try not to pull any other way. don't yank on the wire either, just the boot.
4.before taking out the actual plug, clean area around it. this is so that when you take out the plug, no debris falls into the combustion chambers and causes any misfire/any traumatic tragedy in the future.
5. tool time:you need a spark plug adapter. turn plug counterclockwise, slowly, and remove. if it doesnt come off easy, use some oil and try again.
6. To install the new plug: slowly install with hands, not the handy dandy tool you just used to take the old one out with. if it doesnt go in all the way, or you feel the plug hitting something, CAREFULLY take it out, try again. once it does go in, tighten and plug.
7. Put the boots back on the plugs.
8. Put the coils that you first took off in step 2 back in. don't forget your valve bank cover.
if i forgot something please let me know. if not, then i pretty much think these are the complete instructions.
Before starting with anything, make sure your battery is disconnected, and engine area is cool enough to work with bare hands (duh).
1. remove the bank cover
2.disconnect the coils wires from both sides of the cylinder heads. make sure you label them with tape or something so you dont lose track of which was where.
3. turn wires connected to the spark plugs (spark plug boot). once it is loose enough, pull UP, try not to pull any other way. don't yank on the wire either, just the boot.
4.before taking out the actual plug, clean area around it. this is so that when you take out the plug, no debris falls into the combustion chambers and causes any misfire/any traumatic tragedy in the future.
5. tool time:you need a spark plug adapter. turn plug counterclockwise, slowly, and remove. if it doesnt come off easy, use some oil and try again.
6. To install the new plug: slowly install with hands, not the handy dandy tool you just used to take the old one out with. if it doesnt go in all the way, or you feel the plug hitting something, CAREFULLY take it out, try again. once it does go in, tighten and plug.
7. Put the boots back on the plugs.
8. Put the coils that you first took off in step 2 back in. don't forget your valve bank cover.
if i forgot something please let me know. if not, then i pretty much think these are the complete instructions.
09-16-02, 04:09 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Don't forget to check how many ft/lbs to torque the spark plugs to. In the GS it was 13.
Also, don't forget to put anti-seize on the new spark plugs before you put them in.
You might want to add that to your faq.
Also, don't forget to put anti-seize on the new spark plugs before you put them in.
You might want to add that to your faq.
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