ekaiman341

Hey there,

Trying to change spark plugs since 20mpg average went to 17mpg. Want a few tips please:

I have the hex set needed to remove the 3 hex bolts holding the engine cover on. I tried taking one off with a hex wrench and one of the bolts snapped (Given I just ran the engine). Was this just stupid of me to do since the engine was hot? Should I wait for it to cool down? Just want some advice so I don't break another one. I let the enging cool down for a day or so and I just wanna know how to take them off the right way without messing them up. Thanks!

Eric

BDSL

Were you turning counter clockwise?
And the "hex set" is called allen key.

ekaiman341

Yes I was turning it counter-clockwise. It was a bit tight to get off also, but then it gave way and it snapped. Thanks for the tip, also.

BDSL

Spray some rust penetration oil on all the fasteners before removing them.

ekaiman341

ill do some liquid wrench and wd-40 to be safe. they dont look that rusted though...even though they are kinda deep in there haha. thanks

Eric

ekaiman341

hey there I went to Autozone to buy spark plugs and it was successful. I tried taking off the engine cover but the hex bolts broke because I don't know why...I have to take the intake manifold off to get to the back 3 spark plugs and take the last hex bolt of the engine cover off so that's gonna be a lot of work. so far 2 of the 3 hex bolts have broken and it's very frustrating because I don't know what I can do to not break the third 1. I'm considering just breaking the last 1 on purpose in leaving the engine cover off, Lexus said that's okay. do you guys have any input because it seems like a really hard job for something that's as simple is changing spark plugs. thanks.