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Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
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DIY: IS350 Spark Plug Service
#16
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (26)
I was referring to this DIY:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...necessity.html
Thanks for the write up though I've been putting it off because I thought it was pretty labor intensive. Another reason I'm glad I own the 350
#25
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Javy, thank you so much for this writeup...not sure i would have attempted it otherwise. I figured it would have been a much bigger PITA.
I just wanted to note a few things which may make this a bit easier for some. (Take #3 with a grain of salt....some may disapprove)
1. for the driver's side plugs, I found no need to disconnect the front part of the wiring harness. There are 3 plastic clips that hold the harness; if you pinch the back with a pair of needle nose pilers, they will pop right out. This is all i had to do to access all 3 plugs.
2. For the front most driver's side plug, a small 3/8" drive 10mm socket just fit. not everyone has the ratcheting wrenches, and even if you do, there isn't much room for swing. the 3/8" drive with a small extension works fine.
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.
Overall, this is a very simple job. Took me an hour and a half. Could probably do it in 45 minutes now.
Good luck to all that do this! simple way to save about $300
I just wanted to note a few things which may make this a bit easier for some. (Take #3 with a grain of salt....some may disapprove)
1. for the driver's side plugs, I found no need to disconnect the front part of the wiring harness. There are 3 plastic clips that hold the harness; if you pinch the back with a pair of needle nose pilers, they will pop right out. This is all i had to do to access all 3 plugs.
2. For the front most driver's side plug, a small 3/8" drive 10mm socket just fit. not everyone has the ratcheting wrenches, and even if you do, there isn't much room for swing. the 3/8" drive with a small extension works fine.
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.
Overall, this is a very simple job. Took me an hour and a half. Could probably do it in 45 minutes now.
Good luck to all that do this! simple way to save about $300
The following users liked this post:
kleepytime (08-11-21)
#26
^Good feedback. As far as the torque specs are concerned, the specs I posted are directly out of the Lexus Factory Service Manual. As we all know, the constant heating/cooling of the engine block can certainly change the torque of the plugs (which is why getting the correct torque correct applied the first time is so important).
Javier
Javier
#29
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.