Spark Plugs Changed 2013 LS460 RWD
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Spark Plugs Changed 2013 LS460 RWD
Thanks to the great tips and pics from roadfrog and others, AND the powerful incentive of a $495 price tag at the dealer (even Pep Boys was $395), I took on the task of changing out my unit's spark plugs. By carefully (and easily) prying off the coil pack gaskets, all coil packs came right out into my hand. The plugs were a different story. A buddy of mine told me to warm up the engine (just warm, not hot) so the head would "release" the plugs. Unfortunately, it took me so long to pull the computer and brackets from the driver's side (I was going very slow and carefully) that the engine cooled off and the last few plugs were real beotches to get out (sounded like they cracked at first, then they screeched their way out). Put a little anti-seize on the new plugs for the next guy and torqued them down. Popped the coil packs (and gaskets) back in and reinstalled the computer, brackets, battery, and air boxes and all done. I used Denso Iridium TT (IKBH20TT) from Advance Auto online with in-store pickup ($40 for the set with a discount). I called it my $500 day.
Now that I know the ins and outs, I estimate I could do the entire job in less than 45 minutes. Where those pros get off estimating 2-1/2 hours is beyond me (and is pure B.S.!)
Now that I know the ins and outs, I estimate I could do the entire job in less than 45 minutes. Where those pros get off estimating 2-1/2 hours is beyond me (and is pure B.S.!)
Last edited by williakz; 08-11-16 at 09:22 PM.
#2
Good job!
Did you have to pry the engine a little to get at one of the rear plugs?
Did you have to pry the engine a little to get at one of the rear plugs?
#4
Why are you changing the spark plugs?
#5
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
60,400 miles on the clock. Read the manual and weep, folks. These 100,000+ mile plugs MUST be changed every 60k miles in order to maintain the emissions warranty.
Engine prying is totally unnecessary. This vehicle represents the pinnacle of Japanese automotive engineering, not a basket case for shade tree mechanics endowed with more BFFI than brains. There are small recesses cast into the valve covers at 9, 12, and 3 o'clock around each coil pack gasket to allow you to EASILY pry up the gaskets with a flat blade screwdriver, as needed (they left out 6 o'clock since it would never be used). Once the gasket and coil pack together are pulled free of the valve cover, the coil pack EASILY comes the rest of the way out with room to spare. Same way back in. The strut towers in no way interfere with this procedure (as described, but not shown, in the service manual). All that is NOT to say you don't have to come up with some creative socket/ratchet/extension/swivel combinations to get the plugs out and to torque the new ones in.
Engine prying is totally unnecessary. This vehicle represents the pinnacle of Japanese automotive engineering, not a basket case for shade tree mechanics endowed with more BFFI than brains. There are small recesses cast into the valve covers at 9, 12, and 3 o'clock around each coil pack gasket to allow you to EASILY pry up the gaskets with a flat blade screwdriver, as needed (they left out 6 o'clock since it would never be used). Once the gasket and coil pack together are pulled free of the valve cover, the coil pack EASILY comes the rest of the way out with room to spare. Same way back in. The strut towers in no way interfere with this procedure (as described, but not shown, in the service manual). All that is NOT to say you don't have to come up with some creative socket/ratchet/extension/swivel combinations to get the plugs out and to torque the new ones in.
Last edited by williakz; 08-12-16 at 05:11 PM.
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blkonblk97 (09-09-22)
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#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Dunno, you're not the one that used the 2x4, are you?
Hint: when you're taking a 2x4 or pry bar into the engine bay of a LS460, you need to check the manual because you're NOT on the right page...
Hint: when you're taking a 2x4 or pry bar into the engine bay of a LS460, you need to check the manual because you're NOT on the right page...
Last edited by williakz; 08-13-16 at 03:26 PM.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I very much appreciated your exegesis on changing the spark plugs in the LS. Without it, I would never have attempted the operation on my own and would have ended up several hundred dollars poorer in the event. THANKS!
(I meant the gentle ribbing on your guys' engine prying as a reminder to others to RTFM when dealing with these marvelous machines, even on something so "simple" as a plug change.)
(I meant the gentle ribbing on your guys' engine prying as a reminder to others to RTFM when dealing with these marvelous machines, even on something so "simple" as a plug change.)
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Nah. Any difference I would have "noticed" would easily be explained by placebo effect. No misfire codes, so I'm good. Ever notice how much smoother (happier?) your whole car feels after an oil change? Even the steering feels more like butter...
The "old" plugs (Denso FK20HBR11 (3473)) are shown below (D=driver, P=passenger, 1=front, 4=rear). Close up is of D1 on the left, P1 on the right. Negative electrodes (at bottom of plug) feel pretty rough; a buddy says that's because they run the engine so lean.
The "old" plugs (Denso FK20HBR11 (3473)) are shown below (D=driver, P=passenger, 1=front, 4=rear). Close up is of D1 on the left, P1 on the right. Negative electrodes (at bottom of plug) feel pretty rough; a buddy says that's because they run the engine so lean.
Last edited by williakz; 08-14-16 at 10:50 AM.
#14
Driver School Candidate
What is the difference between the "old" plugs (Denso FK20HBR11 (3473)) and the new ones you installed - Denso Iridium TT (IKBH20TT) ? The owner's manual calls for the FK20HBR11 plug.
#15
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
P.S. I took a lesson from my daughter's 2013 Hyundai Sonata Turbo (plugs need changed every 45k miles) on what Owner's Manuals call for. Original factory plugs were a Denso with 20 heat rating. Hyundai then went to a colder 22 Denso a couple years later. Today, they're supplying NGKs in current Sonata Turbos as well as using them for replacements in routine servicing of older models. The point is: things change.
Last edited by williakz; 08-15-16 at 07:49 AM.