$850.00 to change the spark plugs?
#16
With $45-$50 for the cost of the plugs from Advance Auto Parts I figure the $90 in labor the local Toyota shop would charge me would be worth the time to just let them do it. They also have a large flat screen TV and a nice waiting area with free wireless Internet if you bring a laptop, however, they also run a shuttle to the nearby mall which has a Five Guys. Would rather grab a burger there and walk around than sit in the lounge waiting at the Lexus dealer or dealing with the hassles of the loaner pool of vehicles at their inflated costs.
#17
Lead Lap
Per the attached maintenance schedule for the 2004 RX330, the replacement interval for the OEM iridium spark plugs is 120,000 miles - same as on my 2000 LS400.
When I had the spark plugs on my LS changed recently during the 120,000 service, I saw that the original factory installed spark plugs looked like new. The engine didn't run better after the spark plug change -- it ran like new before and after the plug change.
I'm guessing that the original factory installed spark plugs could have gone far longer than 120,000 miles but I prefer to follow the maintenance schedule.
When I had the spark plugs on my LS changed recently during the 120,000 service, I saw that the original factory installed spark plugs looked like new. The engine didn't run better after the spark plug change -- it ran like new before and after the plug change.
I'm guessing that the original factory installed spark plugs could have gone far longer than 120,000 miles but I prefer to follow the maintenance schedule.
#18
Spark plugs is one of the maintenance that I don't mind taking a risk with so I won't change mine out early. If it's spec at 110 or 120 k miles, I'll wait til then. Unless I take big trips frequently, then I'll maybe a little bit weary about it once it getting close to 110k. But for the most part, the usual thing is that one of the plugs goes, you can still limp home. As compare to something like a timing belt though, that's a whole different matter (where it can ruin your engine). If you can't change them out yourself like most of us here on CL, definitely bring it to a competent mechanic or Toyota dealership and have them do it. $850 is insane for spark plugs.
#19
Timing belt, plugs and water pump can be done all at the same time. A Toyota shop is your best bet.
#20
Is replacing all the gaskets necessary when replacing the spark plugs or are the OEM gaskets reusable to an extent? Just didn't know if I should be ordering all new gaskets before tackling this job, thanks in advance...
#24
Driver School Candidate
#27
Driver School Candidate
P.S. if you cant do it at home will save a lots of money then bringing to dealership look up in youtube might help.
#28
I am about to have all the spark plugs and 3 front coils replaced this coming November at 125K miles.
Will change the valve cover gaskets as well. I supply all parts and my long time mechanic told me labor charge is $350 range, $400 max.
Will change the valve cover gaskets as well. I supply all parts and my long time mechanic told me labor charge is $350 range, $400 max.
#29
$350 sounds about right.
#30
I was able to source 6 Denso Iridium spark plugs for $60, 3 Toyota coils for $180 and Valve Cover Gaskets for $30. Plus 7 quarts of mobil 1 and filter, my total part cost is around $300, plus $350 labor, total job cost $650.