changing spark plugs in 99 taco V6?
- Thread starter colotaco
- Start date
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
It's very easy!
I'd recommend using the factory platinum plugs. They are about 4 bucks a piece from a dealer.
Do the plugs one at a time - that keeps you from mixing up plug wires.
Tools:
3/8's Ratchet w/ a couple extensions, Spark Plug socket, 10MM ratchet wrench or socket, 12" long piece of hose that fits over the end of the plug snuggly.
Remember this is an aluminum head - extreme care must be taken to avoid stripping threads.
Passenger side procedure:
Remove the intake tube from the air box and plenum for easier access. Disconnect the wiring harness from the MAF - that gives you a bit more room to get the tube out.
Remove front coil over plug unit - it's retained with a 10MM bolt.
Use a long extension and spark plug socket to loosen the plug.
Use a piece of fuel hose to extract the plug - push it over the end, and it'll will hold onto the plug.
Coating the plug with high temp anti-seize compound. I used the gray stuff from NAPA that's rated to 1600 degs. It's handy stuff to have around.
Use the same hose to install the new plug by hand. Using the hose allows you to feel the threads start - a socket doesn't do that. Tighten the plug as far as you can with the hose, then pull it off the plug.
The torque spec for plugs is very low - as I recall it's about 14 Ft/Lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench that reads that low, (I don't - mine starts at 30) you can do it by feel - when you remove the plug try to remember how much force it took to break it free. It's not much! There is a crush ring on the plug - you can feel it collapse with pressure.
Reinstall the plug on coil.
Repeat, Repeat, reinstall the intake tube and plug in the MAF harness.
Drivers side is similar - there isn't a coil, just a plug wire. Again the hose is important for finagling the plugs in and out.
It sounds worse than it is - shouldn't take more than an hour or so the first time - don't rush tho!
Mark
I'd recommend using the factory platinum plugs. They are about 4 bucks a piece from a dealer.
Do the plugs one at a time - that keeps you from mixing up plug wires.
Tools:
3/8's Ratchet w/ a couple extensions, Spark Plug socket, 10MM ratchet wrench or socket, 12" long piece of hose that fits over the end of the plug snuggly.
Remember this is an aluminum head - extreme care must be taken to avoid stripping threads.
Passenger side procedure:
Remove the intake tube from the air box and plenum for easier access. Disconnect the wiring harness from the MAF - that gives you a bit more room to get the tube out.
Remove front coil over plug unit - it's retained with a 10MM bolt.
Use a long extension and spark plug socket to loosen the plug.
Use a piece of fuel hose to extract the plug - push it over the end, and it'll will hold onto the plug.
Coating the plug with high temp anti-seize compound. I used the gray stuff from NAPA that's rated to 1600 degs. It's handy stuff to have around.
Use the same hose to install the new plug by hand. Using the hose allows you to feel the threads start - a socket doesn't do that. Tighten the plug as far as you can with the hose, then pull it off the plug.
The torque spec for plugs is very low - as I recall it's about 14 Ft/Lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench that reads that low, (I don't - mine starts at 30) you can do it by feel - when you remove the plug try to remember how much force it took to break it free. It's not much! There is a crush ring on the plug - you can feel it collapse with pressure.
Reinstall the plug on coil.
Repeat, Repeat, reinstall the intake tube and plug in the MAF harness.
Drivers side is similar - there isn't a coil, just a plug wire. Again the hose is important for finagling the plugs in and out.
It sounds worse than it is - shouldn't take more than an hour or so the first time - don't rush tho!
Mark
Cackalak Han
Explorer
This is for a 4Runner, but shouldn't be any different on the Tacoma:
(Has pics!!
)
http://www.4runners.org/writeups/sparkplugs/
(Has pics!!
)http://www.4runners.org/writeups/sparkplugs/
