But, it's ready for spark plugs (the oil change place showed me the plugs, and they are getting dirty).
I am fairly handy with fixing things -- not afraid of power tools and getting dirty... but need kind of STEP by STEP instructions.
What tools do I need?
Recommend brands of plugs?
Hints for getting them out, inserted and set correctly?
I was advised to unplug the cap, so that I can draw them out straight. To work on a cold engine if possible. And, most important, to be careful not to cross the threads - either in or out.
But, how difficult is it to set (is it called gapping?) them correctly so that the currently smooth-running engine, keeps running smoothly?
And, last, if I do something wrong, how do I trouble shoot?
Changing Spark Plugs - instructions for 'girls'?
You'll need a 3/8%26quot; drive ratchet coupled to a 5/8%26quot; plug socket. (This is a special socket with a rubber boot inside to grip the spark plug when pulling it out). A rubber boot plug socket is highly recommend on a 4 cylinder engine that requires you to pull the plug up and out of the engine. You may also find it beneficial to use a 3/8%26quot; drive extension set.
NGK plugs....period. The OEM Toyota plugs would work fine but will cost a bit more/perform a bit less than NGK. Do NOT put Bosch plugs in under any condition. They are all hype, no go...they fail in just about every vehicle I've seen them in. The +4, the regular, they all suck!
You've got aluminum heads on your vehicle so let them cool completely prior to removing/installing new plugs. This ensures they will come out easily and go back in easily. If anyone tells you to do it while the engine is hot (so the metal is expanded) tell them to shut it ;)
Replace 1 plug at a time, this ensures you won't get the wires/timing messed up. When seating the plug in it's cylinder socket line it up as straight on as possible, most plugs will give you little trouble going in. If you want an extra smooth installation spray a tiny bit of lubricant on the plug threads first.
That's about it...NGK plugs come pre-grapped and are platinum/iridium tipped. No need to mess with gapping them!
If you're at the 100k mile mark you may want to consider chaning the wires as well. Again stick to the 1 at a time rule.
Hope this helps!
Changing Spark Plugs - instructions for 'girls'?
get Bosch platinum +4 no need to gap although they are a little pricey. $7 each at autozone. use a 5/8ths socket and basically thats it. You will probably need to use one of them socket extender things.
easy as 1 - 2 -3
If you cross the threads then you will have big problems,everything is easy until it goes wrong.Get someone who is familiar with cars to supervise you this time and you can do it yourself next time
Gon is correct.
Most plugs come pre gapped but you can use a gauge to double check. The gap tool should slide with a little resistance.
%26quot;Lefty Lucy, Righty tighty%26quot; for removing and replacing. Easy to do. I'd start with the hardest one to get to, you'll see the one you have to be a contortionist to get to, save the easy ones for last.
I use gold old Champion plugs. You might want to think about replacing the wires also.
It's pretty straight forward, old plug out, new plug in. You won't do anything wrong. Troubleshooting = car will run rough.
DO NOT get Bosch plugs, Toyota's will throw an engine code they do not like Bosch plugs. Get Toyota or NGK.
1. You have to remove engine cover, the one that says %26quot;Toyota%26quot;
2. Pull one plug wire time, with a 5/8 plug socket remove spark plug. Most spark plugs are pregapped. so don't worry. Repeat this process three more times.
3. Replace engine cover.
