How do I change the spark plugs in a 2000 4runner

[skripek]

Hey there guys,
I want to attempt to change the spark plugs in my 00 4runner.
It has a 6 cyl. ( 62k miles) and when I opened the hood to look for the plugs I was a little set back. Can someone tell me the steps (example...take this off first,then take this off second) to change the plugs. What plugs I should go and get and any other important information that I need to know. I noticed that the plugs are covered with a boot. I tried to pull of the boot on the right side front but it is on there pretty tight. How the heck do you get them off! I hope you are not laughing to hard but with your help I will get it done !!!
thanks....Matt

[eric-the-red]

It's not as hard as it looks. First let the engine get cold, overnight is ideal. You don't want to remove the plugs from a hot aluminum head, and you won't burn your fingers. On the passenger side you have to take off the air intake tube, and then remove the 3 coils from the top of the plugs. The boots will be stuck on tight but with some persuasion and wiggling they'll come off. Don't pull on the wires, you might pull them out. After you remove the boots the plugs will be found down the bottom of the holes. The driver side is easier, except for the back one. When you put the new ones in start them by hand first, making sure they're not cross threaded. I usually put a piece of rubber tubing on the top and use that to start the threads. Antisieze can be used, sparingly, if you want.

As for plugs I would recommend only NGK or Denso, stay away from the fancy platinum or multi electrode ones. You might find one bank has NGK and one has Denso, that engine comes from the factory like that. No one has ever given me a definite answer as to why, but I just replaced mine with all NGKs.

[skripek]

Eric !! Thanks for the info...I figured it out! First I took off the boot on the driver side and got the plug out. I have Denso plugs on this side but after staring at the passenger side of the enging..I couldn't figure out where the plugs were. So...I read your message again and then realized the plugs on the passenger side are under the coils. I did not look to see if they are also Denso plugs but when I go to change them I am thinking of putting the exact same plugs back in. One more question? What is anitsieze? Is it some type of lube so I can get the plugs out again?
Thanks again guy! for your help!

Matt

Originally Posted by eric-the-red

It's not as hard as it looks. First let the engine get cold, overnight is ideal. You don't want to remove the plugs from a hot aluminum head, and you won't burn your fingers. On the passenger side you have to take off the air intake tube, and then remove the 3 coils from the top of the plugs. The boots will be stuck on tight but with some persuasion and wiggling they'll come off. Don't pull on the wires, you might pull them out. After you remove the boots the plugs will be found down the bottom of the holes. The driver side is easier, except for the back one. When you put the new ones in start them by hand first, making sure they're not cross threaded. I usually put a piece of rubber tubing on the top and use that to start the threads. Antisieze can be used, sparingly, if you want.

As for plugs I would recommend only NGK or Denso, stay away from the fancy platinum or multi electrode ones. You might find one bank has NGK and one has Denso, that engine comes from the factory like that. No one has ever given me a definite answer as to why, but I just replaced mine with all NGKs.

[Addison2481]

Anti-seize is a paste compound that prevents items from seizing or locking up. It is a lubricant. You can find it all the auto parts stores in small pouches (usually next to the check out area). A little on each plug thread is enough. Beware...it is hard to get out of your clothing.

Also,
Adding a lubricant will affect the torque specs slightly.