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I just bought a 2002 V6 Highlander and need to replace its spark plugs. The owner's manual explicitly says to buy iridium tipped plugs which is no problem. But what I have heard is a problem is getting the back three plugs out and was wondering if anyone had any personal experience with this.
Also, how many ft-pounds are required when installing? I found this web site which seems pretty helpful but thought I'd ask and verify its accuracy:
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
The back plugs near the intake manifold can be a pain to replace, but doable. You will have to remove the intake and a whole bunch of bolts in and around it to access the plugs.
Now coming to torque, this is my take on torquing plugs. I usually have a hose that I plug to the top of the plug and after applying anti-seize slowly thread it in. With the hose on the top of the plug it is nice and easy and once I have tightened it till no more with the hose, I take off the hose and put in the socket and tighten 2/3rd of a turn and thats it. Put the coil over it and you are done.
In essense you need to be nice not to cross thread the plugs (remember it is all Aluminium out there that is soft), anti-seize and 2/3turn.
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Sorry, I'm not much of a gearhead -- what is anti-seize?
And unfortunately, I don't have too much time to spare and it caught me by surprise learning the rear plugs are on the difficult side. Is there any problem replacing the front three now and the rear three in a couple weeks?
That hose trick is nice -- I might just have to try that!
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Hope this helps on the rear plugs, it is for a different vehicle but does detail exactly what needs to be removed (Toyos have less hardware in their engine compartment, so it may not be as hard as detailed below).
Anti-seize is a paste of metal and grease which prevents male and female parts from seizing/bonding together. Helps prevent galvanic corrosion between the male and female parts. You can buy the $0.99 packet from any autostore, apply sparingly on the plugs.
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Toyota procedure is to remove the Intake manifold. But, It might be done with small fingers and patience if yu leave it on.
The front three plugs ar easy. And if yu do them first, it will make for good practice and familiarity when yu get to do the rear three plugs "Blindly".
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Has anyone ever actually removed the Rear 3 plugs without taking the manifold off? Has anyone ever attempted it and still had to take the manifold off for the middle back plug?
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
It has been done with great difficulty and alot of time and patience. Along with two socket universals and several socket extensions.
And, that time spent, may have been better spent on doing it as the serv. manual states...by removing the intake manifold. Then the 3 plugs become a total 3 minute job by themselves.
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Is there a gasket or any O-rings that should be replaced when the rear air intake manifold is removed? I am not seeting any information on what helps seal the Intake manifold?
Supposedly they transmit higher wattage and a larger spark, resulting in 6% better fuel economy and better throttle response. They do make them for the 1MZ-FE...
Supposedly they transmit higher wattage and a larger spark, resulting in 6% better fuel economy and better throttle response. They do make them for the 1MZ-FE...
Re: How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Quote:
Originally Posted by LifeTech
NOT!
Any particular reason why not? I have no stake either way, but the supposed fuel economy gain certainly sounds interesting.
There seem to be some independent tests done, some seeing HP gains on a dyno, though dynoe results can vary widely, and HP gains wouldn't be my concern really. My concern is mainly regarding fuel economy.
How to replace spark plugs on 2002 Highlander?
Linear Mode
