Changing spark plugs on my Tacoma. Almost pooped myself.

[vash]

I hate this project. HATE!

They are easy enough to to reach with standard tools. Changing a 911SC plugs readied me for most jobs. (The secret is locking socket/ratchet extensions)..

First plug came out easy. If anything it was under torqued to begin with. The second plug I removed barely budged. My heart rate elevated as I envisioned a stripped plug. It was so hard to twist. I called my Toyota mechanic buddy and he Said they rarely strip out. And it it did, he can fix it easy. He said to back it back in, change the rest and leave that one to him. I got a longer wrench and tightened it down. I felt it loosen up. Like some carbon freed up or something. Hmmm. I reversed the ratchet, whispered a prayer and HAIL MARY’D!! It. It loosened and came loose. More importantly, the new plug spun in easy a snugged down.

My truck specs out a plug change at 35,000 miles. This wasn’t my first rodeo. I’ve done it many times. I hate this project. Next time I’m letting my bud do it. But he’s like a q.5 hour drive away. Most honest mechanic I know. He knows I love him.

I can’t imagine changing out neglected plugs way past their expiration date. I let mine go 50k. It gave me a fright.

[look 171]

Glad you got it out without much drama. I often wonder if people put anti-seize compound on the thread. Ihave never done it.

[vash]

Originally Posted by look 171

Glad you got it out without much drama. I often wonder if people put anti-seize compound on the thread. Ihave never done it.

I did this time. Right or wrong. The Toyota parts guy said the techs do.

[Bugsinrugs]

My Tacoma has 425,000 miles so I have changed plugs a bunch.Not a bad job. Try changing valve cover gaskets. Driver side is involved.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

My Tacoma has 425,000 miles so I have changed plugs a bunch.Not a bad job. Try changing valve cover gaskets. Driver side is involved.

Shiver!

I’ve done the job 5x maybe. This was the only time I experienced a tight removal.

[Steve Carlton]

What happens next time Depends on how long you wait.

[A930Rocket]

My 14 F150 has 158K on the clock. I changed the plugs at 100K and was going to change them again at 200K.

I’ve never put any anti sieze on spark plugs, but I’ve been tempted to put the thinnest coat on as a halfhearted attempt.

Edit, on my 01 F150, every time I changed the plugs, I was on pins and needles, because I thought the infamous spark plug issue was going to rear its ugly head and was going to break.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Edit, on my 01 F150, every time I changed the plugs, I was on pins and needles, because I thought the infamous spark plug issue was going to rear its ugly head and was going to break.

I don't think you have the glass spark plugs if a 2001.

If you did, you woulda busted a few.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I don't think you have the glass spark plugs if a 2001.

If you did, you woulda busted a few.

I think you’re right, but I still worried about it.
After 100,000 miles, they were not the easiest to swap out, not to mention what I thought was a pain in the butt to get to.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I think you’re right, but I still worried about it.
After 100,000 miles, they were not the easiest to swap out, not to mention what I thought was a pain in the butt to get to.

Oh, it's just rude, even for a world class mechanic like me that has done at least a half dozen F150 spark plug changes in his career. My memory fades with time. Perhaps up to seven or eight.

It's just not fun for an old man to contort to that degree.

Edit: The F250 is the real stinker now that I think back. Stand on a stool to reach.

[craigster59]

My 2016 F150 with the 3.5 EB engine is a walk in the park. Easy to reach. It seems the toughest part is that they keep changing the recommended gap.

I do use a thin coat of anti seize, they say the plugs already have a coating but better safe than sorry.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by craigster59

My 2016 F150 with the 3.5 EB engine is a walk in the park. Easy to reach. It seems the toughest part is that they keep changing the recommended gap.

I do use a thin coat of anti seize, they say the plugs already have a coating but better safe than sorry.

My 14 F150 5.0 Is a piece of cake to change the plugs. I should do it more often.

[porsche tech]

Magnetic 911 spark plug socket with 42 years of daily use. Had to grind down the larger one for one application (maybe #6 on one model 911T). Anyway good set up that worked great. Just noticed it’s a combination of Mac handle, Craftsman extension, Snap-on swivel and unknown socket (maybe Champion).

[vash]

Originally Posted by porsche tech

Magnetic 911 spark plug socket with 42 years of daily use. Had to grind down the larger one for one application (maybe #6 on one model 911T). Anyway good set up that worked great. Just noticed it’s a combination of Mac handle, Craftsman extension, Snap-on swivel and unknown socket (maybe Champion).

badass

i had to tape gaffers tape around my extension for some "grip". for my gloved fingers. it worked. thankfully the Tacoma is a straight shot. no elbows needed.

[Steve Carlton]

The Tesla will be easier.

[911Ghia]

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/NGK_TB-0630111antisieze.pdf

[island911]

^ Good stuff ^

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

The Tesla will be easier.

But the Tacoma has a much easier to replace battery, so...

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by porsche tech

Magnetic 911 spark plug socket with 42 years of daily use. Had to grind down the larger one for one application (maybe #6 on one model 911T). Anyway good set up that worked great. Just noticed it’s a combination of Mac handle, Craftsman extension, Snap-on swivel and unknown socket (maybe Champion).

That’s what I would do when working on the 911. Sometimes the factory spark plug tool as well. I also like that they’ve come out with a spark plug socket with a built-in universal and extensions of various lengths.

[Superman]

When torquing spark plugs, you can feel the washer crushing. When you feel it is finished crushing, you are roughly at the correct torque value. Anti-seize is your friend.

[porsche930dude]

I use the copper grease anti seize. It says for spark plugs right on the can.