2006 Taco V6 SR5 spark plug replacement.

I want to change out my spark plugs at 62,000 mi don't know if they ever been replaced by previous owner. Bought truck in 2010. Maint schedule indicates they should be changed every 30,000 mi. Saw youtube on it looks relatively easy except driver's side has hose to deal with getting in the way and it look like the guy took most of them off in the youtube. Not happy about that bercause when I go to take stuff off it doesn't go back together well. Without paying enormous shop fees to have service do it can it still be done easy as a DIY for a some what novice? What kinds of plugs would you need? Do they need to be gapped? Do you have to get special kind and rating? What about spark plug firing times etc? My manual would give specs or would I trust Auto parts place to give me correct ones?

Thanks.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.30479/

This is a great write up on changing the V6 plugs. Should be everything you need to know.

 

Feller, don't get intimidated by what is involved in spark plug replacement. The job really isn't difficult, you can do it just take your time and don't rush yourself.
I change the spark plugs on my 08 Tacoma once a year regardless what the manual or anyone else says.
The only part that takes a bit of time is the drivers side as you mentioned but not difficult at all. I would suggest that you take pictures of each area/side with your phone before starting each side that way if you can't remember where things need to be connected too or put back to their original spot you have something to reference to.
Make sure you replace all six plugs with Toyota recommended plugs (if buying from the dealer they should already be pre-gap'd) and also make sure you apply a small amount of anti-seize, for spark plugs, on each new spark plug thread before installing it in. Don't over tighten the plugs when installing them, slightly-hand tighten them down then torque (if you have a small torque wrench) to the recommended specification.
Start by replacing each spark plug one at a time and again just allow yourself plenty of time to do the job.

You can do it!

 

6 new Densos, a little anti seize, a ratchet with an extension, a bit of dialectric grease and 20 minutes ...... Booya, you're done!

 

I would suggest putting the socket on the extension and then use black electrical tape around it so it doesn't come apart. Best way to keep the socket from disconnecting from the extension when down in the hole.

 

Okay. thanks.

 

Autozone sells a really good extra long extension with an attached swivel socket specifically for spark plugs and doesn't cost alot.

The socket has a built in magnetic-mechansim that holds the spark plug when removing or inserting the spark plug.

A pretty good tool to have also a small investment if your going to be changing your own spark plugs. I'm sure that this could also be purchased at just about any auto parts store as well (O'Reily's, Parts Plus, Advance, etc.) just make sure you get the one with the long extension though.

I bought one!

It's something very similar to this one pictured below. Also when purchasing one make sure that you get the right size socket for your spark plug (not all spark plugs are the same size, that is if you didn't know that already).

 

Just changed mine out this weekend, bought new plugs from dealer, only two of them were within spec, others needed gapping. But maybe thats just the batch I got. Wouldn't hurt to check.

 

Thanks for all this helpful info.

 

Follow the instructions on the write up, buy spark plugs from local dealer spent 25 bucks on plugs and half hour for change out
its cake just take your time

 

No, you are right. I always recheck the gap on all the spark plugs I buy from the dealer. They (the dealer) say that all the spark plugs are already pre-gap'd but I always double check and find that some do indeed need to be re-gap'd because they are off just a bit. So it wasn't just the batch that you recently bought.

 

You only need to check .39 gap? Push my gapper to that measure on the plugs? There is no need to push contact in on plug if too wide a gap?

 

Specific Torque ratchet that I use for spark plugs:

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/935/component/search/%2F

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/152

I not only change the spark plugs on my 08 Tacoma but also my wife's and daughters vehicles as well. My wife also used to drive a 2003 4Runner but now drives a 2016 4Runner and my daughter drives a 2012 Tacoma.

So I consider buying special tools such as this torque tool and long extension socket spark plug tool as small investments (not that you, yourself, have too).

If the gap is too small then yes adjust (widen) the gap to a nominal setting, in this case .041. If the gap is too wide then adjust (close) accordingly to a nominal setting, again around .041.

(for Tacoma's with engine: 1GR-FE)

(6) Denso Spark Plugs #K20HR-U11 (Toyota part #90919-01235)
...or...
(6) NGK Spark Plugs #NGK LFR6C-11
....or...
(3) Denso + (3) NGK ?

Spark Plug gap needs to be between: .039 (min.) - .043 (max)
Spark Plug Torque is: 15 ft.-lbs. (20 Nm)

As the first poster mentioned, click on the DIY installation link given on spark plug replacement and follow and reference that as a guide. All the info that is needed is there along with pictures.

 

OP, since this would probably be the 1st time you've changed Taco plugs & the 1st time for your truck, don't be surprised if you find

$10 NGK LFR6C-11 V-Power Spark Plug, Pack of 1

NGK LFR6C-11 plugs on the passenger side and Denso K20HR-011 on drivers side. All Taco's with V6 come from the factory like that, don't ask why. I don't think Toyota knows why. I continue to replace them like that but I believe you can go all Denso or all NGK. The dealer carries Denso & are cheaper there than the parts stores in my neck of the woods.

 

Okay good idea. Thanks.

 

The one next to the oil filter is a pain but follow the tutorial, take your time and it will be fine.

 

One thread said something on dielectric grease. Really? I thought it was only for headlight bulb connections. You would put it on the head of spark plugs too, under that boot area of the connections?

 

Any type of grease will do, as long as it's clean.

 

I believe what the poster meant by using dielectric grease was not meant to be put on the spark plug directly, itself.

He meant that dielectric grease should be applied to the actual electrical connector of the harness that snaps/attaches to the inserted top connector that goes back on the spark plug once torqued down. I've never used or done this myself when changing spark plugs but I don't think it would not hurt any to use it though. It's more of a secure electrical connection. It maybe more beneficial?

As for what is "only" put on the spark plug itself, one would use just a bit/small amount of Anti-Seize on the "threads of each spark plug" only. The term "anti-seize" speaks for itself here. Using it helps so that the next time you replace those spark plugs they won't be hard or too difficult to remove.

ITS FRIDAY!

Y'all have a good one!

 

Okay and thanks.