Spark Plug Wires

[Runner89]

I drive a 1990 V6 Camry. I understand that replacing the spark plug wires is more difficult because they sorta go behind the engine. If it rains, the car starts, but after trying it a couple times.

I don't think it is impossible to replace on my own. And my girlfriend's brother is a mechanic, but will he definitely need a lift? I have heard no. Wanna make sure and if anyone has any suggestions.

[atobe]

sounds like it's the coils and not the spark plug wires causing the rain problem... gen 2 have weak coils that gets even weaker in moisture ... coil or ignitor i get them confused

[Runner89]

Well, the only thing is that it does not start right away in the rain. If there is any moisture, it takes a couple tries to get it started. But once it is started, it runs great. No problems.

My dad said it was the spark plug wires.

What I am wondering is how easy it is to replace the wires on a V6 engine since the wires wrap around and sorta underneath the engine? Any special tools I need to replace them? Is a lift necessary?

I want to be able to do it myself or have my girlfriend's brother, who is a mechanic, do it at her house or something.

Thanks.

[Toysrme]

Change the distributor's cap & rotor.


Use NGK, or Denso plug wires only. You can easily access any maintenance you need to do by taking the upper intake manifold off. Which inciddentally. has alot of things on it that need to be cleaned for routine maintenance.

[TBayToyotaBoy]

^^ I agree with Toysrme. I've now put almost 200,000km on my igniter/coil (they're a one-piece unit, located just to the left of the battery), in rain and snow, with no problems. When I had rough starting issues, I did the distributer cap and rotor--problem solved.

If you still want to replace the plugs and wires, you can get in behind the back bank with an extension and a wobble for your ratchet. It's tricky but you don't need specialty tools. I went into more detail on the link below:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t165564.html

[marksktr]

yes, best bet is the ignition coil for your specific problem.

but id say if your replacing the coil, youd be working in the plug and wire area, so get the plugs and wires as well if your budget can handle it.

and hell, do the plugs and wires as well.

the first thing i did when i got my camry was plugs wire, and then just recently did the coil.

i had the same problem with rain before i did the coil replacement

you can get all these parts pretty cheap from pepboys.

i remember the coil was around $45 with a nice warranty

i cant remember how much i payed for the other 2 things tho.

but if your budget cant handle it at the time, just get the coil. but be aware that you are going to have to buy new plugs and wires soon enough as well (that is a common sense maintence upgrade)

p.s. - you have looked at your battery, correct...? i mean, if your battery was old already, the added moisture would only make it worse. *just checkin*