'90 V6 Camry -- Compression? and Plugs question

[1966CL77]

Hey-
I have a '90 Camry that lacks power. I do not have a Chiltons or Haynes manual handy. I got 150-160 psi with a compression tester on the front 3 cylinders. Any body have a book handy to confirm what proper compression ratings are?

Also, is there a way to change the rear 3 plugs without removing
the intake manifold?? Anybody done it?

Thanks
Tim
'90 Wagon...

[dwhealon]

Shop manual shows 178 psi normal, 142 minimum, and 14 psi or less difference between all cylinders.

You can get to the two closest to the driver's side with a six inch extension on a 3/8 ratchet and a plug socket. Tape the socket to the extension to avoid a fishing trip. Reach in from the drivers side behind and under the EGR. Put the extension and socket in first, then snap the ratchet on.

The last one on the passenger side... use the same socket and extension and get it on the plug. Use a universal and another long extension to get you up above the hoses and crap. Comes out like it was designed that way.

Doesn't seem like it at first, but when you figure it out, they're easier than most transverse V6s out there.

Don't burn your arm on the EGR !!!

Good luck !!

[1966CL77]

Well I scraped the inner side of my left arm raw trying to turn the ratchet to remove the middle plug from the rear head. When I removed the plugs it looked like they had never been changed (car has 234K). The center electrode was wasted away to a point and the insulator was crumbling. A wonder that it still ran as all 6 were in the same condition. Gap must have been .060 or greater.
Anyway, it is a b**ch but it can be done with a longer extension and a small handled ratchet.
Thanks for the compression figures....
Love my CAMRY!!!