Spark Plug Replacement-93 V6

[93-LE-V6]

I have a 93 Camry V6 LE and want to change the back three spark plugs. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to replace the back three plugs without taking out a lot of stuff. I am a big guy with huge clumsy fingers, and my previous attempts have been fruitless. I have a socket with a 6", 3" extensions and a U-joint. Also, what is a good brand and model of spark plug wires?

[toyomoho]

This subject has come up many times. Suggest doing a TN history search of Camry and Avalon forums as there have been good solutions to your problem. They seem to use more the one u-joint socket and a combination of short extensions or a special socket/hand wrench flex wrench combo tool.

[amerikim]

Toysrme's posting some time back convinced me to go with the removal of the intake.
Do a search, this is a common topic. Your engine model is the 3VZ-FE.

I have done the change both ways and next time, I am still going with the intake removal again. Did not like screwing around by touch and feel with multiple sockets and unnatural positions. Too Karma Sutraish.

If I may make a recommendation, if your plug wires are old, get a new set from NGK. Mine had cracks etc and in changing them, I got better performance, smoother idle and better mpg. May also want to spring for new distributor cap and rotor arm, cheap.
Also when everything is off, you can retorque your valve covers.

[Barcs]

I got the same car as you, and I did mine without removing the intake and boy was it a pain in the neck. It took a while, but ultimately it was successful. I will probably remove the intake system next time just to make it easier.

[Barcs]

double post. sorry!

[Chiman1]

You can replace the three spark plugs in the back without removing the intake manifold. You need extention, univeral join socket and be patience. Remove one or two obvious items like vacuum hose or bracket out of the way. The mechanic from Toyota dealer convinced me that I could do it without removing the intake manifold. As a result, I did it twice on 92 and 94 V6 Camry. I also replaced the valve cover gasket on a different occasion. It took me almost 15 hours to complete the job. That is why I don't recommend that you remove the intake manifold just to replace the spark plugs. Unless your valve cover gasket leaks, in this case it is convenient to replace the spark plug while the intake manifold is out. By the way, be sure to hand screw the spark plug into the engine initially so that you don't damage the thread. Good luck.

[nodrogkam]

well i can reach back there to change my plugs so i dont know off the top of my head how to take apart stuff to get to the rear banks.

i do recommend replacing your current plugs with the same ones.
They're probably denso platinum's.

[Bluecam6]

I have changed the back plugs on my 93 V-6 without removing the plenum. I use very long
angled needlenose pliers from Harbor Frieght to get the plug wires loose. Then use 6 inch and 12 inch 3/8 extentions with a universal joint to get the spark plugs out. It takes a time
to reach them and be very carefull when theading them back in so they are straight so you don't cross thread them and also use antisieze on the treads. I have used toyota brand
plug wires in the past but they have went up in price so I don't know what brand to recommond...........................

[nodrogkam]

the oem wires are basically denso wires.

You can pretty much get some NGK wires which are a slight upgrade from the denso factory wires , that cost just about as much as denso.

[duke_togo]

Man, I must have gotten really lucky, have snake-like arms, more dexterity, or some combination of these, because I changed all six of the spark plugs in under an hour with just a six inch socket extension bar and a spark plug socket. Obviously the bulk of the time was the rear three.

You can do a search on my previous post where (I think) I described what I did, but it wasn't complicated. I did everything from the passenger side of the car.

[Axel Kain]

haha...i did mine in 15-20min. intake still on, just use a combination of U joints,and extensions. i recommend starting on the passengr side, unplugging that first plug, then going ahead and removing the middle wire from there also, use the ratchet assy. going behind the plenum, then reach from the drivers side behind the plenum, bending over the plenum to see where the wire, and your hand are at in relation to each other. then replace plug in same fashion as before.

i recommend NOT using Bosh. my car missed after using them, get NGK, or autolite. plugs-NGK!!!!

get creative! thats the mark of a great mechanic!

[bronzemaxell]

Originally Posted by Axel Kain

haha...i did mine in 15-20min. intake still on, just use a combination of U joints,and extensions. i recommend starting on the passengr side, unplugging that first plug, then going ahead and removing the middle wire from there also, use the ratchet assy. going behind the plenum, then reach from the drivers side behind the plenum, bending over the plenum to see where the wire, and your hand are at in relation to each other. then replace plug in same fashion as before.

i recommend NOT using Bosh. my car missed after using them, get NGK, or autolite. plugs-NGK!!!!

get creative! thats the mark of a great mechanic!

i just changed 94 v6 with 6 single tip oem denso spark plugs over the weekend, and i found it wasn't too bad on the rear bank, tools i used were 3 of 3inch extensions, and 2 of 6inch extensions, i did all from passengerside, and i found on 94 V6, when i u-joint 3 of the 3inch extensions together, i didn't realized i could actually bent the extension a little bit so there is enough room to extend the extensions above the intake plenum, and i can easily attach the rachet to loose and tighten plugs on top of the intake plenum instead of trying to maneuver the rachet under the intake pleum.