Changing V6 Spark Plugs

[94_v6_camry]

Guys....what tools do u need to change my spark plugs on the V6 engine without taking off the Air Intake Chamber???

Derrick

[94CoupeV6]

You will need a lot of ratchet extenders and U-joints or whatever they are called. All I have to say is, well, good luck to you. It's not fun to do without removing the intake manifold. Make sure you wear gloves or you will be bleeding when you're done.

[Strum]

I'm going to be doing it on my 93 as I prepare to get it running again and all I remember is a mechanic complaining about removing them.

I didn't realize it was best to remove the intake manifold. I guess I better look for a thread that details it.

94_v6_camry, sounds like you might be going at it before me, let me know if you learn any tricks in getting it done.

[bigbird]

i wasnt aware that it could be done without removing the plenum. honestly i would not look at this as a time to try to figure out a way around it but a time to do some maintanance to the plenum and TB at the same time.

[360glitch]

Yeah, just take the time to take the manifold off. You'll kill yourself trying to work around it.

[solidg]

I had my mechanic replace the spark plugs
and i remember his knuckes where all scratched up

the mechanic had to use all kinds of different angle adapters

I didnt want to do the spark plugs myself glad i had my mechanic do them.

[Strum]

Originally Posted by 360glitch

Yeah, just take the time to take the manifold off. You'll kill yourself trying to work around it.

Once you remove the manifold, is it a pretty straight forward job?

[Eye8Pussies]

no

because you don't have to remove the intake manifold


you need to remove the intake plenum

[Strum]

Originally Posted by Eye8Pussies

no

because you don't have to remove the intake manifold


you need to remove the intake plenum

Okay, any issues (tips) when removing the plenum? Once removed, the plugs a pretty straight forward task.

to be honest, I didn't know what the hell the plenum was - had to google

[Eye8Pussies]

yup..once it's off, it's a cinch...

the hardest part is getting the egr off at the same time

[Strum]

Originally Posted by Eye8Pussies

yup..once it's off, it's a cinch...

the hardest part is getting the egr off at the same time

It's starting to sound like a domino effect. Am I and possibly the originator of this thread going to need detailed instructions??

Derrick, I'm sorry for hijacking this thread - I hope you are gaining something from the answers to my rookie questions.

[samarai912]

I do it with the plenum on. I have some buddies that work at toyota and they do it like this....
first you need to pull off the boots in the rear, they wont have bolts as they're no coil packs on the back side. then use three six inch extensions and three wobble joints. you'll be getting at them from the top of the motor between the intake plenum and the firewall. its takes some time but you'll get it. its faster than taking plenum off. or maybe I'm some type of automotive ninja!!!!!!

[Rob_0126]

I changed all 6 in my 92 Camry V6 and I didnt remove the intake plenum.

Yes, the backs are a pain, but with 2 small ratchet extensions, a long ratchet extension, a plug removal socket w/ rubber boot inside, and some time, its possible. I did not have to use any joints btw.

The hard part was moving the wire boots out of the way. The middle back one, you have to disconnect the 2 hoses going to that aluminum cylinder module(have no clue what it is yet).

A little finger work and some patience and it can be done.

Robert

[xtremeskier97]

Id be afraid I wouldnt be able to get them tight enough when putting the new plugs in with all those pivot joints.

Id rather be safe than sorry and remove the plenum. (Ill be doing this soon too, as i just got my V6 and it needs new plugs by the looks of the front 3)

[bronzemaxell]

i just did a 98 v6 AGAIN last week with out removing intake plenum for rear, took me about 1 hour a lot of bitching, but i rather do it without removing the intake plenum because last time i did the rear valve cover gasket, took me a good 4 to 6 hours, plus a lot of gaskets are not re-usable once removed.

good tool is all u need, a few 2", 4", 8" of 3/8 extension, and 3/8" ratchet, and anti-seize.

remove the PCV valve, and spark wire clamp, passenger side rear is easy.
the middle rear and driver side rear is a little difficult, but can be done from top.

i have a good solid torque when tighten the spark plug even with the intake plenum on, an additional, i have to becareful not to over torque or strip the thread, so i hand ttight, then another 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn is all i need.

i found camry v6 from 94 to 2006 spark plug change is pretty much similar.