1994 Camry XLE 4 door - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

darylzero · 08-23-2008, 03:28 PM

Hi, I just found this forum and it's great!

As noted I have the '94 Camry 4 door XLE V6, I need new spark plugs and wondered if it's possible for me to replace them myself? I know nothing about cars and would like to do some work on the car myself like changing oil, etc.

Anyway is it hard to change the plugs on this car? Should I do it myself? What plugs do you recommend for my model? If it's not a good idea for me to do it how much should I expect a mechanic to charge to do it? Anything else I should know?

Thanks very much!

bigbird · 08-23-2008, 03:42 PM

welcome to TN

yes you can change the plugs yourself but ill be honest its a chore on the V6. the front bank ones are easy as pie but you have to remove the intake manifold to get to the rear bank ones. ive done it and while its not hard its just tedious.

darylzero · 08-23-2008, 03:47 PM

thanks for the quick reply! Again I;ve never worked on my car so if you say it's tedious for you, then is it a better idea for me to have a mechanic do it? Do you know how much I could expect it to cost?
thanks

bigbird · 08-23-2008, 04:21 PM

well i did it with a haynes manual, im certainly no mechanic

. but i did end up needing to get a couple tools liek a long extension and sparkplug sockets to complete the job. i would bet a shop would charger quite a bit but an exact amount im no really sure. i did it once and have every time since.

xtremeskier97 · 08-23-2008, 04:40 PM

You dont have to remove the intake manifold, do you?! On the 3vz-fe, you just have to remove the intake plenum. Not the same on the 1mz-fe bird?

***BMR*** · 08-23-2008, 11:56 PM

It's the intake plenum that some folks remove. But it's not necessary. With the right extensions and a U-joint, the rear plugs can be replaced without removing the plenum. It's been a while, but I think it goes: plug socket, 6" extension, U-joint, 6" extension, and then a ratchet wrench. It's still a pain because it's so cramped back there, but it can be done.

As for plug brands, a lot of folks recommend Densos. I've used Bosch with no probs.

darylzero · 08-24-2008, 09:23 AM

Ok so which of these 2 spark plugs should I get?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...3-1632154.html

or

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...3-1635937.html

If you know of a better place to buy please advise

thanks

Mazeraski · 08-24-2008, 11:22 AM

I just put in NGK Laser Iridium plugs less than a week ago. I got mine for ~$6 at Advanced Auto Parts, not a bad price plus you don't have to pay shipping. The ones that were in there before I changed them were Bosch (from previous owner). After I changed them I could immediately tell a difference; my car started up smoother and quicker and runs a bit smoother now as well. So I'd say stick to either NGK or Denso plugs since they are both OEM replacements.

bigbird · 08-24-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

You dont have to remove the intake manifold, do you?! On the 3vz-fe, you just have to remove the intake plenum. Not the same on the 1mz-fe bird?

that what i ment...intake plenum.

when i did it i didnt completely remove the plenum. just enough so i could move it around. however. 1. its very tricky to do it without removing it, go a head and try but ull spend more money on tools then its worth jsut to take the thing off. 2. you can clean out teh plenum while its off and get teh motor running that much better.