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5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011) Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011 Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.

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Old 01-11-2008, 10:17 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Sparkplug replacement

I searched and read thru the FSM. 2002 Camry V-6. I'm going to be installing new sparkplugs. I haven't found any instructions or tips on replacing them.

My main question is: does the upper plenum need to come off in order to access the rear plugs? Or, is there access from behind/under the motor?

Thanks. Should I do a write-up on my adventures?
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Old 01-11-2008, 10:22 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Gen6

Quote:
Originally Posted by canyoncarver View Post
I searched and read thru the FSM. 2002 Camry V-6. I'm going to be installing new sparkplugs. I haven't found any instructions or tips on replacing them.

My main question is: does the upper plenum need to come off in order to access the rear plugs? Or, is there access from behind/under the motor?

Thanks. Should I do a write-up on my adventures?
The writeup has been done before in this forum.

Try SEARCH.
Spark plug replacement in '02 V6

Last edited by njerald; 01-11-2008 at 10:35 PM.
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Old 01-11-2008, 10:43 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Searching owns me. Thank you.
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Old 01-12-2008, 05:20 PM   #4 (permalink)
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canyoncarver, you do NOT need to remove the plenum to change the spark plugs, i did mine without removing it. What you need is a lot of socket extensions, some masking tape or electrical tape, rubber gloves for your hands, and plenty of patience!

Now you have to remove those 3 tough ones in back. the one in the back of the engine next to the firewall on passenger side is relatively easy and is good practice for the other two. Use a 1/4" socket, or box open end wrench 10 mm size for the spark plug coil bolt. Remove the bolt, use care not to drop it. Unclip the electrical connector (the 3 plugs in front show you how). Twist and remove the coil.
fool around with your socket extensions until you find one that fits just right. (Wrap tape around the socket extension and socket to hold them together so you are not fishing the socket out of the hole later!) use your 1/4" ratchet, it is the smallest, and an adapter to remove the plug a 1/8 turn at a time.

Now the last two, in back. I accesed the middle plug by reaching my arm through under the plenum, passenger side, and also by looking and feeling through the gap in the plenum. I used this tool:


It is called a sidewinder, i got it from harbor freight for $10 and paid for itself when i did the plugs. Not sure how i would have gotten the middle plug out without it.

The final two i got out by manipulating various socket combinations and sizes into the tiny space available. The smaller the socket wrench, the better as is painfully obvious there is very little room for access to the rear plugs. I recommend the rubber gloves because when i got done with this chore, my hands were scraped and bleeding a little. The trade off vs paying somebody else to do this vs you doing all this yourself is something you have to decide for yourself.

It can be done but you may not find it easy. And set aside several hours time for a healthy fudge factor before doing this job. IMO It was still easier my way than removing the plenum.
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Old 01-13-2008, 07:16 AM   #5 (permalink)
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It's still easier to just remove the plenum. It only takes a minute or two and is easier than screwing around trying to fish plugs in and out...
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Old 01-13-2008, 08:41 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TRD VVTi View Post
It's still easier to just remove the plenum. It only takes a minute or two and is easier than screwing around trying to fish plugs in and out...
Are the two halves O'ringed or do I need to get a gasket? If I pull the plenum, are there any other parts that need to be replaced while it's off? So far I'm just doing plugs, pcv valve, and filters for an upcoming Cali emissions inspection.

marc780, thanks for the input. I've seen the sidewinder around before and thought about picking one up just to have around. This may be the justification for it.
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Old 01-14-2008, 02:46 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
marc780, thanks for the input. I've seen the sidewinder around before and thought about picking one up just to have around. This may be the justification for it.
I ued it for the last two plugs in back, there was BARELY enough room - perhaps they make one in 1/4" socket size now it would be much better for this chore. I used all kinds of socket extensions of various lengths AND some swivel adaptors too.
TRD may have a point by saying to remove the plenum - dont know whether it is "easy" or not - but the biggest concern in my mind is everytime you remove it -unless you are completely certain you resealed the plenum PERFECTLY - you are risking a vacuum leak when you put it back on. I preferred to yell, curse, and turn into a contortionist for a couple hours rather than open that can of worms.
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Old 01-14-2008, 03:22 PM   #8 (permalink)
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After looking things over yesterday, I think I'll try the plenum pull. Shall I do a full detailed write-up with pics? Or is there one already available? (that I have yet to find)
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Old 02-02-2008, 12:48 AM   #9 (permalink)
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canyon, did you do it with pulling the plenum? I'm in the same boat as you, and i want to see what my options are. I've never ben too good working with multiple extensions and U-joints' So i don't want to risk busting a spark plug and having to pull the plenum anyway.
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Old 02-02-2008, 07:21 AM   #10 (permalink)
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I haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm hoping to get this project done next weekend.
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Old 07-05-2008, 09:22 PM   #11 (permalink)
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O.K., after a little while , I finally did the plugs by pulling the plenum. I didn't remove it completely, but made enough room to easily get to the plugs. I had to remove 8 fasteners and loosen two. Will it be a worthwhile contribution to the fourms to describe what I did and provide reference pics?
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Old 07-05-2008, 10:54 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Why risk cross threading the head or getting dirt down the tubes? You don't even have to filly remove the plenum. If you loosen it and take the braces loose you can lift it enough to get to the plugs. You have to blow the sand and dirt out before you remove the plug. Any dirt will fall in the hole, any sand will get on the head threads. I always used anti-seize when installing new plugs also. Some would disagree saying it prevents heat disapation. But I feel on aluminum heads it prevents thread damage.
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Old 07-05-2008, 10:57 PM   #13 (permalink)
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That's exactly what I did. oh well.
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