Mechanic Pleads With Me Not to Make Him Change Plugs on and 04 LE -V6 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jimmmm · 07-13-2009, 08:19 PM

Hi, everybody.

I have a 2004 Toyota Camry LE V6.

So.....a friend was helping me by doing my 60K maintenance, which includes changing spark plugs. When he got to that part, all blood drained from his face, and he started speaking really softly. Apparently, the 2004 Toyota Camry LE V6 exists purely to drive mechanics insane, when it comes to spark plugs. He muttered something about having to dismantle the entire known universe to get to the plugs. And he strongly uggested I consider leaving the plugs in.

Is that a bad idea? And what's the deal, is this such an impossible job on my car?

sniper34 · 07-13-2009, 08:33 PM

It's not impossible, just not easy. The rear plugs are under the intake runners so the plenum has to come off. Of course there are attaching parts and brackets, but if he is a mechanic it is not that difficult. It looks harder than it is actually. 60K you can leave them but eventually you are going to need them.-C.

inthebay85 · 07-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Something similar happened to me with my 1997 Avalon...apperantly a few of the plugs are located closer to the bottom of the engine with the others on the top .

As difficult as this may be it is thier JOB...I made them do it and you should too. I also think its a good idea to shell out the extra few bucks or so to get the better plugs...

I'm not super mechanically inclined but Im pretty sure its worth it..

jimmmm · 07-13-2009, 09:06 PM

Thanks, guys.

Of course, one reason I backed off is because an aggravated mechanic is an expensive mechanic!

Reassured that it's not a job on the level of parting the Red Sea, I'll go search out someone more serious to do this job. Anyone know a good mechanic near Danbury CT, btw?

thanks!!

CTMike · 07-13-2009, 09:16 PM

take it to a dealer... they cant refuse and it will cost you the same amount if they are happy or pissed haha

omairtheman1 · 07-13-2009, 11:13 PM

it takes me 20 minutes to do those back plugs on 3mz's and 1Mz's except if its an RX300 or 330...

u need about a 3 inch extension and a 6 inch one... and use them in various combinations...

remember its a toyota and not a 8 cylinder benz with 16 plugs

Redline_Me · 07-13-2009, 11:19 PM

You can't do it yourself?

BTW you should come to the Toyota show/meet with me, CTMike and a couple of other guys this sunday.

ChiTDI · 07-14-2009, 11:22 AM

If they're Iridium, you can go 120k as the book suggests. I did mine at 110k and they were still good. FWIW.

jimmmm · 07-14-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redline_Me

BTW you should come to the Toyota show/meet with me, CTMike and a couple of other guys this sunday.

Well, but the thing is I just have this really boring, stock Camry! In fact, I think that's going to be my next posting: possible mods to make it a little more fun to drive....

GT-R · 07-14-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmmm

Well, but the thing is I just have this really boring, stock Camry! In fact, I think that's going to be my next posting: possible mods to make it a little more fun to drive....

I'm sure they'll Un-Stock your Camry at / after the meet.

CTMike · 07-14-2009, 04:27 PM

there are a few guys showing up completely stock already so you should def come... my mods arnt THAT impressive... yet... haha