How do I change spark plugs on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma

[Chasin]

Hi.. I'm new here and found this sight by way of Google search. I have a 2001 Tacoma 4x4 with I believe to be 2.7 4cyl engine. Could someone please tell me how to replace the plugs in this engine. In the past I have always change plugs myself, but I just don't see your normal plug wires anywhere including on top of the head. IN trying to locate a manual for this truck it seems the only source is from Toyota at this time. Any help would be greatful.

[Dana_15]

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...ep3.html#plugs

Try this website it might help you out. Good luck and welcome to Toyota Nation.

[Chasin]

Dana.. thanks for the link and info. But after looking at the pic's its clear to me that there are differences. I don't see the normal boot/wire configuration that the pic shows. In my case the head looks much different. Once again my engine is 4cyl and yr is 2001. I think the difference is in the year of the truck.

[Mike-in-WV]

Chasin, The first time I changed my plugs on my 01 Tacoma I looked at the engine and scratched my head for 3 days,lol. Don't look anything like my old Chev.
You will see 4 black things, each with one bolt in it sitting right on top of the valve cover. You will have to remove your air intake to get to the ones in the back but it's really not hard at all.
After you remove the black things use an air hose and blow out each hole before you remove the plugs. If there is any dirt in there you don't want it to fall through the spark plug hole.
After you have the plug lose you may have to do as I did and use a piece of 8" rubber fuel hose to shove down over the plugs top and gentley lift it out of the hole. It also really helps to put the new ones in the same way and be careful you don't cross thread any of them.
Some guy's use a torque wrench to replace them but I never have and have had no problems at all. Just make sure they are tight. Then replace each black thing, hook your air intake duct back up and your ready to roll. Took me about an hour the first time.
Just really be careful about anything falling in the holes as your working. Some guy's like to do just one at a time from start to finish. If you have any problems just email me, Mike