How to change spark plugs in 2001 Solara V6?

[jzwu]

Yeah, I have changed plugs before and I got magnetic pick up tool and extensions too.

Actually I just took a closer look and found the rear plugs way in the back. Judging from the tight space, I would say I will need one of those flex neck pivot wrench.

[jzwu]

One more question: the spark plug is supposed to be tightened at 15-20 lb-ft.

How do you use a torque wrench in that tight space?

[Chinky420]

personally, i didn't use a torque wrench, or a pivot neck wrench.

the main concern you are going to have @ 15-20 ft-lb is overtorquing, but given the space provided to work in, i don't think it'll be too big an issue.

dont go soft on it, and don't try strong arming it, and you should be able to get a solid snug fit when wrenching.

a single 9" extension works, but i found it to be a bit difficult to manuever one around, so i used a 6" extension and a 3" extension, which seemed to make the process a bit easier.

don't worry about the missing pics on the other post that midas posted...if you found where the wires plug in, then that's all you need to locate. the rest of it is done by feel.

do two from the drivers side, and one from the passenger side.

BTW this is also a good oppertunity to change out your spark plug wires.

have fun

[jzwu]

Thanks for the info!

I pulled one front plug and it seems fine about 100k miles. Do the plug wires really have to be changed? Does it make any improvement?

[BChad200]

say whaaaaa take the manifold off to do plugs.. you just gotta reach your arm down in there i didnt even take the engine cover off.. its easiest to get two from the drivers side and one from the passenger side.. takes like an hour and is simple. you just gotta feel around and see with your hands and not your eyes. and personally i would just swap them with iridiums instead of platinums

yeah exactly what he said, only what i found to make it a lot easier is take off the strut bar. 45 minutes tops. also, tape ur spark plug socket on the extension so you dont lose it down in there. also, if you get at the right angle on the passenger side you can see them. its not too bad.

[aleki2424]

say whaaaaa take the manifold off to do plugs.. you just gotta reach your arm down in there i didnt even take the engine cover off.. its easiest to get two from the drivers side and one from the passenger side.. takes like an hour and is simple. you just gotta feel around and see with your hands and not your eyes. and personally i would just swap them with iridiums instead of platinums

yeah exactly what he said, only what i found to make it a lot easier is take off the strut bar. 45 minutes tops. also, tape ur spark plug socket on the extension so you dont lose it down in there. also, if you get at the right angle on the passenger side you can see them. its not too bad.

i laughed when someone mentioned this but the strut bar helps -something to lie on when trying to maneuver your arm between the three locations. took me 30 mins