Spark Plug Replacement Lexus GX470, Toyota 4Runner 2UZ-FE Engine

[@yubemful]

Great job! You gave a confidence in people to do it on their own. Thank you.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Thank you, Yubem! I am happy that you found the video helpful! It’s a nice weekend diy project that can save you lots of $$$!

[@yubemful]

@@MaximumDIYGarage Worked on it over the weekend (replacing both spark plugs and ignition coils) and you made it look so easy on the video. It took a very long time and only did the driver's side. Didn't have the proper tools and those tubes/hoses make it so difficult to remove and install. The electrical connection tabs for the ignition coils were the most difficult/challenging to remove as they're pretty much glued onto it and a seized spark plug (had to use a penetrating oil) Half way there.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Take your time, you can’t be in a hurry doing this job. Be sure to use dielectric grease on the upper end of the spark plug where it connects with the coil. Also put a small amount of high temp anti-seize on the spark plug threads to make them easy to replace next time (another 120k miles). The passenger side is a bit more of a pain if you do not remove the air box. I recommend you take it out for this job and clean it while you’re at it. Let me know how it goes

[@yubemful]

@@MaximumDIYGarage I used a small amount of dielectric lubricant inside the coil boot but many will tell you not to use anti-seize for the spark plugs due to the 20% increase/difference in torque. I don't think you use any anti-seize on your video. Thank you for your time and support!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Now once you mentioned it, you are correct. I have read that anti-seize may change Torque of the plug.

[@nkautos]

Great work! Very informative and well made video!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Thank you! Please check out my SAIS filter install and intake. Manifold gasket replacement video. Your fellow Chicagolander.

[@shawny6512]

Excellent 👍🏾

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Thank you, sir!

[@ronaldsoto8557]

Great video, Thank you.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

@Ronald Soto : you’re welcome Ronald!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Check out this one too, Ron: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn3QoWp6iKeMgqs

[@Psilocy-ben]

Thanks for sharing this video. I’m about to do mine but need to get a spark plug socket. Do you think a 6 inch long socket would be too long to reach ones with the tighter spots?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

You are welcome. Yes, the 6” socket might be too tall for those tight spots. Taking the air cleaner box is a good idea to provide more room on the passenger side.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

@benoblest: I think you can still try the 6” long socket, but use a shorter extension. As long as you have a magnet to pull the spark plug out of the well, you should be fine without a designated spark plug socket. However, it is always best to use the tool intended for the job.

[@Psilocy-ben]

@@MaximumDIYGarageokay good to know. I ended up getting the 6” socket because it has a swivel. Hoping that will allow me to better reach the tighter spots. Thank you

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Certainly! Let me know how it goes. It really is a fairly straight forward job, just take your time and don’t rush it. Give yourself between 45 and 90 minutes to complete the task from start to .... well...start! Pun intended. Padam-pshhhhhh!

[@Psilocy-ben]

@@MaximumDIYGarage hahah. Sounds good, I’ll let you know. Thanks!

[@sunilshrestha657]

How often they need to be changed? Do we get a code to replace them or it is just a mileage or an age of the vehicle to replace them?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Thank you for your question, Sunil! Per the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, factory spark plugs need to be replaced at 120,000 miles. If they are not replaced with the same kind (why would you not?), then the interval could be less. I recommend using the Denso or NGK plugs as recommended by your owners manual. Be sure to buy original parts, not counterfeit ones. Cheers!

[@yota_guy8955]

was this the first time the spark plugs being replaced?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

@yota_guy89, I think so, according to the service records. I’m the second owner.

[@yota_guy8955]

@@MaximumDIYGarage oh okay. I recently just got the GX since I’m doing a lot of upgrading on my 3rd Gen 4runner. Have you flushed or drain and fill the transmission on the GX?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

That is my next project this spring. I’m at 125k miles.

[@alexdomovich5339]

What is the torque spec for the plug?

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

15 ft/lbs

[@alexdomovich5339]

@@MaximumDIYGarage thank you so so much. Your video saved me from$800 which dealer wanted for spark plugs. All done, she’s running. No codes

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Glad to help a fellow GX470 fan! Cheers!

[@Paiadakine]

@@alexdomovich5339 $800? That seems excessive. I think I will change my own spark plugs and buy me a pizza and beer when done and have some money left over to buy a big screen tv for the garage.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Yep, the labor prices are crazy! It’s around $1,500 for timing belt/water pump job at the dealer. I’m doing valve covers, gaskets and spark plugs on my XTerra now. Video coming out soon!