Author Topic: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs  (Read 22012 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

BigMike

  • Administrator
  • Offline Gold Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 2124
  • Male Posts: 18,289
  • Member since Apr '02
  • 511:1 Club
    • View Profile
    • Bone-Stock Plane-Jane 1981 Shortbed Pickup
3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« on: Jan 04, 2004, 10:28:03 PM »
I just did a tune-up on my friends 95' V6 4WD 4Runner.

Everything went well as planned except for cylinder #5's spark plug.

Cylinder #5 is located on the passenger's side bank at the rear of the engine. Removing the spark plug was done easily with an extension and swivel plug socket through all of the hoses and stuff above the cylinder. But installing the new spark plug was a different story.

I tried and tried for about 15-20 mins and got really mad. This truck had no body lift so going through the fender wheel well was not an option. I cut up my hand trying to install the plug and then finally found an easy way to do it:

Start by removing the EGR temperature (?) sensor that is mounted just next to the EGR. It is a 14mm. This will give your arm plenty of room to reach down into the side of the #5 cylinder.

Next, use a single spark plug socket (non-swivel type) with a 3" extension and set the spark plug into the socket.

I was easily able to position the socket using the extension near cylinder #5 and finally got it to thread in.

Now removing the spark plug socket from the spark plug was difficult as the 3" extension easily pulled away from the socket and I could not get a firm grip with my fingers onto the socket because it is deep behind the exhaust manifold. So I had to use a small pair of pliers to carefully grab the socket and pull it off of the spark plug (of course this was because spark plug sockets have a rubber insert to keep ahold of the plug). So I recommend that when you put the spark plug into the socket (step #2), don't put it all of the way in so that you can maybe remove it with just two fingers or so without having to use any pliers.

Now, when you put the EGR temp sensor back in, be careful!! to use some anti-seeze because it will easily bind up and ruin the threads, especially if it is cold!

So good luck.
I know this is a simple enough job, but #5 kicked my ass and I will do the job 20-mins faster next time because of this experience......so I wanted to share it with you. :beer: Also I wanted to help out in the Tech-Guide section since this section has not yet caught on  :_order:

Regards,
BigMike
« Last Edit: Jan 04, 2004, 10:33:48 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

brainlessfool

  • It's not my problem if you can't hear the voices too.
  • Offline Gold Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 2730
  • Male Posts: 4,207
  • Member since Jun '02
  • drive fast or the devil may get ya
    • View Profile
    • Buy me a cigar
Re:3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #1 on: Jan 05, 2004, 01:09:25 PM »
hey big mike, next time try useing a str8 spark plug boot and put a bolt with the head cut off in it, now push on some fuel line to make it longer. and there you go! a spark plug tool that works and will come off ez!:thumbs:
A good day working, that's just sick :reg:

CruzrDave

  • Administrator
  • Offline Gold Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 441
  • Male Posts: 4,631
  • Member since May '02
    • View Profile
Re:3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #2 on: Jan 05, 2004, 08:52:47 PM »
WOW  :screwy: BIGMIKE.  I was there when Mike was doing the tune up :headscratch:. I reconmend removeing the EGR valve and leave the sensor in it.

Mr. MR2 in a 3VZE engine compartment :santa:
Taking back America, one part at a time! :madeinusa:

95TacoTruck

  • Offline Rock Master
  • ***
  • Turtle Points: 0
  • Posts: 247
  • Member since Jun '02
  • Rockcrawlers do it on the trail!!!
    • View Profile
Re:3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #3 on: Jan 07, 2004, 09:43:42 PM »
Would it be the same method for the 5VZE?  I haven't had to change the plugs yet cause they were just done before I bought it but for future reference.
95 Tacoma Extra cab, many mods to come........

BigMike [OP]

  • Administrator
  • Offline Gold Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 2124
  • Male Posts: 18,289
  • Member since Apr '02
  • 511:1 Club
    • View Profile
    • Bone-Stock Plane-Jane 1981 Shortbed Pickup
Re:3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #4 on: Jan 07, 2004, 11:15:10 PM »
Actually the 5VZ uses the newer direct coil ignition system with 6 individual overhead coils per spark plug. So your engine uses heads that have the spark plugs in the center of the valves. So you've not only got a better angle to work with, but your spark plugs are eaisly accessable from the top of the valve covers rather than the side of the cylinder head :thumbs:

BigMike
« Last Edit: Jan 07, 2004, 11:16:45 PM by BigMike »
Check out our new Rock Crawling Videos!
2016 56-speed 580:1 Tacoma Rock Crawler   
1981 36-speed 511:1 3RZ-FE Rock Crawler
1987 6-speed Supercharged 4A-GZE MR2
Instagram: @SlowestTacoma
Things are only impossible until they are not.
"The worst of both worlds, the best of neither." -abnormaltoy
"An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see." -Nanaki

SWAMPER

  • Offline Silver Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 790
  • Male Posts: 3,599
  • Member since May '04
  • Semper Fi
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #5 on: Jun 12, 2004, 09:29:20 PM »
Hehehehe Mike I changed the plugs a while back....heheh that #5 kicked my arse too lol :smack:
1985 Toyota Pick/Up longbed...bobbed 15",  lifted 5", 36's.....http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=36992.0

scott.475

  • Offline Rock Crawl'n
  • **
  • Turtle Points: 3
  • Posts: 100
  • Member since Dec '03
  • Crawling with Marlin
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #6 on: Jul 26, 2004, 11:27:29 AM »
Hehe, you don't know suffering until you've tried replacing the PCV valve on the 3VZ-E. Whoever decided on the placement for that needs to be tortured!

reklund5

  • Offline The 1K Club
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 286
  • Male Posts: 1,263
  • Member since Nov '03
  • I love my Marlin Crawler!
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #7 on: Jan 02, 2005, 11:22:50 PM »
Guys I'm a Toyota mechanic and I DREAD doing tune ups on the 3.0's because of that friggin plug.  What I've found works best is a 36" extension and a wobbly spark plug socket.  It seems that every one of these that I work on the previous tech screwed up the threads on that plug and that makes it a royal pain in the ass to put the new plug in.  I usually end up running spark plug thread chaser thru there first and then put a little antisieze on the plug to get it to go back in smoothly.  The trick is to stick your arm way down in there and start the socket by hand- then stick the extension on it and thread it in from up top where its easy. I've tried removing the EGR stuff, and that usually just causes me more problems....

If you pull the upper intake plenum and lay it on the passenger side fender, they're WAY easier to change...  :gap:

No matter what, they suck to work on.

Ryan
'84 Hilux, locked, dual-cased, winched, EFI converted, 37" tired, half-doored (in the summer...)
'87 Supra, 400 HP.  smooth as glass at 130 'cause my tires are NEW!...
'92 F250 Diesel, tow rig, ATS Turbo, leveling kit, killer stereo

91Toyota4x4

  • Offline Rock Crawl'n
  • **
  • Turtle Points: -151
  • Posts: 40
  • Member since Jan '05
  • Crawling with Marlin
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #8 on: Jan 08, 2005, 09:31:20 PM »
I tried to check my plugs the other day on the 3.0.  What a PITA, I didn't have any swivels so I gave up pretty quick.  I looked at that #5 your talking about and didn't even attempt it.

Snowtoy

  • Offline The 2.5K Group
  • ****
  • Turtle Points: 1403
  • Male Posts: 2,582
  • Member since Sep '03
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #9 on: Aug 14, 2005, 12:55:53 AM »
I have found working off of a step ladder leaning in over the engine gives me a better angle on the #5, then trying to reach it from the side.  Though now that I have headers, I have to go at it the way you did.

I also find using a piece of air hose to install plugs makes it far easier to get them started, it also helps to avoid X-threading them.
'90 black X-cab mod'd 3.0, 33's/4.88's, rear ARB, custom bumpers, sliders, safari rack, etc.
'91 Blue X-cab 22re, 35's/5.29's,Truetrac front, ARB rear, dual cases, and custom Safari flatbed, bumper, interior.
The money pit '87 Supra resto/mod

1kz

  • Offline Rock Crawl'n
  • **
  • Turtle Points: 21
  • Posts: 13
  • Member since Aug '05
  • Crawling with Marlin
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #10 on: Aug 22, 2005, 07:16:10 AM »
so, is the thought of having a 3vz as an option for an engine swap, will not be a good idea just for that NUMBER 5? :confused:

wa4x4

  • Offline The 1.5K Club
  • **
  • Turtle Points: -310
  • Male Posts: 1,569
  • Member since Jul '05
  • I'm about to tear the curb up
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #11 on: Aug 22, 2005, 07:17:20 AM »
i hate my 3.0...doesnt have enough power for how much gas it uses for one thing and its just slooooooow
2007 Satin white pearl STi- mostly stock
2006 WRX TR 320whp 343wtq, taken in a road rage wreck
1998 4runner, needs to become wheeler status

NorCalToy

  • Official Super Badass
  • Offline The 2K Group
  • ***
  • Turtle Points: 59
  • Male Posts: 2,470
  • Member since Jun '07
  • IFS no longer! - Member #8342
    • View Profile
    • Buy me a beer
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #12 on: Apr 12, 2008, 10:54:31 PM »
damn, i just had to do this and my dad put the passenger side plugs back in fwhile i worked on the driver side, i dont know what he did, but he had very little problems and was working with super cheap tools we found on the side of the road...and he has hige hands which doesnt work for toyotas...
:willynilly: '89 truck SAS sittin on 35's, Tacoma rear axle w/ E-Locker, welded front

kneedownnate - You can go through life being scared of the possible, or you can have a little fun and tease the inevitable

iɹǝʌo ǝɯ ııoɹ sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı

:flamer: IFS

OOPS

  • Rock Ninja
  • Offline The 2.5K Group
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 1233
  • Male Posts: 2,561
  • Member since May '02
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #13 on: Apr 18, 2008, 09:24:57 PM »
Mine are easy, a few years back I took my body saw to the inner fenders. Makes changing them a snap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :gap:
David & Theresa Fritzsche, 1990 Ex-Cab with a few mods!!!!!!!!! Roseville, CA Sobriety =Serenity

NorCalToy

  • Official Super Badass
  • Offline The 2K Group
  • ***
  • Turtle Points: 59
  • Male Posts: 2,470
  • Member since Jun '07
  • IFS no longer! - Member #8342
    • View Profile
    • Buy me a beer
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #14 on: May 01, 2008, 05:24:43 PM »
alright so after removing them and reinstalling them a few times, ive found that i only need 6" of extension and removing the long elbow part of the air intake i can access them all just fine.
:willynilly: '89 truck SAS sittin on 35's, Tacoma rear axle w/ E-Locker, welded front

kneedownnate - You can go through life being scared of the possible, or you can have a little fun and tease the inevitable

iɹǝʌo ǝɯ ııoɹ sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı

:flamer: IFS

emsvitil

  • Offline Silver Turtle Award
  • *
  • Turtle Points: 7571
  • Male Posts: 3,561
  • Member since May '07
    • View Profile
    • emsvitil's album
    • Buy me a soda
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #15 on: May 01, 2008, 05:34:21 PM »
Put a 22R in there, and the plugs will be really easy.........

 :yupyup:
 :cheese:
 :twocents:
Ed
SoCal
86 SR5 XtraCab
22RE  W56B
31x10.50R15

junya92toy

  • Offline The 1.5K Club
  • **
  • Turtle Points: -64
  • Male Posts: 1,500
  • Member since Nov '04
  • Drinking me beer
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #16 on: Jan 02, 2009, 09:49:31 AM »
I don't remove anything on my 3.0. At least on that side. I just put the plug in a plug socket and use a 3inch extension. On the drivers side I remove the air intake tube. And the #6 threads on mine are messed up. So I have to be really careful or I will remove threads.
Dr.Maxwe001 – well i have a 15 gal compressor now and if I gett he 60  and then use the 15 as a reserve that wil give me 75 gal  thats close to 80 isnt it ?

elmo83

  • Offline Rock Crawl'n
  • **
  • Turtle Points: 0
  • Male Posts: 37
  • Member since Jan '06
  • Crawling with Marlin
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #17 on: Jan 13, 2010, 12:07:15 PM »
6 inches of 3/8 fuel line works great for plugs that are a pita
ECV 1852--94 Ex Cab, Locked F&R 5.71s, Triple cases, 3.slo, SAS, 63 chevy springs.

hammer

  • Offline Rock Crawl'n
  • **
  • Turtle Points: 0
  • Male Posts: 27
  • Member since Oct '08
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #18 on: Jan 27, 2010, 06:36:06 PM »
put plugs in a 1mzfe. rear bank is tons of fun
do a couple of those and the 3vzfe is gravy
The Toyota recalls are  conspiracies created by the government to protect and promote their investments (GM and Chrysler).
Im not joking

joeycool00

  • Offline Rock Master
  • ***
  • Turtle Points: -10
  • Male Posts: 315
  • Member since Mar '10
  • 3rd f.a.s.t yes i'm a Jar Head!and proud of it
    • View Profile
Re: 3VZ-E Changing Spark Plugs
« Reply #19 on: Mar 17, 2010, 07:26:35 PM »
what are you guy's talking about there is nothing in the way of the #5 plug here i;ll show you  :thumbsup:
life is hard, but it is harder if your stupid!
Love wheeling in  central washington state, wouldn't have it any other way!

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

20 Replies
4665 Views
Last post May 21, 2007, 07:11:49 AM
by Yota87Truck
6 Replies
2048 Views
Last post Jan 24, 2008, 09:29:43 AM
by acerbis
6 Replies
2685 Views
Last post Jun 19, 2009, 08:29:09 PM
by emsvitil
9 Replies
2617 Views
Last post Jul 31, 2011, 04:44:13 PM
by Snowtoy
Burnt ceramic on spark plugs
169 Replies
55787 Views
Last post Feb 01, 2019, 01:35:49 PM
by V-Man