Tool choice

[ChiTDI]

Rear bank of spark plugs on an '02 Toyota Avalon V6.

Looks pretty ugly and blind wrenching.

Any experienced users?
I'm hoping to avoid removing the intake plenum to do three spark plugs. Lot of falderal for what should be a straightforward R&R.

 

[Edmond]

Is that the 1MZ-FE motor?

If so, or anything similar, you can get to them with some universals, extensions and a lot of cursing!

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

I have V6 Toyota Kluger/Highlander and to replace the rear bank plugs without removing the plenum to me is impossible. Even to remove the plenum requires blind wrenching to remove the plenum hangers upper bolts, easy to remove but not to replace as apparently the bolts are not easy to line up as they are under tension. I may leave this to the dealer along with brake bleeding and timing belt change. I have the tools and the knowledge but my hands are too big!
Roger

 

[TexasHonda]

W/ a pair or even 3 wobbly extensions, it's amazing how much deviation you can manage and still get the socket properly engaged. Put shortest extension first, and longest extension last. Sometimes it helps to engage the spark plug socket w/ just extensions and once socket is in place, add your ratchet to top end.

W/O looking it's impossible to know for sure, but wobbly extensions will give you best shot at making it work.

good luck

 

[Merkava_4]

After replacing the back plugs on my 3800 Series II, this Rachet Buddy is what I wish I had. Everything is so tight that you'll probably have to put the socket on the plug by itself, then the extension, and then the ratchet onto the extension.

Being that you won't actually be able to see the square drive of the ratchet line up with the extension, that ratchet buddy attaches to the square drive of the ratchet first; allowing you to turn the drive with one hand so you can line it up with the extension. It would've made the job alot easier if I had one at the time.

 

[dk1604]

When I used to do the plugs on an old Corsica that I used to have, I was fortunate that my brother had a couple of Snap-on ratchet spinners (part number FRS70A) in his toolbox. They acted like short stackable extensions so I could get the combined extension length just right. (Too short and you ratchet won't clear some pipes. Too long and you bump into the firewall.)

 

[Merkava_4]

Yeah I definitely need to get something like that.

Here's the image of the ratchet spinner dk1604 is referring to:

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's another one I found at Snap-on's site:

FSD1

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's an ARMSTRONG 11-945

 

[Edmond]

ChiTDI,

Did you manage it yet?

I just saw that you're in Chicago. I'm in the south suburbs, PM me if you need some help.

 

[trixman]

Take off the hood and pull the engine...Just kidding.

Not familiar with the setup on this engine. If there is a dogbone style mount in the front. You can disconnect and twist engine forward. Securing it with a strap or piece of wood against the firewall, Youll get access to the rear bank of plugs. My brother in law has a Lumina bustbuster and that is how he managed.

This is precisely why I stick with all inline 4 engines.

 

[ChiTDI]

Haven't attacked it yet. Will have the vehicle for a week in September and that's when I'll dive in. I'm lining up armamaents, ordinance, and devising a plan of attack.
Those responses above are awesome. THANK YOU.
To the gentleman in Australia- we have left hand drive, so the brake unit is not in the way. I think that's why you may have to remove the intake plenum for access and we don't.
I'm considering replacing the two air/fuel sensors and the O2 sensor at the same time. $ensible or a waste?

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

ChiTDI - thank you for calling me a gentleman! I have the Toyota shop manual for the Highlander (identical to my Kluger but lhd) and it advises to remove the plenum to replace the plugs. Interesting to know how you get on, still looks impossible to me without the plenum off, lhd or rhd.
Roger

 

[n8wvi]

Quote:

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....This is precisely why I stick with all inline 4 engines.

---

This is ONE of the many reasons why I stick with Subaru. One bank on the left, one bank on the right, just like it's supposed to be.

Dave

 

[chas3]

dont know anythinga about your engine, but on the 38000 series ii, its much easier to do most of the plugs from underneath. secondly, use a short length of hose on the end of the plug to get the plug started in the hole. this gets you better feel than with a socket.

and if this is a such a pain, use iridium plugs if at all possible!

 

[cousincletus]

See if you can tilt the engine forward by removing front motor mounts. This is how it's done on GM's so I don't see why it won't work on a Toyota.