WrenchBoy

When replacing the spark plugs on a Lexus ES330 it is best to remove the following:
The 'vanity' Lexus engine cover (the cover has some 'snaps' that hold it in place on the underside, just give it a good quick pull to release; be careful the hex nuts do fly out)
The Strut Tower Cross-Support
The top of the Air Cleaner Housing
The Intake Air Plenum (once the plenum is removed cover with a clean rag to prevent 'stuff' from falling into the intake)
Trying to replace the back 3 Plugs without removing these items will just cause you more pain & suffering.
The 'tricky' part is getting the 3 Intake Plenum Bracket Bolts out; use a Ratcheting Flex-Head Wrench, 12mm and 14mm.
You will need a new Intake Plenum Gasket and 6 Iridium Spark Plugs (I also recommend Dialectic Grease for inside the Coil Pack and Anti-Sieze compound for the Plug threads)
I have include pictures with descriptions.

Control the wrench,
WrenchBoy

randal

Thanks for the pics, WrenchBoy. What year is your ES?

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

And, thanks' for the information/pics, I'm sure it will come in handy for others.

According to his profile, it's a 2005 ES330.

Megafast13

Thanks for the write up and welcome to CL.

Reppin' the 4ES.

INNOUTFAN

Nice write-up Wrench Boy. Nice to help other club members.

benard55

Thanks Wrench Boy will come in handy later Now need to replace rear brake rotor Any help

atl530i

Nice write up, I have been contemplating this job for a while now. I'm amazed that the intake has to be removed for a simple job.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

It makes me wonder if the plastic intake plenum will last as long as the aluminum one on my 98.

BDSL

For my 97 ES300, I don't have to remove the intake manifold to replace the spark plugs. You just need to have a few socket extensions to get to the rear 3 spark plugs. I don't know if it is the same for ES330.

WrenchBoy

Yes, it is a 2005 ES330[LIST][*]No, I have not done Frt or Rear Brakes but when I do I will post. I have found the PowerSlot Rotor to be excellent replacement for performance and wear (used on 2000 Volvo S80) with 100,000 mile life.[*]So many have helped me with their posts through-out the Web, I want to give back.[*]My experience has been many V-6 engine have this 'issue' with the Air Intake Plenum in the way of the rear 3 spark plugs and my experience has been; in the end it is easier to remove and reinstall rather than attempt (and for me, frustrate) to work through and around the Plenum.

If you have concerns using the Non-Chorinated Brake Cleaner there is a MAF Sensor Cleaner that can also be used (more expensive). I have been using the non-chorinated brake cleaner on my Volvo(s) Elec. Throttle Modules (295,000 miles) for 10 years with no ill effects.

Thank you for your support and feedback.
WrenchBoy

BDSL

I have done it both ways.

I prefer not to remove the intake manifold because that would require to remove the EGR pipe, parts of the intake plumbing, some vacuum hoses, etc.

I was able to change the spark plugs (all 6 of them) in less than an hour....

Its up to you.

sorrenrc

Thanks for the post. You inspired me to change my plugs today. Everything went well except taking the 14mm bolt off the manifold bracket. I left it off and don't know how anyone could get that on in the first place.

tomf

That 14 mm bolt is a be-itch. I unbolted the line that is connected to the stay. Then I used a socket to get the bolt halfway out. Then used a flex head ratcheting wrench to back it out the rest of the way. Installation was just the reverse. The bolt was the hardest part of my project which was replacing the valve cover gaskets. The first time I removed it i know I spent at least 45 minutes trying to get it out. Once I got the technique down it wasn't too bad.

CaddyMatt

Great write up man! Definitely helpful for us 4es owners that like to get their hands dirty.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Lexus should send out some kind of rewards to 1MZ owners who successfully removed the intake plenum. In fact we should start our own club.