12-16-14, 12:30 PM
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Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Browse all: Lexus IS Engine and Powertrain Guides
DIY: IS350 Spark Plug Service
05-23-10, 07:52 PM
#16
I was referring to this DIY:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...necessity.html
Thanks for the write up though I've been putting it off because I thought it was pretty labor intensive. Another reason I'm glad I own the 350
06-07-10, 06:30 AM
#25
Javy, thank you so much for this writeup...not sure i would have attempted it otherwise. I figured it would have been a much bigger PITA.
I just wanted to note a few things which may make this a bit easier for some. (Take #3 with a grain of salt....some may disapprove)
1. for the driver's side plugs, I found no need to disconnect the front part of the wiring harness. There are 3 plastic clips that hold the harness; if you pinch the back with a pair of needle nose pilers, they will pop right out. This is all i had to do to access all 3 plugs.
2. For the front most driver's side plug, a small 3/8" drive 10mm socket just fit. not everyone has the ratcheting wrenches, and even if you do, there isn't much room for swing. the 3/8" drive with a small extension works fine.
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.
Overall, this is a very simple job. Took me an hour and a half. Could probably do it in 45 minutes now.
Good luck to all that do this! simple way to save about $300
I just wanted to note a few things which may make this a bit easier for some. (Take #3 with a grain of salt....some may disapprove)
1. for the driver's side plugs, I found no need to disconnect the front part of the wiring harness. There are 3 plastic clips that hold the harness; if you pinch the back with a pair of needle nose pilers, they will pop right out. This is all i had to do to access all 3 plugs.
2. For the front most driver's side plug, a small 3/8" drive 10mm socket just fit. not everyone has the ratcheting wrenches, and even if you do, there isn't much room for swing. the 3/8" drive with a small extension works fine.
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.
Overall, this is a very simple job. Took me an hour and a half. Could probably do it in 45 minutes now.
Good luck to all that do this! simple way to save about $300
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kleepytime (08-11-21)
06-07-10, 08:13 AM
#26
^Good feedback. As far as the torque specs are concerned, the specs I posted are directly out of the Lexus Factory Service Manual. As we all know, the constant heating/cooling of the engine block can certainly change the torque of the plugs (which is why getting the correct torque correct applied the first time is so important).
Javier
Javier
06-08-10, 12:30 PM
#29
3. Torque specs from the factory were much different than what was posted. When breaking all 6 plugs free, my torque wrench didn't go past 160 inch pounds, which is 13 foot pounds. When tightening, I didn't feel comfortable with 18 foot pounds. This could have been that the engine was warm, so i went to about 175 inch pounds. There is a good chance that when the engine block cools, it's about 18 foot pounds. I've changed a million spark plugs, but never with a torque wrench. figured i'd use it on my first fancy car....but still trust my experience more than numbers.