lexy2013

is it just me or are these plugs on the es300s impossible to take out?

the leads and plugs are just such a pain to take out! any of you guys have an easy way of replacing these plugs and leads?

tks

msekanha

put a little muscle into it

BDSL

If you are talking about the rear bank, it takes a few extensions and joints....and patience...and small hands.

lexy2013

okay thanks for that

1boatnut

My question is:
Can you change the rear bank plugs without removing the intake manifold?
Is #1 cyclinder the closest to the driver?
Thanks

navdeepasi

same question!?

yeskay

yes. you do not need to remove the intake manifold. use the "sidewinder" tool

1boatnut

I am fairly comfortable working in close tolerance conditions, however I decided after the removal of #1 cylinder coil pack that it was going to be worth the extra hour to pull the intake/throttle body up and move it just slightly forward to access the other two cylinders.
Not as bad as it sounds, the only problem I ran into was a ground wire/stud positioned between the manifold and the firewall that was a real bugger to access.
New plugs and a new coil pack in #1 position, I'll complete install when I get back home and cross my fingers that I don't have to do that job again for a while.
What is the "sidewinder" tool?

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

I just changed out the spark plug/coil pack for the #5 cylinder last night and I didn't need to remove the intake plenum. If you have small hands and a couple extenders, you can reach the coil pack and spark plug by reaching around underneath the throttle body. It takes a bit of strength since you only have room to move the socket a couple clicks, but that's all you need to get it loose.

The cylinders (when facing the car from the front):
1-3-5
2-4-6

Cylinders 1-3-5 are the rear bank closest to the firewall with 1 on the passenger side and 5 on the driver's side; 2-4-6 are the front bank.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

3 is the hardest

PFB

My car is a 2001 ES300 coils no wires. Last year I decided to change my plugs they were still original. Bought OEM plugs from Lexus and made an appointment with my Mechanic. Car was stil running perfectly.

Next day I brought it in and waited for it. 30 min later mechanic comes out and tells me he can’t remove the intake. One stuck bolt that He’s afraid to force. He said since the car still drives well to leave it for now.

i convinced him that it’s possible to change the rear plugs from underneath without removing the plenum. He didn’t believe me but decided to try it. Success. He managed to do it in even less time than had he removed the intake.

all is well one year later.

Ill still need too deal with the stuck bolt if I ever need to change my valve cover gaskets when the time comes, or knock sensors or who know what. But plugs were done.

BTW the original plugs were still good at 160 k miles