Just wondering how hard it is to replace the rear spark plugs? Do I need to remove the intake manifold? Any DIY's on here for this? Thanks in advance!

 

You can remove the manifold and that will make access to the rear bank easier. Do a search on this within this forum as there have been many write-ups about this and many good DIY's with detailed pics.

Good Luck!

 

As Tomstep2 stated many DIY's on this ES300 forum, just have to do a search. I've been told you can remove the plugs with out taking off the intake manifold, but I am too big, with big *** arms to reach over and under. It's easier to get at them by removing the intake manifold, but for me it was just to much time and work, so I took my NGK platinum plugs to the Lexus dealer and had them install all six and they charged me a hour worth of labor, $110.00 dollars, but been told, you can goto a Toyota dealership and they charge less for labor. Just giving you different options. Good luck.

 

The ES300 is a PITA to change the spark plugs. For some reason they canted the engine over so much that it is almost impossible to get to them. But they are good for 90K though.
My 90 degree 2.7 V6 takes about 10 minutes to change the spark plugs. Legends FTW!

 

It is very possible to replace the rears w.o removing the plenum. i found a 6 inch extention with the sparkplug socket works very well, also putting your arm under the plenum from the passenger side and your other arm through the hole between the throttle and the bottom of the plenum is more than enough to do the job.

 

It is actually very easy to replace the rear bank sparkplugs without taking off the intake manifold. You just need to find the right extensions and get in the a "right angle."

I can do it under 45mins for all 6. Mastered after 6-7x install and uninstall to diag misfire (found a dead sparkplug - newly purchased from Kragen.)

Tips: use 1", 2" and 3" extensions and if needed, use a smaller 1/4" ratchet.

 

This is the one I did for the RX300, 1MZFE engines in each are similar,

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-patience.html

 

Did mine this weekend and it was a PITA until I went and got the right extensions/joints. Once I had the right tools I took all 3 rears back out and put them back in just for practice. Took 15 minutes.

5/8" Spark Plug socket with swivel
3/8" swivel joint
10" 3/8" extension bar
3" 3/8 extension bar
Standard 3/8" Craftsman ratchet

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks guys! Will be giving this a try either this weekend or next and will letyo uknow how it went...

 

I am in process of changing mine. Front three plus passenger side rear easy. Center rear and driver's side looks quite challenging on a 2002 ES.

That link suggests removing the cable attachment on the throttle body, but my throttle of course isn't cabled... I was considering removing the manifold and started to but it wouldn't budge once all obvious nuts were loose (except one on other side of ratchet of course).

I tried to pry it loose off the lower and it didn't budge. So I buttoned it back up and not sure how I'll get at those last two.

 

1mz have much more room than 3vz.. i changed my wife's 2000ES it was easier than my 92es

 

Done, Started ~4:15 and finished by 5:00. Coil packs are only on the front 3 plugs - regular spark plug boots on the rear 3. I'll post pics a little later tonight with the extensions I used, but it really wasn't that bad. I was wondering why I even took off the plastic cover in the end as you don't need to. Basically, I used a 'proper' spark plug socket (with the rubber insert to hold the plug), 3/8" rachet, 12", 2x8" and 3" extensions, and a swivel. 8" extension with socket protrudes ~1" from the plug hole with the plug fully seated. I manuvered that to the rear plug holes and once in with plug engaged added the small extension, swivel, then long extension and rachet (drivers side and middle rear). Used another 8" instead of the 12" for the passenger side rear. It helps to fish the wires/boots out to the passenger side and out of the way (little more room) - I though I could get away without, but wound up doing it.

 

First pic shows the angle I was getting to the spark plug.

Next pic shows the attachements I was using in the first pic.

Next pic shows the attachments I used to put the new plug in. I fished just the 8" extension w/socket & plug into the hole, then addded the 3" extension to help turn the plug in as far as I could by hand. I also used anti-sieze on all the plugs.

Next pic shows the attachments for the passenger side rear plug.

Last pic is just a little info for the front 3 coil packs ... push down on the tab marked in red to unplug (pulls toward back of car) and pull out on the tab marked in yellow to unplug (pulls up). By doing this you don't need to remove the plastic engine cover.

Hope this comes in handy to someone!

 

Thanks.....

 

Look at all you saved by doing it yourself! Time to take someone out for dinner !!!