Hi, all. I was looking at this thread re replacing spark plugs + valve gaskets + pcv + coil packs. I'd like to give it a try, at least the plugs/pcv/gaskets. Do I need to worry about the coil packs? I notice that the Denso ignition coil is like $50-60, while . Am I missing something that there's such a huge difference?

 

If the coil packs are working AND they are all OEM I'd leave them alone. If you've had trouble and know them to be a problem OR if they are aftermarket I wold definitely replace them with only OEM. Most things on the car are not a problem aftermarket but struts and coil packs definitely go OEM (OEM struts are KYB).

 

That's what I'm thinking too.

 

I have only replaced 1 coil pack and I agree with Leeper and Margate, OEM leave them alone if they have not shown problems.
Be sure to take pictures or video of the valve cover gasket job and share them here.
Lots of luck.

 

Thank you @MickQueensland .

Here's my story on the coils.
I bought my car with approx 120k miles.

It was never intended for my main car, just an around town car.

After a year of owning it, I took the wife out for pizza and on the way home the car threw a check engine light

The car was put into limp mode automatically.
Got home and scanned for codes and yep, failed coil.

I drove to the local auto part store and bought a new coil.

Then out of fear I ordered all new coils on flea bay.

Thought they were real Densos but they were fake junk and caused me countless headaches.

Aftermarket coils don't just die a normal death.

No sir, they plague you with phantom misfires that majically go away for a while and weak spark making the engine run weird but throwing no codes.

Long story short knowing now what I wished I knew then, I would buy one new coil and keep it in the trunk for a rainy day and replace the original coils by one as they fail. 🤓

PS, on the RX330, two of the rear coils can be replaced without pulling the plenum. If someone does have to pull the plenum, I'd replace all three in that bank only because It's a lot of work to do the job.

 

To piggyback:
If you do pull the plenum, there are a few other things to check on while it is off that are almost impossible to get to otherwise. You'd have to have these items on hand for the job, unless you have a back up car.

1. Bank 1 O2 sensor. In my opinion, I'd change it if i had the plenum off.
2. Check the high pressure PS hose for corrosion. (This job is a PIA regardless.)
3. And the PCV (PVC ?) Valve. You can change this one without plenum off, but it's easier and cheap so why not.

There may be a couple of other things I missed, but others can fill in.

 

Thanks to all your replies. Glad to hear; I won't worry about the coils unless/until the car gives me a specific reason to.

Doing the plugs/pcv/gasket replacement this weekend...fingers crossed.

 

It takes time, fairly invovled but not too bad a job. While I was there I replaced the plastic connectors going to the coil packs as they get very brittle with time and heat I think they ran @$7 for all 6 you just "de-pin" them it goes very quickly once you figure it out. There's a coupel YT Tutorials on how to clean your fuel injectors using brake cleaner not a bad idea to do while apart. I always suggest giving the engine a good cleaning before you start any project.... it makes working on it much nicer plus you can see if you have any new leaks or issues when done. That supposed hidden bracket bolt wasn't nearly as bad as others made it out to be. I think all in all I spent maybe 7 or so hours doing everything right.