RX330inFL

With $45-$50 for the cost of the plugs from Advance Auto Parts I figure the $90 in labor the local Toyota shop would charge me would be worth the time to just let them do it. They also have a large flat screen TV and a nice waiting area with free wireless Internet if you bring a laptop, however, they also run a shuttle to the nearby mall which has a Five Guys. Would rather grab a burger there and walk around than sit in the lounge waiting at the Lexus dealer or dealing with the hassles of the loaner pool of vehicles at their inflated costs.

Kansas

Per the attached maintenance schedule for the 2004 RX330, the replacement interval for the OEM iridium spark plugs is 120,000 miles - same as on my 2000 LS400.

When I had the spark plugs on my LS changed recently during the 120,000 service, I saw that the original factory installed spark plugs looked like new. The engine didn't run better after the spark plug change -- it ran like new before and after the plug change.

I'm guessing that the original factory installed spark plugs could have gone far longer than 120,000 miles but I prefer to follow the maintenance schedule.

howdybob22

Spark plugs is one of the maintenance that I don't mind taking a risk with so I won't change mine out early. If it's spec at 110 or 120 k miles, I'll wait til then. Unless I take big trips frequently, then I'll maybe a little bit weary about it once it getting close to 110k. But for the most part, the usual thing is that one of the plugs goes, you can still limp home. As compare to something like a timing belt though, that's a whole different matter (where it can ruin your engine). If you can't change them out yourself like most of us here on CL, definitely bring it to a competent mechanic or Toyota dealership and have them do it. $850 is insane for spark plugs.

mandyfig

Timing belt, plugs and water pump can be done all at the same time. A Toyota shop is your best bet.

"Lexappeal

Is replacing all the gaskets necessary when replacing the spark plugs or are the OEM gaskets reusable to an extent? Just didn't know if I should be ordering all new gaskets before tackling this job, thanks in advance...

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Not sure what you mean by gaskets. All spark plugs come with a new "crush ring" that acts as a gasket.

"Lexappeal

Sorry I meant Intake manifold, throttle body gaskets etc.

smassey321

I have re-used mine twice now. They are rubber and were in pretty good shape.

chris948

With the amount of work that it takes to get to change the spark plugs, the last thing I would want to do is ever pull any of it back because I saved $10 re-using a gasket. Just my opinion.

tomr51

do a search on how to change the rear plugs without removing the manifold.

you remove the wipers and the plastic cover between the bonnet and the windscreen

edwardh11

maybe Lexi owners are looked on as rich and uneducated on cars by the dealership

Charlie23

I do same thing it take about 1 1/2 hrs and done, my RX350 is 10yrs old and I just replace 4 new Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly 4 new Disc Roto & brake pad. My next is Air Fuel Ratio Sensor , Oxygen Sensor , Thermostat water pump and new drive belt. My RX only 82k miles now get all it done might go for another 80k or more.
P.S. if you cant do it at home will save a lots of money then bringing to dealership look up in youtube might help.

lexsc4

I am about to have all the spark plugs and 3 front coils replaced this coming November at 125K miles.
Will change the valve cover gaskets as well. I supply all parts and my long time mechanic told me labor charge is $350 range, $400 max.

mandyfig

$350 sounds about right.

lexsc4

I was able to source 6 Denso Iridium spark plugs for $60, 3 Toyota coils for $180 and Valve Cover Gaskets for $30. Plus 7 quarts of mobil 1 and filter, my total part cost is around $300, plus $350 labor, total job cost $650.