Questions and Answers
Missing Spark Plugs
Q. I have a 1993 Camry SE V6 with 65,000 miles. It has PS, AC, and cruise control. Decided to change the spark plugs and when I looked under the hood, I could hardly see where the spark plugs go on the bank of cylinders at the back by the firewall, much less put a wrench back there to remove the 3 spark plugs. It seems to me, to do the job right, you need to remove the air intake chamber. Can you give me any advice on how to do this? And what gaskets will I need to replace? Also, if I take apart the engine to that degree, while I'm there would it make sense to change anything else like spark plug wires, hoses, etc. Would appreciate any advice you have.
Thanks,
MikeA. Ahhh.... the joys of being a mechanic Mike... jobs like this make me wish I became a Doctor like my Mother wanted me to be. My Father wanted me to become a Priest, but I didn't want to work on Sundays.
You do not need to disassemble the engine to change the spark plugs, you just need more than the common spark plug socket and ratchet. I have about six different types and styles of spark plug sockets in both 5/8" and 13/16" sizes. There is standard sockets that you get in most tool sets. Then I have flex spark plug sockets for when I can't get straight in and I have flex sockets with 6", 12" and 18" extensions built in for cars such as yours. A spark plug socket, a universal joint and extension is all you will really need.
As for getting to the plugs, well you have to climb or crawl on top of the engine to see the plug wires and plugs so you can change them. I have spent many a tune-up laying on top of an engine to change plugs, wires, points and caps. If I was really lucky, the car sat around long enough for the engine to actually cool off. It's all part of the job. Sometimes it's easier to come at them from underneath the car or through a wheel well. If you get into the engine deep enough, you will see how you get to them and it's downhill from there.
If you find that you can't get to it any other way, just remove the bolts holding in the plenum and lift it out of the way, marking any vacuum lines you remove so they can be reinstalled correctly later on. You can get a replacement gasket at the parts store or you can use some silicone form-a-gasket when you put it back together.
