Throckmorton
Lifer
- Aug 23, 2007
- 16,830
- 3
- 0
I did my plugs (V6) in like 45 minutes. The back ones were a bit tricky. All in all I saved a shit load of cash.
You haven't done it on a sienna, it's not as simple as other vehicles with a traverse mounted V6. There are literally a couple inches between the firewall and spark plug well, not even enough space to get a 6" extension down into the well to get at the plug. There's barely enough room to get the spark plug socket down into the well without an extension. Just removing and reinstalling the cowl is a 45 minute job. If you've done it that quickly on an 99-02 sienna I'll pay your airfare to come change the plugs on my van.
100 bucks cash says you can't do it in 15 minutes
It's not the engine, it's the body. Most minivans are tough, especially for the back plugs.I've done it on my 2001 Lexus ES 300. I believe they are similar engines or?
I'm not a mechanic. I've worked in the Parts Dept. of an established Toyota Dealership for over 23 years. It's different now, you don't just buy plugs and a special adapter for your socket. The flat rate book says it takes 3 hours because it's necesseray to remove the plenumn. Techs that have 8+ years experience (let alone 12 or more), plus training that Toyota pays thousands and thousands of dollars for theses guys to, learn how to do jobs more efficiently. Though the NAPA and PEP BOY guys should still be charging the same rate. I encourage all of you to take your vehicles to "Bob's Discount Auto Repair", or give it a shot yourself. When you realize that there are 12 computers and countless sensors that will do everything from warming your wipers to heating your butts (literally), you'll go to a respected repair facility with ties to a Dealer.
I'm not a mechanic. I've worked in the Parts Dept. of an established Toyota Dealership for over 23 years. It's different now, you don't just buy plugs and a special adapter for your socket. The flat rate book says it takes 3 hours because it's necesseray to remove the plenumn. Techs that have 8+ years experience (let alone 12 or more), plus training that Toyota pays thousands and thousands of dollars for theses guys to, learn how to do jobs more efficiently. Though the NAPA and PEP BOY guys should still be charging the same rate. I encourage all of you to take your vehicles to "Bob's Discount Auto Repair", or give it a shot yourself. When you realize that there are 12 computers and countless sensors that will do everything from warming your wipers to heating your butts (literally), you'll go to a respected repair facility with ties to a Dealer.