1997 4Runner...How many Spark plugs???

[Eds4runner]

I'm getting ready to change the spark plugs in my SUV. However, I'm a little confused. Before I go and purchase spark plugs i have two questions. First, There is only three spark plug wires. Does this mean that there are only three spak plugs? This doesn't make sense to me. I've never owned a 6 cylnder car that only had three spak plug wires. Second, the Owners manuel says to only use spark plugs with Twin Ground Electodes. However, I have found that Bosh makes a platinum+4 that has four electrodes. I wish to keep my Car in top condition and even improve its preformance if something like this would help. What do you recomend?

[Brian R.]

The other three spark plugs are hidden under the ignition coils that are under the air intake hose.

Use Toyota recommended spark plugs (6) with twin electrodes only. Using the Bosch plugs will not increase your performance.

Put anti-sieze compound on the plug threads and torque the plugs .

When you install the new plugs, use a foot-long piece of heater hose to hold the plug when you insert it and start the threads. You should be able to tighten the plugs pretty much all the way down by hand. If they jam when they are first inserted, they are cross-threaded. Back it out and try again.

[ToyotaTech1]

There are 6 spark plugs total. There are 3 on each side of the motor. On the passenger side (Right Side) remove the air intake hose. Loosen up the bolt on the clamps to the throttle body and the air box and then remove the wiring connected to the hose . Remove the hose and then you will see where your other spark plugs are. They are underneath the coil packs. You will need to remove the 10mm bolt holding them down to get access to the plugs. The ones on the Left side are pretty noticible.

[ToyotaTech]

nice name!