Spark Plug Cover Plate

[alp61]

I'm embarrassed to write that I was unable to do a simple spark plug swap due to the fact that the spark plug cover plate (towards rear of engine) was unable to be removed. The two phillips bolts holding the cover in place will not budge, and are beginning to strip, as they are aluminum.

Has anyone else experienced trouble with this? If both bolt heads are stripped, what do I do?

Toyota should have provided a bolt that was a compbination phillips and hex. Oh well.

Eric

 

[cruiserdan]

Use a socket. If memory serves it is 10mm.

 

[alp61]

The bolts on mine are round - not socket compatible.

 

[Tools R Us]

You might try a hand impact, like this;

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=402

Very good at removing stuck phillips screws.

 

[Rookie2]

Toyota should have provided a bolt that was a compbination phillips and hex. Oh well.

Eric

Um... they did. At least on my 97. I'd go penetrating oil (not WD-40) and then get an easy-out from sears. Replace with the hex/phillips version.


Rookie2

 

[stayalert]

when I was a kid my mom was a wd-40 fanatic. she even bought a gallon can with a sprayer on it. This was before we knew of PB blaster. I fear I am following in my mom's footsteps except my treatment of choice is pb blaster. great stuff for penetrating and loostening stuck stuff. Did I mentio PB blaster? try it you'll like it....Rob M Concord, MA USA

 

[concretejungle]

Rob, i like how you end all your posts with your name and location. Makes me think of the Darrel Waltrip Toyota Tundra racing commercials........they ask Darrel a question and then end by stating their name and location, then Darrel tears the s*** out of their yard! Lovely!

 

[NovaFZJ80]

yeah, when i did the tuneup on mine a couple months ago, had to use a 10mm socket...much easier than a screw driver..but passed on the #6, still have to get to it , pvc valve and grommet, egr before emissions inspectin in november.

 

[cruiserdan]

The bolts on mine are round - not socket compatible.

It that case somebody has replaced them with the wrong fasteners. The correct fasteners have a Phillips slot AND a hex head.

 

[lurker]

I had the same problem and used a demmel tool create a continuous slot for a flat head screw driver. Next I replaced all of the screws for Hex head screws.

 

[alp61]

Thanks. The Dremmel idea is good...only if I can get back there. Worse case, I'll have to drill the head off and leave the stud in the head. I started to use one of those 'easy-outs' and it ate up the aluminum bolt head.

 

[Scamper]

Yup...those should be hex heads (10mm) with phillips too. Some fool replaced them. Can't imagine why.

Get some new ones and replace them after you manage to remove these--you're gonna have to do it some time. If the PB blaster don't work, then I like the impact hammer (applied lightly I might add) technique. You could also just drill off the heads and then pull the studs with a visegrip, but that would be a real PIA--especially the rear one.

 

[lurker]

Maybe you can just JB weld a hex phillips stud on it over night and replace that particular screw the next day?

 

[Rich]

See post #4 for the best approach to dealing with this problem. It will most likely save you from a lot of aggravation.