johnda

Thanks to everyone for your input - amazing to have such a variety of opinion. I remain in trouble without a garage who can take this on 😞 I may just carry on till it breaks - but this is not a good outcome as I do like the car a lot (130k miles over 12 years) John

I dont KNOW when they were last changed but I have followed the service schedule with Lexus doing the work, so if plugs should have been changed I trusted them to do it. However, now I know how difficult it is to get to the rear set of 3, I doubt if they have been changed since new 😞

Induction heating is a great idea ... but what garage has that. I agree the design is poor and the servicing scheme that leaves the plugs in until they are stuck seem short sighted. A no no car... no because I've had 10 good years motoring but seems crazy to give up a scrap a great car because the spark plug(s) are stuck! John

Great to get feedback on this - thanks! However the problem is more difficult because access the the rear part of the engine requires stripdown of lots of bits - that's why I would like an outfit (such as a Lexus main dealer!) to take it on and sort it. I have seen videos of the technique which includes warm engine, very good penetrating oil and a slow reverse-forward unbolting motion - with the aim of shifting the carbon and not jamming it in the threads. If I were younger....I would do it myself but I'm not so I need a competant garage. I am aware of the risks because the plug could snap or debris could be dropped into the cylinder ugg! John

Hi Help! RX450h with 130k miles went for major service at and they could only change 2 of the facing 3 sparkplugs - the other 1 facing is seized. I then took it to a Lexus main dealer and based on this they tried to release it but could not and did not want to even investigate the 3 at the back (which requires considerable work to get to). Their suggestion was leave them be! Does anyone know of an outfit who would be prepared to remove the stuck plug and strip back the bits required to access and hopefully remove the other 3 sparkplugs? Would very much like to solve this as other than this the car is fine. Any input or advice welcome!!