Air leak after changing spark plugs on 2003 camry v6

2003 TOYOTA CAMRY
110,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LANNY44
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi. I recently changed the spark plugs in my 2003 camry v6, having to take off the intake manifold to get at the back 3 plugs, and now my check engine light is on. The code reads 'System too lean (bank 1)' so I'm assuming I have a small air leak. I didn't replace the gasket on the intake, should I have? I went to O'Reilly's to ask about it and couldn't get a straight answer. When they tried to look up the intake manifold gasket in their computer it shows that you have to buy a package of 4 gaskets but it seems that I should only need to replace one: the gasket between the intake manifold (plenum) and the head (? or block?...whatever the manifold attaches to). Are there actually 4 gaskets that I need to replace? Do you think the gasket between the manifold and head is a likely place for an air leak? Thanks for any help you can give.
Oct 20, 2014 at 4:26 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,306 POSTS
The people at auto parts stores usually never were mechanics so they won't be able to tell you anything other than what they're heard from their regular customers, or what some parts suppliers provide in training classes.

As for those gaskets, they often package multiple gaskets in a set to cover the most common or the most involved repairs, then you just use the ones you need for your project. We always have gaskets left over. We hate to throw them away, but before long we forget what they fit.

You're right to suspect the intake gasket that was taken apart, but the leak would have to be pretty significant to set that code. First look at the fresh air tube between the mass air flow sensor and the throttle body. If any air sneaks in there from a crack or a loose hose clamp, it won't be measured by that sensor and the Engine Computer won't command the right amount of fuel to go with it. That will result in a lean code.

You might also ask at an auto parts store that rents or borrows tools if they have a smoke machine. That will allow you to inject a white, non-toxic smoke into the intake manifold at 2 psi, then you can watch for where it sneaks out.
Oct 20, 2014 at 4:46 PM