When to Change Sparkplugs?

[i_am_jim]

The owners book says plugs at 60,000 miles, but the specified plugs say they last 100,000 miles.

Do I change plugs at 60 or 100 thousand miles?

[neonslay]

doesnt hurt to change them at 60k but they are quality plugs that can go up to 100k.

[jayrguidaben]

^+1 just follow the manual and you'll be fine

[89molavi]

By 100KM they might be stuck.

[i_am_jim]

Originally Posted by neonslay

doesnt hurt to change them at 60k but they are quality plugs that can go up to 100k.

Thanks.

[JohnGD]

What kind of plugs. What's the condition of the tips?

You can take the plugs out, measure the gap, and if within spec and in good condition, just put a dab in antiseize 3 threads from the tip end and torque back in. If you don't have a torque wrench the Harbor Freight ones for $15 work fine for that purpose.

The newer NGK Laser-Iridiums should last 120K miles (it has platinum ground pad). The problem would more like plugs seizing to the cylinder head if left in there too long.

Originally Posted by i_am_jim

The owners book says plugs at 60,000 miles, but the specified plugs say they last 100,000 miles.

Do I change plugs at 60 or 100 thousand miles?

[toyotagregg]

The plugs are designed to go 120k. I would not put anti-sieze on the plugs AT ALL. Stick with what Toyota says.

[bronzemaxell]

Originally Posted by toyotagregg

The plugs are designed to go 120k. I would not put anti-sieze on the plugs AT ALL. Stick with what Toyota says.

hmm, interesting, i was always told to put anti-seize on the thread of the plug before reinstalling plugs.

[toyotagregg]

Being that I work at a Toyota dealership is the only reason I say this. All the plugs we replace here don't have it on there from the factory.
Just my $.02

[ToyotaToday]

That was one of my concerns too, the spark plugs seizing after so many miles/years. But, I asked a Toyota Service adviser and he said they have never come across that.

[somick]

That what I did:

Service for iridium plugs?

And I would do it again! This is my vehicle and I do not want to have any problems in the future!

The block is aluminum, the spark plug's body is steel. I do not know how they will react on a long run. Plus I do not think anti seize compound will hurt anything.

Sam

[JohnGD]

Actually NGK plugs don't need them. But the coating is gone after you take it out once.

Why risk damaging an aluminum head and use a torque wrench? Just add a dab of antiseize.

Originally Posted by toyotagregg

Being that I work at a Toyota dealership is the only reason I say this. All the plugs we replace here don't have it on there from the factory.
Just my $.02

[JohnGD]

If spark plug seizing to the cylinder head is bad, try the head bolt threads coming off with the bolts on Toyota's 2.4L engines!! Well known and happens often around 90K miles.

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

That what I did:

Service for iridium plugs?

And I would do it again! This is my vehicle and I do not want to have any problems in the future!

The block is aluminum, the spark plug's body is steel. I do not know how they will react on a long run. Plus I do not think anti seize compound will hurt anything.

Sam

[09Camry]

I would not use antiseize or any kind of lub on a steel sparkplug with an aluminum head. Potential for stripping during installation is significantly increased. Never had a plug seize in an aluminum head and that includes my 27 year old volvo 4-cyl engine.

If Toyota does not specifically recommend it, don't do it.

[Tremendous_Slouch]

Originally Posted by 89molavi

By 100KM they might be stuck.

EXACTLY. If the plugs say they will go 100,000 and you are worried about wasting money (good plugs are not cheap after all), go by your performance and your mileage...even so its not a bad idea to remove em at 60,000 and put some anti sieze compound on them!

To some people this might sound stupid, but have a plug sieze in your engine just once and you'll be a believer. The head is aluminum and if you sieze a plug you will be lucky to get it out without stripping the hole.