Iridium plugs only? 2003 2.4L - what plugs are ok - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Sella Turcica · 11-06-2009, 04:18 PM

I just bought some NGK BKR6E-11 plugs for my '03 Camry XLE 2.4 (doing the 90k service myself). I took the plastic engine cover off, and the label says "iridium plugs only". Well, is that the same thing as platinum? I thought any NGK or Denso plug would be fine. Can someone help me out?
Also, gap is ok at 0.44 right? Should I just torque the plugs to 18nm?
Thanks

njerald · 11-06-2009, 04:41 PM

You bought the wrong plugs..........but they were cheap.

"Iridium" is not spelled "Platinum". Have an Owners manual?

You don't know what you should have purchased and it continues with the installation.

Sella Turcica · 11-06-2009, 04:57 PM

I have an owners manual. It is full of great information like how to fasten a seat belt and where the spare tire is located.

I believe you mean a service manual. No. I do not have one yet, I bought the car a couple weeks ago and I joined this forum hoping I could help/get some help. That's the point of it, right?

Anybody with experience care to comment?

Thanks

njerald · 11-06-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sella Turcica

....I have an owners manual. It is full of great information like how to fasten a seat belt and where the spare tire is located.

Thanks

It also tells you to use Iridium tip plugs and not to adjust the gap....

81Bluebomber · 11-06-2009, 06:42 PM

NGK IFR6A11 or Denso SK20R11. I would go with NGK.

njerald · 11-06-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81Bluebomber

NGK IFR6A11 or Denso SK20R11. I would go with NGK.

You gave an Obsolete Number.........NGK IFR6T-11 is the correct one.

***JohnGD*** · 11-06-2009, 07:49 PM

Look on www.ngksparkplugs.com, they list the following as approved plugs:

2003 TOYOTA CAMRY 2.4 L4 2AZ-FE FI DOHC
Spark Plug Part No. Stock No. Plug Gap
Standard BKR6ES-11 5553 .044
V-Power BKR6E-11 2756 .044
G-Power BKR6EGP 7092 .044
Laser Platinum BKR6EP-11 * 2978 .044
OE Laser Iridium IFR6T11 ^ # 4589 .044
Iridium IX BKR6EIX-11 3764 .044

So you should get the IFR6T11. Check rockauto.com for prices, or get them at your local NAPA store.

The old-style V-Power you got probably needs to be changed at 15K miles at the least.

I'd go with NGK. No adjustment to the gap -- it's pre-adjusted. Yes, 13 lb/ft.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sella Turcica

I just bought some NGK BKR6E-11 plugs for my '03 Camry XLE 2.4 (doing the 90k service myself). I took the plastic engine cover off, and the label says "iridium plugs only". Well, is that the same thing as platinum? I thought any NGK or Denso plug would be fine. Can someone help me out?
Also, gap is ok at 0.44 right? Should I just torque the plugs to 18nm?
Thanks

***JohnGD*** · 11-06-2009, 07:52 PM

While doing the plugs, carefully inspect the back side of the engine, at the head gasket, for any signs of coolant leaks (head bolt thread failure). See below:

3/6/2008

Coolant Loss on 2002-2006 Toyota 2.4L, 2AZFE engines

The following information concerns the loss of coolant on some
2002-2006 Toyota 2.4L, 2AZFE engines. The location of this condition
has been noted at the rear of the engine where the cylinder head bolts
to the cylinder block.

It has been reported that stripped head bolt threads have been found
on some of these engines during tear down. When the two rear head
bolts lose their clamping ability they allow coolant to seep out at
the rear of the cylinder head.

To repair this condition, engine builders report using thread repair
tooling used for various GM engines. Specifically, Cadillac 4.6L
engines use the same threaded head bolts (Figure 1). The head bolts
for this Toyota engine may be reused if they are not damaged and meet
the following length specification.

Using a vernier caliper, measure the length of the head bolts from the
seat to the end.

Specified bolt length: 6.350½ to 6.465½ (161.3 mm to 164.2 mm). If
the length is greater than the maximum, replace the bolt.

This information was provided by the Engine Builders Association
(AERA)."

81Bluebomber · 11-06-2009, 08:01 PM

Working for Toyota for 3 years. Never seen this particular head gasket problem. If anything check your water pump. Toyota has not figured out how to make these yet.

Sella Turcica · 11-07-2009, 05:47 AM

Thanks guys - I'll take a look at the head while I'm snooping around.

***JohnGD*** · 11-07-2009, 07:06 PM

Maybe you should read Toyota TSB 01507, NHTSA #10021542, Dated April 6 2007?

This is a serious design defect when head bolts pop loose because of thread failure! Wouldn't you say?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81Bluebomber

Working for Toyota for 3 years. Never seen this particular head gasket problem. If anything check your water pump. Toyota has not figured out how to make these yet.