When to Change Sparkplugs?
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^+1 just follow the manual and you'll be fine
Thanks.
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.
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.
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The plugs are designed to go 120k. I would not put anti-sieze on the plugs AT ALL. Stick with what Toyota says.
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1,209 Posts
hmm, interesting, i was always told to put anti-seize on the thread of the plug before reinstalling plugs.
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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
Just my $.02
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669 Posts
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.
That what I did:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263897&highlight=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
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263897&highlight=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
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.
Why risk damaging an aluminum head and use a torque wrench? Just add a dab of antiseize.
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.
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.
If Toyota does not specifically recommend it, don't do it.
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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.
Actually, for a 14mm spark plug the standard torque range is 18-21.6 lb/ft (gasket type, aluminum head). Why does Toyota recommends 13 lb/ft?
Also, Honda recommends 13 lb/ft. And specifically said to use a dab of antiseize before installation.
Therefore, I'd use a dab and a Harbor Freight torque wrench at 13 lb/ft.
Also, Honda recommends 13 lb/ft. And specifically said to use a dab of antiseize before installation.
Therefore, I'd use a dab and a Harbor Freight torque wrench at 13 lb/ft.
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204 Posts
i have never had a seized plug... and i have had MANY toyotas over 200k miles 
but at autozone we are encouraged to add a dollar packet of grease to every spark plug sale...
blehhh wtf do corporations know???
but at autozone we are encouraged to add a dollar packet of grease to every spark plug sale...
blehhh wtf do corporations know???
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Yeah, of course, you know a lot more than Toyota engineers.:lol: I guess you got money to burn too.
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