3 NGK & 3 Denso Plugs from Factory???

[NCSCOTT]

Hello All

Just got around to changing my plugs this morning and found something very interesting.

I pulled the plugs on the passenger side and they were all Denso K20HR-U11 plugs. Then pulled the driver side plugs and they were all NGK LFR6C11.

Both plugs are listed in Section 8 ie.. Specifications of the owners manual.

I replaced all 6 with new Denso K20HR-U11 plugs. I can't figure out why they would have done something like this at the factory?? I would guess that 2 different guys put the plugs in from both sides of the motor, but you would think they would be using the same plugs at the same time.

Anyway, just thought it was interesting and was wondering if anyone else had run into this???

 

[Kire4Runner]

Yeah thats the way its supposed to be. When I changed my plugs on my '99 I discovered the same thing. But don't worry, they do that for a reason, I remember someone saying why they do that in a thread in here, I just forgot it. Do some thread searching, you'll come across it.

 

[Koz]

I changed my plugs on my 98 3.4 PreRunner at 50K miles. When I pulled the first plug I couldn't help but notice that it was in NEW condition. So I take out the other two on the left bank and when I took out the first one on the right bank I noticed the plug was worn noticeably more then the other three. At this point I start to get that shitty feeling of something being wrong. After taking out the last two plugs I noticed the right bank of plugs are all showing ware and the left bank is looking new. So I'm thinking why, maybe there is an ignition problem! Then noticed the plugs were different, yes 3 NGKs and 3 Denso. Apparently this was done at the factory. The NGKs were like new and the Denso's were worn. Moral of the story; NOT ALL PLUGS ARE CREATED EQUAL!

Koz

 

[Boaz]

I putting all new NGK LFR6C11's in today. I found them at NAPA for about 5 bucks a pop. I hope that it makes the ole girl run a little bit better. I noticed she has been pinging alot lately. Even on Premium....hmmm

 

[NCSCOTT]

More on plugs.

I putting all new NGK LFR6C11's in today. I found them at NAPA for about 5 bucks a pop. I hope that it makes the ole girl run a little bit better. I noticed she has been pinging alot lately. Even on Premium....hmmm

I found the Denso plug on www.urdusa.com (Underdog Racing Development) for $2.75ea plus $5.00 USPS Priority mail and they accept Paypal. It seem like a good deal since I could not find the NGK plug cheaper than $7.00+ ea.

I did not notice either plug with more wear than the other. I have 33500 miles on a 2004 w/ the 4.0L V-6 and I run premium all the time.

Both plugs appeared to be the same whitish color. I checked each plugs gap when it was removed and they were all .043 still. The construction of the plugs was only different in the fact that the NGK has a u-grove in the center electrode and the Denso plug has a u-grove in the Ground electrode. Anyway, Hope this is of some help to someone.

NCSCOTT

 

[Boaz]

Re: More on plugs.

I found the Denso plug on www.urdusa.com (Underdog Racing Development) for $2.75ea plus $5.00 USPS Priority mail and they accept Paypal. It seem like a good deal since I could not find the NGK plug cheaper than $7.00+ ea.

I did not notice either plug with more wear than the other. I have 33500 miles on a 2004 w/ the 4.0L V-6 and I run premium all the time.

Both plugs appeared to be the same whitish color. I checked each plugs gap when it was removed and they were all .043 still. The construction of the plugs was only different in the fact that the NGK has a u-grove in the center electrode and the Denso plug has a u-grove in the Ground electrode. Anyway, Hope this is of some help to someone.

NCSCOTT

Edit, I bought denso today, 3.82 each at the dealer... Napa wanted 5.50 each for the NGKS,

Hopefully if my rugrat goes to bed soon I can put them in...:awais:

 

[NCSCOTT]

Re: Re: More on plugs.

Edit, I bought denso today, 3.82 each at the dealer... Napa wanted 5.50 each for the NGKS,

Hopefully if my rugrat goes to bed soon I can put them in...:awais:

I hope they improve my mileage a little. I have noticed a little less MPG in the last month, but since I live in eastern, NC and it has been around 85-95 each day that is probably the reason for the reduced MPG + AC on all the time.

3.82 does not sound bad. Only about a dollor more than what I got them for online.

good luck

 

[Boaz]

Re: Re: Re: More on plugs.

I hope they improve my mileage a little. I have noticed a little less MPG in the last month, but since I live in eastern, NC and it has been around 85-95 each day that is probably the reason for the reduced MPG + AC on all the time.

3.82 does not sound bad. Only about a dollor more than what I got them for online.

good luck

Thanks, I noticed my MPG decreasing some, most likely a mix of higher temps , Revos and need of new plugs... I noticed the motor pinging more than ever in the heat.... I guess I should be running premium more in the summer...

 

[TeCKis300]

So does anyone know the reason why Toyota installs two different brands of plugs?

 

[khaug]

So does anyone know the reason why Toyota installs two different brands of plugs?

This has been a mystery that goes all the way back to the dawn of the 3rd gen 'Runners. I've never read a reasonable explanation for it.

Life is supposed to have a certain number of little mysteries: They're what keep things interesting.

 

[h7009]

Different plugs on each side

This has been a mystery that goes all the way back to the dawn of the 3rd gen 'Runners. I've never read a reasonable explanation for it.

Life is supposed to have a certain number of little mysteries: They're what keep things interesting.

Hey to all, I believe I read this somewhere...the reason for the different plugs on each side is because one set of three is at the end of a wire and the other three is under a coil pack, possibly running hotter. Just an opinion no hard facts. CSM-H

 

[Koz]

The V8s come with "Iridium" spark plugs, so the recommended replacement is like 100K miles. If you guys (and gals) want them for the V6.

NGK - LFR6AIX-11 (stock # 6619)
Denso - IKH20

Koz

 

[NCSCOTT]

Re: Different plugs on each side

Hey to all, I believe I read this somewhere...the reason for the different plugs on each side is because one set of three is at the end of a wire and the other three is under a coil pack, possibly running hotter. Just an opinion no hard facts. CSM-H

Well I can tell ya that all 6 are coil on plug on 4th gen V-6 engines. I have no info on prior generations since I never owned one.

NCSCOTT

 

[NCSCOTT]

The V8s come with "Iridium" spark plugs, so the recommended replacement is like 100K miles. If you guys (and gals) want them for the V6.

NGK - LFR6AIX-11 (stock # 6619)
Denso - IKH20

Koz

Well for reasons I do not understand Toyota shipped these V-6s with non-Platinum non-Iridium plugs. I would have to assume they knew what they were doing. For that reason I will stick to the stock plugs unless Toyota comes out and recommends something different.

I know there are other threads about the differences in plugs but I am not looking to start that debate again.

Thanks for the info anyway!!!

NCSCOTT

 

[lightfoot]

Sparkplugs

After reading these posts it looks like the previous owner of my 99 SR5 never changed the plugs.

I found NGK on the passenger's side and Denso on the driver's side the first time I changed the plugs at 73K.

The gap on the NGk's was still around .043, the gap on the Denso's was over .054.

I just replaced the NGK plugs again after another 30K. The gap was still around .043.

 

[Thai]

Here is a thread on this topic:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14117&highlight=denso

Just to cross-reference the threads for future members.

 

[Koz]

I read somewhere that because Toyota contracts both NGK and Denso they decided to deliberately install half the engine with each plug to insure using the same amount. If this is true, talk about STUPID!

The only thing positive is you get to see how much better NGKs are.

Koz

 

[Fro-Runner]

Hmmmm............sounds to me as a large corporation trying to help out "BOTH" homeboys (spark plugs) mfgrs! This would insure both remain strong for the nation.

There is a reason why they do NOT list an alternate spark plug from AC, Champion, or other USA corps.

Just my "2" cents worth!

 

[achen]

Hello,

I am having a hard time deciding 2 plugs. One is the NGK LFR6AIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug and the other one is the Denso IKH20. Both are Iridium plugs. Is it necessary on the V6 4runner? I want it for better performance and last for 100K miles. Prices on ebay is $7.85 for the NGKs and $6.79 for the Densos. feedback please. thank you!

 

[kimboy]

If you have a V6 I would recommend going with the cheap oem's and change them at 30K intervals. In the event one of the plugs foul you know that there's a fresh one going in every other year. I do not think you will notice a change in performance either.

I buy my plugs online 12 at a time. Double check the gaps and use antiseaze grease. Removing a plug that does not want to come out is not fun.