Any reason not to use the Denso (3381) K20HR-U11 Spark Plugs on a 2008 V6?

[CO4x499]

Amazon.com: Denso (3381) K20HR-U11 Traditional Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive

Been a few years since I replaced them and these were what I used last time. Any changes to the spark plug game? From what I can see is people are not recommending iridium plugs in the V6 anymore.

 

[Drcoffee]

With moden plugs made from iridium, why use copper plugs. A spark is a spark and copper lasts 30,000, iridium lasts 150,000+. Dab some copper anti seize on them, torqure to 13# and never worry again. Im a big fan of Denso over NGK.

I cant explain why some people dont like iridiums. I ran them in my v6 FJC and in my 4runner. Idles smooth, lots of power.

Maybe they bought fake ones from amazon (China scam center) or they refused to gap them to 0.044” to spec. Its better to gap wide than narrow. At 222,000 miles my truck had original copper plugs with a gap of 0.071” IIRC

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I don't really have a definitive answer you honestly, never understood why Toyota opted for traditional plugs in their 1GR line and iridium in the 2GR; my assumption was that it had to do with dual VVTi in some way.

That said, Denso or NGK are basically the factory plug so either are a good choice. If you follow the factory recommendations for the copper plugs you won't have any issues, then again these engines are somewhat forgiving in that respect as I have regularly seen people fail to follow that guideline and only start experience misfires/obvious issues by the 90-100k mark on original plugs.

Side Note- The 2GR-FKS in the new Tacomas uses Iridium plugs but the interval for them is 60k, something to do with the direct injection/atkins style cycle they use on that engine I assume?

 

[importman]

I don't really have a definitive answer you honestly, never understood why Toyota opted for traditional plugs in their 1GR line and iridium in the 2GR; my assumption was that it had to do with dual VVTi in some way.

That said, Denso or NGK are basically the factory plug so either are a good choice. If you follow the factory recommendations for the copper plugs you won't have any issues, then again these engines are somewhat forgiving in that respect as I have regularly seen people fail to follow that guideline and only start experience misfires/obvious issues by the 90-100k mark on original plugs.

Side Note- The 2GR-FKS in the new Tacomas uses Iridium plugs but the interval for them is 60k, something to do with the direct injection/atkins style cycle they use on that engine I assume?

Question for you Blackworks, since I honestly don't know. Is the access to the plugs more difficult on the 2GR? It's my understanding that in at least some cases the manufacturers put iridium, and before that, platinum plugs in models where access is difficult, due to the longer replacement intervals.

 

[Burt]

I've been using the Denso plugs for over 11 years now in my 2008 V6.
No problems at all. Change them out every 50,000 miles.

 

[eleven14]

I don't really have a definitive answer you honestly, never understood why Toyota opted for traditional plugs in their 1GR line and iridium in the 2GR; my assumption was that it had to do with dual VVTi in some way.

That said, Denso or NGK are basically the factory plug so either are a good choice. If you follow the factory recommendations for the copper plugs you won't have any issues, then again these engines are somewhat forgiving in that respect as I have regularly seen people fail to follow that guideline and only start experience misfires/obvious issues by the 90-100k mark on original plugs.

Side Note- The 2GR-FKS in the new Tacomas uses Iridium plugs but the interval for them is 60k, something to do with the direct injection/atkins style cycle they use on that engine I assume?

I've never changed mine and bought the truck with 35k on it. Is it possible I'm still on factory plugs at 130k? It runs like a top, lol.

 

[Drcoffee]

You will know if one side is Denso and the other NGK. thats how they come from the factory. But you should change them because copper plugs erode quickly.

 

[eleven14]

You will know if one side is Denso and the other NGK. thats how they come from the factory. But you should change them because copper plugs erode quickly.

Valve covers are weeping on my V6, so was gonna do it all in one shot once the weather warms up in my area. Will report back...

 

[Old3Tow]

I've been using the Denso plugs for over 11 years now in my 2008 V6.
No problems at all. Change them out every 50,000 miles.

^
^
^———— THIS!

Swap’em out at 50k and use iridium plugs. Engine seems quite happy.

 

[montijo505]

I've never changed mine and bought the truck with 35k on it. Is it possible I'm still on factory plugs at 130k? It runs like a top, lol.

You’ll know when you replace them, half denso half ngk if they are original. Change those bad boys, takes no effort and you’ll notice how much smoother it idles lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[triethylborane]

Question for you Blackworks, since I honestly don't know. Is the access to the plugs more difficult on the 2GR? It's my understanding that in at least some cases the manufacturers put iridium, and before that, platinum plugs in models where access is difficult, due to the longer replacement intervals.

I recently replaced the plugs on a 2012 2GR w/ 110k and access is fine. There is an easily removed intake plenum support bracket in the way of cyl 6 and a few hoses that you can use extensions/wobble spark plug socket to get around . . . passenger side is a breeze. Its a quick job.

 

[importman]

Well I guess that kills my theory. Oddly enough I changed the plugs in an 11 Rav4 today and it took about 10 minutes, tops. And it had Denso Iridiums.

 

[Flesh Eater]

Not to get off topic, but are there any opinions on the NGK ruthenium plugs? Just saw these on Rock Auto and was going to try them, but they're pricey at $7.86 each

 

[jlaw904]

Valve covers are weeping on my V6, so was gonna do it all in one shot once the weather warms up in my area. Will report back...

When you do, I'd like to see the inside and your mileage for comparison. I have a post showing mine at 187k if you wanna see. I just did my gaskets along with the upper intake plenum. I had a slow valve cover leak on both sides, mostly where the timing chain is and the spark plugs were covered with oil when I swapped them.