Anyone replaced Spark Plugs?

[joneseyyy]

For context, I'm now approaching 90K miles on the truck. Because the truck is pretty heavily modified and sees plenty of off-road miles, I have been keeping my maintenance intervals on the short side (oil changes every 5K, air filter changes frequently, tranny/t-case/diff fluid changes every 30K).

In the Toyota recommended service intervals, there really is no mention of spark plug replacement, however I know for the older 4-runner/FJ version of the 4.0 spark plug replacement was recommended every 30K.

I am leaning towards replacing them just for peace of mind, and under the assumption I may have not noticed gradual performance degradation that I'll get back with fresh plugs.

What else besides belt/hose inspections (which I do) should us higher mileage/high use guys consider that is not in the manual? I am keeping an eye on LBJs and tie rods etc., but figure that those have telltale signs of wearing out.

Thoughts?

 

[2011T4RLE]

I think you're already doing everything right as far as looking out for the usual wear items. I was going to say ball joints and tie rod ends, but you already mentioned that too.

 

[eddiebx]

I think the previous gen 30k service interval was based on copper plugs? We probably have iridium plugs and those last forever. My previous car came with factory iridium plugs too, and I thought the same way as you; but when I changed them out at ~80k, there was zero wear on the electrode tips, and equally zero noticeable performance difference with a new set of plugs, lol.

IMO, if you have some time to spare, I would just pull them out and inspect the tips for wear and excessive oil contamination; then decide if you need to replace them or not. If you're pressed for time, just replace them right off the bat since it's certainly not going to hurt anything besides your wallet

Oh yeah if you do replace them, try to get the NGK/Denso part number of the OE plug and look it up to see if it's available from anywhere else besides the dealer, sometimes you might luck out and find it at other retailers for significantly cheaper. If you can't find the exact part number, I would just go with the dealer since spark plug dimensions get real technical (and confusing) in a hurry nowadays; exact is always best.

 

[Froggy]

. . .Oh yeah if you do replace them, try to get the NGK/Denso part number of the OE plug and look it up to see if it's available from anywhere else besides the dealer, sometimes you might luck out and find it at other retailers for significantly cheaper. . .

Denso SK20HR11 should work—$8+ per each. See page three of attached.

 

[SigSense]

NGK also....

You could also use the NGK Iridiums, part # LFR6AIX-11. I’ve installed Iridium NGKs in my other Toyota/Mazda vehicles with great results.

NGK Iridium IX® Spark Plugs

 

[cbreze]

I don't have my manual in front of me but for my 2012 SR5 I thought the recommendation was change at 120k.

 

[limamike]

For context, I'm now approaching 90K miles on the truck. Because the truck is pretty heavily modified and sees plenty of off-road miles, I have been keeping my maintenance intervals on the short side (oil changes every 5K, air filter changes frequently, tranny/t-case/diff fluid changes every 30K).

In the Toyota recommended service intervals, there really is no mention of spark plug replacement, however I know for the older 4-runner/FJ version of the 4.0 spark plug replacement was recommended every 30K.

I am leaning towards replacing them just for peace of mind, and under the assumption I may have not noticed gradual performance degradation that I'll get back with fresh plugs.

What else besides belt/hose inspections (which I do) should us higher mileage/high use guys consider that is not in the manual? I am keeping an eye on LBJs and tie rods etc., but figure that those have telltale signs of wearing out.

Thoughts?

Didn't you already have them replaced with all those misfire issues? :wave:

 

[Whiplash Willy]

The "normal use" service interval for our iridium sparkplugs is 120k. It probley wouldn't be bad to change them earlier.

Be glad you don't have a 2013+ with the Air Injection Pump. They put all of that garbage on top of the middle spark plugs completely blocking access to them....

 

[joneseyyy]

Didn't you already have them replaced with all those misfire issues? :wave:

Hey now. I think I only had Cyl 2 replaced.

 

[BGunn]

2010 5th Gen. Spark Plugs - 117900 Miles

Just changed my plugs in my 2010 4-Runner Limited with 117900 miles. Photos are included. The 2010 has no crap in the way to move. I think this is true until the 2014 with the "air-pump"? A few pointers:

1. Tools Used: Two long and two short 1/4 inch extensions, one 1/4 inch swivel socket, small screw driver, 10 mm socket, electrical tape and anti-seize and I used one new 5/8 socket when I extracted the plugs and an old 5/8 inch socket to install.
2. I taped my new plug socket on the long extension to ensure I didn't leave it behind. (I also glued the rubber plug holder in the new socket with guerrilla-glue so as not to leave it behind.)
3. Looking from the drivers seat, the photos are positioned as the engine cylinders line up.
4. The hardest plug, from the picture looking out is the bottom left plug. After that they are all fairly easy.
5. Hardest part was the removal of the clip wire on the top of the gizmo. Leave the 10 mm bolt in and remove this wire first is a recommendation from me.

That's all and I'm glad I did it. Took me 1 hr. taking my time, checking the gap, using anti-seize and test drive.

BG

 

[tigger]

Will this one work??? :wow:
http://www.amazon.com/NIPPONDENSO-P...UTF8&qid=1452970647&sr=1-16&keywords=SK20HR11

 

[BGunn]

Plug Cost $$

Tigger, I purchased the original plugs from O'Reilly Auto Parts for $9.00 ea. (They had to order them but they are the original plug and manufacture.) Toyota dealer wanted $15.00 each for the same plug. (Denso Iridium SK20HR11) Dealer said the difference in cost was probably due to............. WAIT FOR IT..... PACKAGING! BG

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Hell, it will only be 30 grand to replace them with that link, Brian!!!

BWWWAAAHAAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!!!

That must be the solid platinum version of the standard denso iridium plug!

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I didn't believe it, then read the amazon add


• SK20HR11:IRIDIUM LONG-LIFE
• PR-EACH/BX-4
› See more product details


1 new from $5,000.00

 

[Fishpilot]

[MENTION=110443]BGunn[/MENTION]
Those threads look pretty clean, any issues with any of the plugs being hard to remove/break free at 118K? Sometimes things screwed together and heated to hell and back tend to fuze and become 1 big ol' part.

 

[BGunn]

No issues at all. I did use anti-seiz for piece of mind next time at 220,000 miles! BG

 

[chip4]

Both Denso and NGK do not recommend using anti-seize due to its torque altering lubricant/compound.


DENSO SPARK PLUGS

NGK Spark Plugs

 

[BGunn]

I tighten them by hand using my 58 you old experience. No torque wrench required.

 

[adrtoy]

FWIW I used anti-seize on every spark plug I installed for the 16 years I made a living with wrenches. Always tightened by hand too.