Noise after spark plug install

[SC_4RunnerSC]

Hey everyone, quick question. I just installed 8 new NGK 3764 spark plugs today. First time ever doing it by myself and was a pain, but managed to do everything correctly and torqued to correct specs.

After install, started it up and it ran fine. Idle was much more quiet and smooth. Ran it for about 10mins just to make sure no Engine light came on-no light came on. Drove it for about 30mins and ran great, but I heard this popping noise at random times.

It doesn’t sound like a misfire since it would make one pop and then pop again maybe 20 seconds later, then 10 seconds later then different times after that. It’s not loud but I can hear it. Only heard this noise in Drive, not Park.

Weird thing is this, when I put the passenger window down (the noise is coming from the passenger side) the noise can’t be heard. I then closed my window again and couldn’t hear it again at all after that. So essentially I can only hear it when the windows are up.

Anyone have any ideas? I can only assume something with the spark plugs happened since it didn’t make this noise before I changed them. I’m thinking of taking it to a Lexus/Toyota shop here in town if I can’t figure it out or if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks ahead everyone

 

[Mr.Edd]

Did you check the wires?

 

[SC_4RunnerSC]

Edd-yes I checked the wires, boots and the bolts to hold the boots down. Everything is connected properly.

The noise hasn’t been back yet and still no check engine lights. So I’m not sure at this point, but I’m just gonna drive it until the light comes on. I’ll update everyone as soon as I know the answer.

I’ll try to get a picture of the old spark plugs on here. They looked rough and were dense iridiums

 

[randy88fj62]

Did you buy the pre-gapped spark plugs? Which gap did you get? Did you check to make sure they were all within spec?

If the gap is to large it will cause issues.

 

[SC_4RunnerSC]

Yes they were pre gapped and I checked 0.0044 gap on them.

Engine light came on yesterday-Code P0174 which is a bad O2 sensor. Got quotes on dealerships ranging from $500-700. WOW. They are nuts for thinking that much.

Taking it to a Lexus/Toyota mechanic tomorrow to see what’s up. I trust them way more than the dealerships in town.

Will keep updating as this goes on. I imagine if one goes. Then the rest will go soon after that? Is that the general consensus?

 

[AuSeeker]

Yes they were pre gapped and I checked 0.0044 gap on them.

Engine light came on yesterday-Code P0174 which is a bad O2 sensor. Got quotes on dealerships ranging from $500-700. WOW. They are nuts for thinking that much.

Taking it to a Lexus/Toyota mechanic tomorrow to see what’s up. I trust them way more than the dealerships in town.

Will keep updating as this goes on. I imagine if one goes. Then the rest will go soon after that? Is that the general consensus?

I'm guessing you did a typo and put one extra 0 after the decimal point otherwise the gap is WAY too small and could be a problem, it should be 0.044!!

 

[SC_4RunnerSC]

I'm guessing you did a typo and put one extra 0 after the decimal point otherwise the gap is WAY too small and could be a problem, it should be 0.044!!

Yes lol, finger worked faster than my brain. Been one of those weeks. Yes-meant to type 0.044

 

[randy88fj62]

Assuming your spark plugs are gapped correctly as you mentioned then I would be checking the spark plug wires and connectors. A connector may not be seating correctly giving poor voltage to the spark plug intermittently.

 

[SC_4RunnerSC]

Update-Lexus/Toyota shop in town said the only noise possibility was that I didn’t tighten air intake hose tight enough and was causing more air than the engine needed, which could possibly cause the popping noise (way rookie mistake). Said spark plugs, connections etc all looked fine to him

Other theory was roof rack piece of plastic on passenger side is broken and moved freely with air coming into the piece of plastic. He thinks that’s the noise (which makes sense now-since I washed the 4Runner after changing the spark plugs and I did break it-it flew off faster the brush hit it)-so I will take it off tomorrow and drive around seeing if that’s the noise problem. Will update later

 

[SC_4RunnerSC]

Sure enough-took the plastic piece off the roof rack that was broken and moved-and no more noise! Glad that’s it and nothing major.

No check engine lights either. Now just to find a roof rack leg for under$100.....

 

[MDPensFan]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster. I can't create a new thread yet, so I figured I'd piggyback onto this spark plug thread. I replaced the plugs in my '05 V8 last weekend with Denso Iridium plugs. First time changing plugs but it was super easy thanks to a few tips I gleaned from here.

All was well until I got to the next to last plug on the passenger side. Electrode and tip looked normal, wasn't wet, but it was covered in carbon. The boot was downright filthy as well. I did notice the plug was only hand tight, as opposed to having to break the other ones free with some effort. Could that (hopefully) have led to the carbon buildup, or is this indicative of something worse? Thanks!

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster. I can't create a new thread yet, so I figured I'd piggyback onto this spark plug thread. I replaced the plugs in my '05 V8 last weekend with Denso Iridium plugs. First time changing plugs but it was super easy thanks to a few tips I gleaned from here.

All was well until I got to the next to last plug on the passenger side. Electrode and tip looked normal, wasn't wet, but it was covered in carbon. The boot was downright filthy as well. I did notice the plug was only hand tight, as opposed to having to break the other ones free with some effort. Could that (hopefully) have led to the carbon buildup, or is this indicative of something worse? Thanks!

I had the same issue with mine. Like 3 out of the 8 were super loose when I went to replace them and their respective ignition coils were also filthy. Gave them a light wipe down to get some residue off then re-installed them on top of new plugs

 

[AuSeeker]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster. I can't create a new thread yet, so I figured I'd piggyback onto this spark plug thread. I replaced the plugs in my '05 V8 last weekend with Denso Iridium plugs. First time changing plugs but it was super easy thanks to a few tips I gleaned from here.

All was well until I got to the next to last plug on the passenger side. Electrode and tip looked normal, wasn't wet, but it was covered in carbon. The boot was downright filthy as well. I did notice the plug was only hand tight, as opposed to having to break the other ones free with some effort. Could that (hopefully) have led to the carbon buildup, or is this indicative of something worse? Thanks!

You should be fine, with the old plug a bit loose it was letting small amounts of combustion gases come out around the plug and that where the discoloration got on the outside of the plug and the boot, worst case is the boot/coil could be damaged but most likely not, but if you experience any rough running later on you may have to replace it, but if it keeps running well you're good!

 

[Captsolo]

Yes they were pre gapped and I checked 0.0044 gap on them.

Engine light came on yesterday-Code P0174 which is a bad O2 sensor. Got quotes on dealerships ranging from $500-700. WOW. They are nuts for thinking that much.

Taking it to a Lexus/Toyota mechanic tomorrow to see what’s up. I trust them way more than the dealerships in town.

Will keep updating as this goes on. I imagine if one goes. Then the rest will go soon after that? Is that the general consensus?

O2 sensor (Denso) for $47.85 new. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00199FBQY/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1