Overdue Spark plug change

[echo4tango]

Here is what NKG and Denso look like when you wait 103,000 miles to change OEM spark plugs. I was under the impression from reading the OM that the v-6 was the same as the v-8 and didnt have to be changed until 100k. I quickly learned from this forum that they needed to be changed was sooner than that ...at 30k


Look at how big the gap is..looks like about a .80= not good

Plug change was easy. I Recommend getting a expandable magnet stick to get the plug out of the hole and at least an 18 inch extension to get around all the tight spots.

Every one here hates bosch but i will be testing the bosch + 2 plugs and posting the results at 30,000 miles.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

4th gen?

Fuel hose or other tubing works well-take a new plug to the hardware store and find the size that fits over the plug's nut. Then do not remove the plug completely-leave some threads still attached and push the hose over the plug and turn the last few threads and voila! easy to slip the old plug out.

Similar procedure to thread in the new plug.Slip the hose over the plug body-put your anti seize on the threads. Insert straight in and the hose makes it a bit simpler to not cross thread the new plug starting into the hole, go backwards once or twice to ensure the threading is going smoothly.

I would avoid the Bosch...on the 3rd gens the Nippodensos are highly favored-but can not speak as to the 4th gens. The 3rd gens came with NGKs in one bank and Nippondensos in the other. Perfectly fine to go with all of one or the other for replacing.

 

[echo4tango]

The MPG's using bosch plugs are better than OEM plugs. I drive 85 miles a day round trip to and from work and MPG is now 22.8. When the car was under the 20k milage mark I was only getting 19.67 with stock plugs.
So far so good on the bosch. I will keep an eye on them and see how they perform overtime. I think most problems with bosch plugs are user/driver caused but I wont know for sure unless i run them myself.
JT