Spark plug concerns? Normal wear??

[zguy1]

Hi everyone. 2008 V6 4Runner owner here. I had this car for almost 2 years and have driven about 50k miles since purchased used. It currently has 258k on it. I honestly didn't realize that the suggested replacement is every 30k miles for spark plugs.

From looking at these, it's clear that they haven't been replaced for sometime. I just changed them a few days ago. I haven't noticed any change in how it runs. The car ran and idled fine prior to me changing them. My mileage per gallon appears to be the same but I only have driven it locally.

Are these worn normally considering how long they have been used?

Thanks!

 

[Warwicke36]

Definitely due for a change. If you weren't experiencing any misfires there's nothing to worry about. This is why i prefer Iridium or double platinum plugs, because they have an incredible service life.

While you're at it I recommend checking your PCV valve and other basic maintenance items (air filter, cabin air filter, belt) if the plugs haven't been changed those likely haven't been either.

 

[zguy1]

Definitely due for a change. If you weren't experiencing any misfires there's nothing to worry about. This is why i prefer Iridium or double platinum plugs, because they have an incredible service life.

While you're at it I recommend checking your PCV valve and other basic maintenance items (air filter, cabin air filter, belt) if the plugs haven't been changed those likely haven't been either.

Thanks. I'll check the PCV, haven't done that. Aside from oil changes, diffs, transfer and transmission have had fluid changes about 35k miles ago. Belt and cabin were changed recently. It will need CV axels eventually.

 

[Warwicke36]

The PCV is an easy swap and will cause oil leaks if plugged, well worth the minute to at least check it. They're like $5 so you might as well just have one ready to swap in IMO. Cheers

 

[Drcoffee]

Plugs look fine, but worn. I second using Denso long life iridium plugs. In my sienna they had the same gap at 180,000 miles as they did new. Well worth the money.

 

[5thToy]

Wear is consistent and they all appear to be dry. Looks good to me for high mileage plugs.

 

[Drcoffee]

This is what mine looked like after the PO left them in for 222k miles

 

[zguy1]

This is what mine looked like after the PO left them in for 222k miles

I assume mine were replaced at least once since they are all Denso plugs. Was a bit concerned as #6 looked a bit more black around the threads of the plug but yours looks very similar.

 

[Drcoffee]

I assume mine were replaced at least once since they are all Denso plugs. Was a bit concerned as #6 looked a bit more black around the threads of the plug but yours looks very similar.

A few years ago I had a 2007 FJC and #6 plug also had a different appearance than the others. It must be normal for this engine

 

[Warwicke36]

A few years ago I had a 2007 FJC and #6 plug also had a different appearance than the others. It must be normal for this engine

My cylinder 6 too looked slightly different.