Spark Plug Replacement

wheelds

wheelds

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In Ripcord's user guide he discusses spark plugs and it says the following:

You will want the NGK BKR5EKB-11, the OEM Toyota #90919-01192 Made by Denso, or the Denso #K16TR11. These are the only ones that will work properly.
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I was looking at the NGK BKR5EKB-11 on Amsoil's website but they also reccommend the BKR5EIX-11 which are the premium IRIDIUM plugs. Is there any beneift to these over the standard plugs? Any reason to spend the extra $$$ on these?
 
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No, I'd do what Ripcord said, that's why he wrote it like that...guessing he would update it if there was reason to.. just my 2 cents...
 
The iridium plugs won't perform any better than the standard dual electrode copper. They will cost more but they won't perform any better, it's a waste of money.
 
The precious metal plugs like iridium and platinum plugs have a smaller electrode which produces a hotter spark with less quenching. That's always better for performance. I just put a set of multi-ground double platinum Denso plugs in our Rav4 and they look exactly like the OEM copper plugs but they will last much much longer. I would suggest using double platinum for longer change intervals.

spark plug comparison

NGK multi-ground plugs tech video
 
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The Doctor is correct, they will last longer -that is their sole purpose for being. You will not gain any performance out of them, but they will hold up longer than plugs made out of lesser materials. The question is, how often do you want to change plugs?

I'm about to change plugs in my '99, and I'm going with the NGK replacements - it's not worth the extra money to me just to add a few thousand miles to the life of the plugs - I'll probably be messing about with the engine again long before then and change them again anyway! :D
 
Agree. Getting ready to change mine and decided to save the money and get the regular denso ones. I would only go that route if you forget about your plugs for longer than regularly scheduled time frames.
 
I should mention that I installed Denso TT plugs in my 4Runner. The TT plug has platinum center electrode and titanium ground (single ground). They cost about $2 at Advance Auto Parts online/store pick up.

At the time I was getting about 16 mpg before and 18 mpg after installing them. But the plugs in there were Bosch quad crap. But for $2 it was worth seeing how long they will last.
 
Gerdo said:
Only run dual electrode plugs in these engines!
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Why? Please tell me why other than to repeat the writing on the mattress tag under the hood from 1996. Folks just make a statement of fact here without supporting their claims. If better technology exists now that didnt 15 years ago, why shouldnt we use it.
 
Drcoffee said:
I should mention that I installed Denso TT plugs in my 4Runner. The TT plug has platinum center electrode and titanium ground (single ground). They cost about $2 at Advance Auto Parts online/store pick up.

At the time I was getting about 16 mpg before and 18 mpg after installing them. But the plugs in there were Bosch quad crap. But for $2 it was worth seeing how long they will last.
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Do you happen to know the part #? What wires did you use with those plugs? I need to change both on mine and have been trying to figure out the best option.
 
Drcoffee said:
Why? Please tell me why other than to repeat the writing on the mattress tag under the hood from 1996. Folks just make a statement of fact here without supporting their claims. If better technology exists now that didnt 15 years ago, why shouldnt we use it.
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That's a good point, but I think that because we are not running super-high-performance engines, but as a whole just want a smooth running, fuel efficient vehicle, than plugs are plugs. In other words, if there is a time proven plug, one that has excellent performance, I doubt that even the best modern replacement will squeeze anything more on its own....I usually stick to time-proven replacement parts unless I am fabbing or building an engine where I am going forced induction or other....I'm getting old:)
 
4yotaguy said:
That's a good point, but I think that because we are not running super-high-performance engines, but as a whole just want a smooth running, fuel efficient vehicle, than plugs are plugs. In other words, if there is a time proven plug, one that has excellent performance, I doubt that even the best modern replacement will squeeze anything more on its own....I usually stick to time-proven replacement parts unless I am fabbing or building an engine where I am going forced induction or other....I'm getting old:)
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Fair enough. From my perspective, I sweat changing the plugs on aluminum heads each and every time. Each time you torque them in, it stresses the threads and eventually, the plug may blow out. I'm also getting up in years and if I can forget about new plugs for another 60,000-100,000 miles, I'm good with that. That's what double platinum plugs do. They extend change intervals.

Now, if new technology can give back with better mpg and smoother running engine, its worth another couple of bucks on the initial investment. I think I paid $5.50 ea for the double platinum NGK plugs for my Rav4. Thats hardly a budget buster when gas costs $5/gallon. With the $2 Denso TT plugs for my T4r, My improvement from 16 to 18 mpg gave me a ROI in 1 tank of gas. Effectively giving me 30 miles more per tank at a savings of $9.
 
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sorry to hijack the thread like this :)

I had my engine rebuilt after cracked head 15K km ago - seems the shop that remanufactured the engine put in Bosch platinum spark plugs in it. I don't have any issues so far - the engine is working fine. I'm just wondering if I should consider switching the plugs to NGK or Denso - or I shouldn't worry about it?
 
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