Twin ground electrode plugs vs. standard plugs

[216133]

I know it is recommended, if not insisted, that when replacing the spark plugs for a Toyota 4runner that you buy the twin ground electrode spark plugs as replacements. This seems to beg the question of what damage a standard single ground electrode spark plug would inflict on the engine. I'm running a '97 v6 4runner with around 284,000 miles for the inquisitive types.

 

[Toy-Man]

I say, Don't waste your money. Stick with the Toyota recommended replacement plugs (NGK or DENSO).

-Toy-Man-

 

[greasefingers]

It is only recommended by marketing people of aftermarket products. Once 20 to 40 k volts comes down the wires and plugs, what do think will happen? You get spark! No matter how many paths to ground are provided by the plug.

 

[rustyrazor]

I've heard that with the twin ground plugs like split fire they work good at first but after they start to wear in the electrical current will start to follow only one of the ground paths.

Once that happens it may as well be a single ground plug.

 

[216133]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks you guys for your insight, you've put my anxieties to a rest.

 

[Koz]

Stay with OEM Densos or NGKs, I prefer the NGKs.

Koz

 

[jeober]

If the engine didn't achieve proper combustion on every power stroke, you'd see a MIL light from the required on-board diagnostics. If you don't then the plugs are doing the required job.

 

[eatmorechickenx]

It is only recommended by marketing people of aftermarket products. Once 20 to 40 k volts comes down the wires and plugs, what do think will happen? You get spark! No matter how many paths to ground are provided by the plug.

You clearly dont know what you are talking about. Every one of these motors has a sticker on it from the factory that says use only twin ground electrode plugs. That is not aftermarket marketing. Dont spread info about somethinh you dont know. For the op, i have tested both, and the motor is noticeably more effecient with the twin grounds. Noticeable better mileage. I was curious once and bout a set of twin grounds and a couple other sets of different plugs to rule out just one set that didnt run well and rotated through them a couple times on a trip that i made almost every weekend. The recommended plugs were consistently 2+ miles to the gallon better. Plus they are cheap.

 

[4Reak Show]

For which engine are you referring? The 3.4 wants twin plugs because it has a waste spark type ignition system. Most who are supercharged run single electrode plugs because those are all that are available to achieve the "colder" rating. All that happens is the plugs wears out faster. Eventually damage could result if you ignored a misfire long enough but that's true for any engine.

If you're stock, get stock plugs.

 

[metallitera]

If you're stock, get stock plugs.

That pretty much sums it up! :nod: