V8 Spark Plug Change Interval Question

[RL Lemke]

The service manual says that I should replace the spark plugs on my 2004 V8 at 120,000 miles. A mechanic friend says that there is no way that even the best plugs can go 120,000 miles without too large a gap wearing in the plugs. I just had the 90,000 mile service performed, leaving the plugs until later. Maybe I should have them replaced now.

Have any of you looked at the gap in your V8 plugs?

 

[greasefingers]

No I only inspected them at 60,000 miles. I will most likely replace my at 90 k or 100 k.

So I take it that they replaced your timing belt & water pump. I am curious if they replaced any of the other bits? This Friday I did some work on my Volvo. I replaced the timing belt, TB tensioner, TB idler pulley, & water pump. I am curious because I will be doing the 90 k maintenance myself, on the tr4, so I would like to know what they recommend.

 

[RL Lemke]

I am curious because I will be doing the 90 k maintenance myself, on the tr4, so I would like to know what they recommend.

Since I am driving 30K per year, they suggested that I make the decision about the water pump. I chose to replace it since it is driven by by the timing belt. Of course, I had the extended-life coolant replaced. I also had the serpentine belt replaced, since they were there. All of my fluids have been replaced earlier with synthetics, so they are fine. The transmission fluid was black at 75K and was replaced. I am slowly replacing the power steering fluid with fresh synthetic by replacing the fluid in the reservoir every month or so.

 

[greasefingers]

I was more interested in the rotating parts that the timing belt comes in contact with (like the timing belt tensioner and timing belt idler pulleys. These where not replaced correct?

Since I just replaced a timing belt on a straight 5 cylinder engine, I thought that it would not that much more difficult for the 4runner. I just read the 4runner procedure for replacing this animal. It looks like a real PITA. I may not attempt this one myself. I am hoping that someone here will do it before I need to.

 

[RL Lemke]

I was more interested in the rotating parts that the timing belt comes in contact with (like the timing belt tensioner and timing belt idler pulleys. These where not replaced correct?

None, as they are in perfect working order. Remember, my 4Runner is only 3 years old. Only the parts listed were replaced. Even every hose is in great shape. I had the mechanic carefully look to see if anything else should be replaced.

 

[greasefingers]

Cool thanks. I

 

[Falls]

Personally I would have just had them change them since they were in there anyway , no you have to fart around with it later.

I'm a firm believer in plug changes regularly.

 

[zig]

I changed my plugs at 120K, but didn't really measure out the gap. I didn't really notice much of a difference with the power and gas mileage, so that makes me think that they really were not that bad.

As far as the timing belt and stuff, I had them change EVERTHING. TB, water pump, cam and crank seals, all idler pulleys, hoses, serpetine (sp?) belt, thermostat. I would rather spend the money and change early, rather than have it break later. Toyota said that they all looked good, but do you really want to risk the chance that they may not last another 90K? I drive a lot, so I can't take that risk.

Oh, if you do plan to replace the pulleys and stuff, make sure and tell toyota ahead of time. They are not standard stock items, so they have to order them. I told them, but they didn't believe me, so my truck had to stay in the shop an extra two days.:bash:

 

[greasefingers]

As far as the timing belt and stuff, I had them change EVERTHING. TB, water pump, cam and crank seals, all idler pulleys, hoses, serpetine (sp?) belt, thermostat. I would rather spend the money

If you don

 

[zig]

Yep, something like that. I got a coupon from the place the week before for 10% off, so that helped a little. I looked at doing it myself, but after reading the service manual I figured that I didn't want to risk it. Sure is a lot of money, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Don't forget, if the timing belt goes out on these engines...FUBAR!:behead:

 

[greasefingers]

Well my 4runner has never been worked on by anyone except myself, so if I do shell out $1,200 for the work that you had done, it will be a good investment.

I don

 

[zig]

I've done everything else as well, but this looked like a job that I didn't want to risk.

The Tundra guys have done a lot of these with success. I can't remember the forum, but they did it. Good luck, and tell us how it goes if you do it. I'll end up having to do it again in another year, so maybe new input will change my mind.

 

[greasefingers]

Yea over on TrundraSolutions there are several people who have changed the timing belt. But you have to be a paying scriber to access the technical details :bash: