Replacing 3rd Gen Spark Plugs

3 8"X14MM 12pt Thin Walled Spark Plug Socket Fits BMW Benz Nissan Mini USA SHIP | eBay

 

Let us know if you show an increase in gas mileage with the new plugs.

 

What a pain to change 4 plugs. H

 

That's a 9/16" socket. It's a semi rare but available spark plug socket. Make sure it has the rubber insert to grip the plug.

Nutzaboutbolts has a youtube video on 3rd gen spark plug access. Insane amount of disassembly required, shame on Toyota.

 

i think the old plugs look fine, many here have pulled them at 100k and found them in excellent condition and perfectly gapped. i would wait until the recommended 120k unless i was having related issues.

 

If you've got some sort of discount automotive nearby you might luck out.

This is a Canadian retailer where I found one:
Princess Auto

 

Any MPG update info yet?

 

Didnt someone do a video on this a couple of years ago? I know I saw one, just not sure where. Maybe someone could find it and link it to this thread.

 

The newer platinum and iridium spark plugs have the virtue of "self cleaning" when hot, and that really does a lot to extend their service life...presuming you don't have a serious carbon fouling problem.

I went to those years ago on my motorcycle because a fouled plug will mandate replacing plugs, and in the middle of a ride or trip can be a disaster. Platinum or iridium plugs...just get the motor running for a few minutes and the heat will clean the plug once you stop whatever caused the fouling in the first place.

 

Unless the spark plug actually has a -failure- (seal, broken insulator, etc) what wears is the tip. If you look at the picture the old plug has almost as much tip as the new one. I think it looks just fine. Just a little dirty.

Yes, they are a pain to change. There are -some- cars that are worse, but yes, it's a shame the designers couldn't make it easier. Perhaps they don't because they know the plugs last so long.

 

I remember the old days of leaded gas, when spark plugs acquired a light brown coating at 1,000 to 1,500 miles.

 

Look up the page.

The frustration with the OP's picture of the old and new spark plugs: it's out of focus. When you view the original size, larger image, it just gets worse.

He doesn't mention any gap measurement. It's really hard to tell from the pic, but it kinda looks like the gap on the old one has opened up some.

 

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....keep in mind the Iridium is a very special substance very expensive very rare more expensive than platinum, one wonders how it makes sense to waste this rare element on spark plugs. I'm keeping my old ones. I did not replace my Gen2 plugs until about 135k miles. Picture below you can sort of see how the plug metal is eroded but the Iridium is as good as new holding the gap. I saw no poor MPG with the older plugs. One way to think of it, it is sort of a waste of rare Iridium to replace too early.

 

But, but, but, oil changes at 3K or 5K is way better than the 10K recommended. then changing 120K plugs at 60K is way better too then, right?