Gen 3 Prius Spark Plugs superceded with hotter plugs

I think you are misreading your chart:
2004 to 2009 and C - SK16R11 in a 1.5 liter engine
2010 to 2015, PHV, and V - SC20HR11 in a 1.8 liter engine

Did I miss you giving a newer link to a new recommendation?

 

Rowrbazzle. I just, like, two days ago, bought a box of SC20HR11, which I haven't put in yet.

I notice the PDF you attached shows the older spec (still 90919-01253, SC20HR11, for the 2010- Prius). Did the dealer show you any document actually announcing the revision? Or did they at least give you the date? Somebody logged into techinfo could probably find the document then.

When I look up plugs for my car at Village Toyota, I still see the original numbers shown (as of today, anyway ... I suppose later on if they update the catalog, that link will show the newer numbers, and future PriusChat readers will see this post and think I couldn't read).

-Chap

 

Had 2-stroke engines that absolutely required the correct heat range to avoid fouling or detonation, and had engines quit both ways, so I share your concern. For those of us driving consistently slowly, the hotter plugs should be fine, but full throttle use could surely cause detonation, which typically leads to quick and final engine destruction. BUT, hopefully the Prius Gen 3 has an anti-knock sensor that would either change the timing or enrich the mixture to avoid serious damage?? I have only heard my Prius valves pinging once (possible low-octane fuel, not sure), but my impression was that the ICE adapted to remove the pinging before it became detonation. Have others experienced that?

But if Prius is prone to carbon fouling, I would expect gradual carbon accumulation in the combustion chamber and on top of the piston. Has anyone noticed this? Should we shift to higher octane fuel at higher mileages?

 

i found one: 90919-01253 - Genuine Toyota PLUG, SPARK

Part No. 90919-01253
Part Description PLUG, SPARK
Replaced By 90919-01275

this is not just for prius, but for all the 1.8L engine applications:

Part Fitment
Make Model Year Trim Engine Important vehicle option details
ToyotaCorolla2009-2016CE, ECO, ECOSW, LE, S, STD4 Cyl 1.8L2ZRFAE, 2ZRFE; ZRE142, ZRE172
ScioniQ2012-20144 Cyl 1.3L1NRFE; NGJ10
ToyotaMatrix2009-20144 Cyl 1.8L2ZRFE; ZRE142
ToyotaPrius2010-2015E, G, L, S4 Cyl 1.8L2ZRFXE; ZVW30, ZVW35
ToyotaPrius V2012-20164 Cyl 1.8L2ZRFXE; ZVW41
ScionxD2008-20144 Cyl 1.8L2ZRFE; ZSP110

On the other hand, lexus CT 200H owner's manual lists both as acceptable: Lexus CT 200H 2016 Owner's Manual (Page 576 of 632)

confusing, but probably streamlining their supply.

i'm still waiting for denso's TT superplug for prius. this is a big advancement over a regular long life iridium.

 

Would you rely on chemical solvents to clean that carbonized piston, or would you do some kind of physical abrasion?
I ask because with my motorcycles , I removed the heads, moved the crank so that the piston was at Top Dead Center, and then used a brass bristle brush if I recall correctly . Not sure how to do it without removing head, but possibly you could insert some kind of brush through space plug hole to do so. I would worry about leaving loose scraps of brass or abrasive in the combustion chamber , however, as it could work its way between a valve and the vale seat, creating a real problem.
Is there a "slightly hotter" plug that will fit correctly, which one could use rather than the much hotter Touota replacement plug? I really want to avoid both pre-ignition and detonation events.
Off to look up info about the Denso TT super plug.

 

DENSO SPARK PLUGS ; Denso does say SC20HR11 for Gen. 3 Prius.

Also I found this https://ssl.toyota.com/toyota-owners-theme/pdf/09_SparkPlugs2015_final[1].pdf

 

the question is why are they one third cheaper than the long life version?
denso says they have the most iridium of all the plugs & are way better (& lasting longer) than nething else, nevertheless the long life are more expensive....
so what's the catch here?

 

Maybe that pdf sheds light? It shows the "20" Denso for 3rd gen, and "16" for 4th gen:



That seems plausible, with the 4th gen much more prone to shutting off, even starting out in stealth mode on occasion.

 

DENSO SPARK PLUGS - Basic Knowledge

Shows that the plug electrode is different.
New and improved!!

 

it's not the iridium tough/

 

You are right .... But I think it is coming.
DENSO SPARK PLUGS

 

DTKim, wondering if you have you had any problems with the hotter spark plugs? I am changing the spark plugs this weekend and also got the SCH16HR11. Thanks,

 

good point. I guess this is still a novelty that is not very popular yet. I'll definitively use them rather than the OEM style.
my 07 RAV4 actually has the denso iridium TT as OEM. not sure why prius team got behind on this.

 

bumping this... which is the current best iridium spark plug for the 3rd gen prius? amazon link?

 

not sure if it's just me, but i'm not seeing the 16 readily available re: amazon...

the ILKAR7B11 pops up as fine, anyone using these? i think they're equivalent to the 20s though. i assume with my 5+ hours highway driving though, will probably be good to use.

 

Supersessions within the Spark Plug range
30 June 2017 | Article

Supersession of Automotive Iridium Power and Tough plugs to Iridium TT (IrTT). Fast moving SC20HR11 Iridium Spark Plug superseded with SC16HR11

Supersession of Automotive Iridium Power and Tough plugs to Iridium TT (IrTT)

For automotive applications, Iridium TT will supersede a part of the Iridium Power and Iridium Tough range.

After 20 years of 0.4mm patented Iridium we are now moving forward with Iridium TT long life for
automotive applications. Iridium TT utilizes 0.4mm center electrode, with an addition of a needle type ground electrode. This new development is the next step of evolution in Iridium technology and continues the high quality legacy of Iridium Power and Tough.

From June 2017 we will automatically supersede the phased out Iridium Power and Iridium Tough references to the new Iridium TT. You will receive stock of the new IrTT plug if the old stock is depleted. This will ensure delivery of the correct alternative Spark Plug in case you order the old reference.

Below is a Cross Reference overview with applicable part numbers.



Fast moving SC20HR11 Iridium Spark Plug superseded with SC16HR11

Part Number SC20HR11 will be phased out. Due to OE requirements all demand will continue to the existing SC16HR11.

In the past only the 2014 Aygo/108/C1 and Yaris had 16 heat range, however going forward all other engines will move from SC20HR11 to the SC16HR11 Spark Plug. For Aftermarket it is safest to switch gradually to SC16HR11 for the whole connected car parc and sell out the current stock
of SC20HR11. We will supersede SC20HR11 with SC16HR11 automatically in terms of ordering and delivery, following Toyota’s decision. Please refer to the DENSO Spark Plug catalogue for the correct crossing.

Due to OE requirements DENSO has to change the heat range from 20 to 16. These connected applications are mainly Toyota engines. The OE car manufacturer has already switched to SC16HR11 for newly manufactured vehicles. The Aftermarket will follow this consequently.

The level of heat range is connected to low or high speed driving. The initial choice for the right heat range is a result of expectations towards average use of the engine. After a few years of experience with this engine, the manufacturer decided to lower the heat range.

In all digital catalogues like TecDoc and MAM, the change will take effect in June 2017.

From June 2017 onwards we will automatically supersede SC20HR11 with SC16HR11. This will ensure delivery of the correct Spark Plug in case you order the old reference.

Find out more about DENSO's Spark Plugs.