Dual Electrode Plugs

When replacing spark plugs, do I need to use dual electrode plugs?

 

Short answer, no. But if you use a single electrode plug, you will have to replace it half the recommended miles (if its a 30k mile plug, you will need to replace it every 15k miles). Dual electrode plugs will be cheaper in the long run.

Long answer:

The Tacoma uses a wasted spark ignition system. Without boring you in the details, basically your plug sparks twice, once during combustion and once during the exhaust stroke. The exhaust spark is considered a "wasted" spark as it doesnt have any effect on anything.

The down side is your plugs wear twice as fast. The dual electrode plug doesnt offer any performance gains but rather has twice the surface area to wear down, hypothetically lasting twice as long as a comparable single electrode plug, or in the case of a wasted spark ignition system, last just as long as a comparable single electrode plug.

 

Thanks for the info, but I just finished replacing the plugs on my 02 with single electrode plugs and it has a rough idle? I did everything as I was supposed to. I'm confused as to why it would be idling rough?

 

Could be the spark plugs. Try replacing them with dual electrodes and see what happens. Heard of weird stuff happening. Also be sure you didn't leave anything unhooked or hooked the wires up incorrectly. Check and make sure your vacuum lines are connected properly.

 

It has nothing to do with single or dual electrode. Might be gapped wrong. Could also be too hot or cold. What plugs did you use?

 

ditto on the gap, did you check them before install...?

I just replaced mine with the denso dual electrode, not all the plugs were the right gap, even with the plastic cone protector from the factory....

 

Thanks for all the help. Gap is good on all the plugs. Went back and double checked everything and realized I had two wires wrong. I was sure it was correct but alas I was not.

Truck is running great. Thanks!

 

Good to hear it was something easy.