Sparkplug time

Short answer Yes.
Does it make it run better ??? doubt it.
Worse ??? In this case I don't think so.
Some Engines needed a very specific plug and swapping them for others would make a big downside result.
I never have put Iridium's in a 4.0 yet.
Won't do it to mine.
They engineer all there specs and whatnot with a certain plug design.
Whip makes a good point on seized plugs. Have seen some be a little tuff to remove after all that time.

Hey you need to become one with the truck.
But If you want to, Go for it.
Come on back and give us a little input. would be some great info.

 

I have heard that some guys said iridium plugs did not run very well in the 4L engine. Main advantage would be they would last longer.

 

Thanks. Good to know....

 

The only value iridium and platinum plugs offer is longer service life; there's no performance difference with serviceable plugs. So I'd expect iridiums with 50K on them will perform a lot better than coppers with 50K on them.

IMHO, since plugs are so easy to access on the Tacoma V6 they chose to skimp a couple bucks for each plug and increase the maintenance interval.

I put iridiums in when I changed and expect them to last 60-80K before I have to do plugs again. That will be a long, long while so be sure to put a dab of anti-seize on the threads to prevent corrosion-welding into the head.

 

Tacoma Mike I couldn't have said it better myself, I guess it's the old saying, one bad apple ruins the bunch, but these people need to realize it is 2011, don't judge guys like us b/c of some idiots out there that actually are screw ups!!!

 

The plugs stood out to me just because that was the only thing different on all 3 trucks. But engines are weird and do crazy things. I guess its just one of those things. Def glad I put the OEM coppers in it. I figured there is a reason those guru's chose that plug lol
On another note, what about maybe the gas being garbage, such as ethanol.

 

Did you try the battery disconnect yet? Still think that may help.

 

I have used iridium on my corolla and now on my 2.7L Tacoma. The performance does not seem to slip with them on vs. not and they do look perfectly fine after 30k. The one downside is that they appear to need a regap after a while. Since you are in there anyway, why not replace them with some $4 plugs?

 

Stuff I've read says you should avoid regapping iridium plugs... it's inherent in the design to work well with a larger gap. Can if you want I suppose but be really careful not to damage the fragile iridium wire electrode. Considering a couple principles I've picked up over the years, I think I can understand why:

A spark starts quicker and stronger on a sharp point, like the iridium center electrode is. Compare it to the fat, blunt nickel electrode of copper/nickle plugs. Even worse, that blunt tip's edge erodes quickly, rounding it off making the spark even weaker.

Also, a large(r) gap is actually better because it exposes more of the fuel/air mix to the spark, forming broader flame front. Before modern high-energy ignitions were common plug gaps were like .020-.025 even less in some cases. The key is having enough energy to bridge the gap. I think designers conservatively set the initial gap for modern ignitions at .040-.045 knowing a plug erodes over time. The benefit of an iridium (and what makes it worth the premium) is even as it slowly erodes it's still firing strong across the widening gap because of the fine wire electrode.

 

Very good info.
I wouldn't be trying to re-gap. It's one of those "set it and forget it deals"
The ign systems at this point have enough nuts to handle that gap that will happen. It's just some engines for whatever reason don't like them.
The fuel we have now definitely is another hurdle car makers have to work around. They change all the time. So I am sure that has a factor in everything.

 

Yeah I did it this morning. It seems like its driving better LOL But, I think its one of those things thats just in your head I think. Hopefully not

 

I run lucas every fill up hopefully that helps some with the 10% of ethonol.

 

EVERY fill up?! Damn that could get pricey.... i fill my truck up at LEAST once a week... and i buy the quart of lucas, only put it in like once a month though, but the quart dont go far as i put it in my truck, the girls legacy, moms crv, brothers Trail blazer, and my '91 2wd yota.... i couldnt imagine doin that twice a week.. my mom fills up 3 times a week!!!...

Anyway back on the subject... i just picked up the plugs from the dealership the other day... hopin to get em changed tomorrow....

 

I put sea foam in the gas every so often and the rest of its uses. Last time it seemed to give an improvement to the drive.