Denso Spark Plug

Denso can lick the hairy crack of my...

If I plan on changing them again next time, I'll put anti-sieze on. The only possible way it could be bad for the engine is if you slather it on and it can get anywhere it shouldn't. Otherwise all I'm doing is preventing seized plugs from costing me an arm and a dick

 

Some like chocolate some like vanilla
But when installing something that has Direction's you usually follow them.
Just saying.

 

I assume if denso says no anti-seize it's to err on the side of caution, not because it is inherently problematic. Oh well!

 

My dealer charges $2.80 ea for Denso copper. That is cheaper than I can find at regular auto parts stores.

 

A given torque value is for clean dry threads, unless specified by the manufacturer. It is not advised to use anti-seize on threads because any thread lubricant affects the bolt tension/clamping force. If you use OEM torque setting with a thread lubricant, you will be increasing the clamping force - in other words, over-tightening the plug. Does that mean you can't use anti-seize on plugs? No, so long as you adjust your torque setting to compensate. How much adjustment should you make? That depends on the type of lubricant because each one has different lube qualities. This is why manufacturers don't bother listing torque setting for different lubes; they simply advise to torque with clean dry threads.

I use anti-seize and reduce torque values by 20-30%. Anti-seize is not designed to be a lube but it does take on that role when used on threads.

http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/basic_knowledge/installation/index.html

http://www.enerpac.com/en-us/torque-tightening

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/torque-lubrication-effects-d_1693.html

http://benmlee.com/4runner/threads/threads.htm

 

I use a dab of anti seize on the threads...a very light coating of dialectic grease on the porcelain...then very carefully install the plug by hand, making sure I'm not cross-threading. Once everything looks good and feels tight by hand, I give it a quarter turn with the ratchet and I'm good to go. I don't use a torque wrench...have changed my plugs three times with good results.

Like someone mentioned earlier, make sure the ending is COLD when you do this.

 

Where exactly does Denso state this? Is it on Denso's website? If so then provide the link to it? Is it on the side of a Denso spark plug box? Then provide a picture of it?....etc.....present your statement with fact(s). Or was this something that you supposedly just read somewhere? If so provide the link? Not just another thread from here or another forum quoting what someone else stated but "real facts" backing up what you stated.

Now with all that being said, I searched both Denso & NGK websites and could not find anything specifically posted about not recommending using anti-seize?

Overall I really could care less what Denso (or any other manufacturer states) hey it's their product and if they want to put that out there then so be it. Use anti-seize on your spark plugs....don't use anti-seize.....it's really up to the individual, the way I see it.

I know individuals state whatever they want on here whether it is true or false. It's not important to me if others decide to not follow whatever advice I post on here or try to shoot down what I've posted. It's just information that I am sharing and maybe hopefully can help out someone else if possible. It's not perfect info but helpful.

But if you are going to make a statement such as the above then please back this up by referencing a link to a website, article, show a picture of where this is stated, etc. just don't put it out there just to state it because you read or heard about it.

By no means what I am stating here that I am claiming to be an expert. I am basing my information on several facts:

1.) I've been replacing spark plugs, using anti-seize and torquing them on engines since the early 70's.

2.) I keep my vehicles for well over 10 years and maintain and perform all basic maintenance on them myself.

3.) I currently have had my 2008 Tacoma since April of 2008, purchased brand new, driven off the lot and since that time, every year, I have always replaced the spark plugs on the engine. Regardless of what mileage the odometer has. That's just me and like I said I've been doing this since the 70's. My Tacoma now has well over 200,000 miles on it and the engine still runs like new. It's been a good truck to me so I know for a fact that I'm doing something right for it. Take care of your Tacoma and it'll take care of you.

4.) Each time I replace the spark plugs on my 2008 Tacoma, my wife's * 2016 4Runner and my daughters 2012 Tacoma I use anti-seize and torque the spark plugs and all three vehicles are running great.

*My wife used to drive a 2003 Toyota 4Runner that we, again, had purchased brand new driven off the lot back in March of 2003 and back in December 2015 we decided to get her a new 2016 4Runner. That 2003 4Runner had well over 265,000 miles on it and ran excellent. We gave it to my sister in January of 2016 and she now drive's it to this very day and still running strong.

So again, use anti-seize, don't use it.....really it's up to you to use or not to use at your own discretion.

Last thing.....

Do you take for granted that Denso or NGK state that their spark plugs are already gap'd when you purchase them and just install them without actually checking the gap? Do you actually take their word for it?
I don't. I recheck each spark plug for it's proper gap prior to installing them.
Never take anything for granted.

 

anti-seize is a thread lubricant, Denso says DO NOT USE A THREAD LUBRICANT

it is on their BASIC KNOWLEDGE PAGE

http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/basic_knowledge/installation/index.html

but what do I know, I only follow instructions by manufacturers. maybe I could be like one of you experts and make up shit about how to maintain my vehicle.



ya know, I do get it. Some people find jammed park plugs and mashed up threads. But in all my years, on all my motos (racing, commuting, power generation, haulage, toys) not once, ever, have I had a problem with installing or removing spark plugs for any reason whatsoever. They go in they come out fine, can't explain that.

 

Thanks for posting the info but still all that doesn't mean shit to me.

So press on.

 

It says "recommended". I looked for but didn't find if using anti-seize, or any other thread lube, voids the warranty. I have a box of Denso Iridiums on my work bench; I'll pull out the warranty sheet tonight and review it carefully.

As many of us that use anti-seize will attest; it does not affect or interfere with performance of the plug. However, I see that many DIY mechanics don't adjust the torque setting to compensate for the increase bolt tension that will occur when using a thread lubricate. The damage will not always be immediately apparent. Every time you install that plug and over-tighten it, you stress the threads and seat. The engineering sheets are pretty clear on this.

Like @Tex-Tac, I've always applied a little anti-seize on threads and torque to oem specs, and have never had any issues. Now that I know a little more about using lubes and how that affects bolt tension, I know that I've been doing it wrong all along. Doesn't take much effort to do it correctly.

 

that's what I do,i apply a very thin layer of anti seize to the threads and torque 15 ft/lbs. although I know and realize that DENSO/NGK doesn't recommend using it. also Im not quite sure if anti seize qualifies as a thread lubricant.

 

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/

 

yeah I am having a real hard time determining if anti seize is considered a lubricant or not

lets find out

 

@BillsSR5 That's good info.

Another way to prevent plug seizing without using any anti-seize is simply to unscrew the plug a few turns every 20-30K or so and re-torque.

 

I was wrong all those years using anti seize, in that link I posted says not to use anti seize on the NGK threads or shinny silver type threads because it already has anti seize type junk applied from factory.

 

Denso K20HR-U11 is the OEM plug and I would go with that.

 

I loved when my parts guy refused to believe me that our trucks came with two different spark plugs from the factory.

 

Your link does say that, but the NGK web site does not. It's OK to put anti-seize on NGK plugs, but if you do, you have to make the torque setting adjustment. Without additional anti-seize, you torque the NGKs to OEM specs.

https://www.ngksparkplugs.com/about-ngk/spark-plug-101/5-things-you-should-know-about-spark-plugs

 

Anyone considering not using anti-seize on your spark plugs when your installing them run the risk of this happening, just saying.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/spark-plug-came-out-but-not-the-threads.411162/#post-11603337