First Spark Plug Change Out

So I have a 2007 Pre-Runner V6 with almost 60k miles. I finally did the trucks first spark plug change out and have some questions. The truck has been serviced like clockwork at the same dealership for the past 13 years but strangely they never did or recommended a spark plug change out (still do not). My main question is that the Denso plugs (according to Denso website) recommend plug change out at 20-30k and the NGKs (according to NGK website) recommend change out at 30k - but the dealer says the plugs are good until 100k miles. I did not notice any issues but thought it would be prudent to do as they were quite old. Swapping to Iridium (great experience with my Celica), I notice the truck is smooth er below 500 RPM and at highway speeds. I attribute this just to new plugs rather than iridium. It could also be that I clean the MAF. Anyhow, any thoughts on the discrepancy in plug life?

Attached are photos of the factory plugs and a comparison of the new/old plug.

For next time any recommendations of making coil removal easier on the cylinder closest to the driver? I slid the metal bracket over but there is a soft hose with rigid inside in the way. It did not want to come out easily so I left it alone.

 

Your dealer is confused if he said 4.0L plugs are good until 100K. I'm basing my comment on the maint. schedule found at toyota.com for an '07.

Maintenance Log (toyota.com)

- 4.0L - every 30K

- 2.7L - every 120K

 

This. The 4 banger is 100 or 120K, I just did mine at 113K

 

Service manual says 30k for a 4.0, but honestly, every 60k is fine

 

There is a rubber hose that runs to the pcv valve , disconnect it at the pcv valve to give a little more finger room to disconnect the coil, plus moving the bracket you mentioned
Might want to replace that pcv valve while you’re at it
Too late now but iridium is not worth it in the 4.0’s, stick with regular denso replacement, I personally change them every 50k(I drive a lot, just passed 450k)

 

Here's a video showing what to move out of the way to access those tricky plugs on the driver's side: https://youtu.be/EDONxuxYbvQ?t=403

It should come up in the middle of the video at what I THINK should be a relevant time.

I found that using a dedicated spark plug extension (

$15 LEXIVON 5/8" Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" Drive x 10" Total Length | Enhanced Magnetic Design with Thin Wall Socket, Cr-v Steel (LX-122)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MH5ZDMD/ )made it mostly a breeze, and for that last one (closest to driver) I also tossed another wobbler extension on because I happened to have one.

 

Probably should of saved money and gone with the Standard Denso's vs the iridiums. But fresh plugs are better than old ones.

 

Thanks for the video! I will watch it tonight. I did purchase an extension for my ratchet. I was able to take out and install new spark plugs with a daisy chain of extensions but when it came to torque adjustment, the extension made so much more sense. The engine is whole lot bigger than the 1.8 in my Celica.

 

I will take a look at that PCV valve. Thanks for the advice. I need to read up on the removal of that hose as it seems its firmly secured on there despite removal of the clips.

 

I would not disagree with you but for me it was just comfort level as I've only used NGK iridiums in my car. $35 for the NGKs vs ~$25 for Denso's is a bit of a toss up. Completely agree new plugs are always better.

 

No need to spend $$$ for iridiums in a 4.0L. Its happy with the plain ol' copper, single electrode plug.

Change interval is 30K.

You can verify this in the Owner's Manual.

 

Normally im an NGK guy (actually out of 4 motorcycles netting 7 cylinders, 2 jetskis netting 4 cylinders, 2 generators for 2 more cylinders.... so 13 cylinders all running NGK's) the standard non iridium denso's for an N/A'd 1GR in our tacomas have proven to wear much better than the NGK's

No idea how the denso iridiums fair vs the ngk's for our 1GR application. I do know there have been a few people who have stated they had issues with the Iridiums on a stock NA'd truck before, but thats few n far between.

 

FYI - I spoke with the dealer (Red McCombs) - and they doubled down on saying spark plugs need to be done at 100k. I ask to speak with another manager and she was said the same thing but also said it can be done at 60k too (?). I am only sharing so that others who go there know that dealer does not follow recommended guidelines. I have had similar issues with this dealership on other vehicles for almost 20+ years but family members will only go here due to location. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

I've heard similar complaints regarding iridium and NA applications. So far the truck is running a bit smoother but I attribute it to new plugs and placebo effect. I will check on the plugs in 20k miles but that'll be another 4-5 years as the truck isn't driven much. Although if everyone keeps saying Denso is better, my paranoia is going to kick in and I'll end up putting Denso's next week.

 

Naw stick with what you put in there n call it good. FYI, on the supercharged applications of the single vvti 1GR they spec Iridiums due to the longer intervals they allow as you have to remove the whole supercharger to get to the driver side.

 

Extra long socket extension and some tape around it and the socket makes for a carefree experience!

Congrats on getting it done. Nice looking engine compartment too.

 

Copper Denso are not horribly expensive.

I got a set of 6 from the Toyota dealer for $32 with tax for my '06 4.0L.

The rear plug on the Driver's side is a bit of a bugger to access. I pulled off several hoses to get space. PCV and a couple other hoses attaching to the manifold. Just work the hoses off with gentle force. Mark them if you have trouble remembering where the hoses live.

 

NGK vs Denso @ 205k Miles

 

Good lord! that's a lot of miles on those plugs! I wonder if there will be a mileage improvement when you change them?

I haven't noticed any mpg improvement with new plugs so I'm still stuck at ~25mpg.

 

Damn I've never checked my mileage bit I know I don't get anywhere near 25. What's your secret?