173k miles on original plugs

Just bought my 2014 Double Cab with 173k miles. In the process of going thru the entire truck and bringing everything up to date. Yesterday was filters and plugs day. After reading about how they came new with two different brands of plugs, I decided to check the trash can. I figured the truck had to have been in it's third set of plugs by now. Nope, reaching into the trash can a day later, I pull out NGK and Denso plugs!

 

Good thing you decided to replace them.!!
I can only imagine what else you'll find that was neglected by previous owner(s)

I'm curious as to what you find.

Congratulations on the Tacoma , and welcome to the forum.

 

+1

If the previous owners aren't doing extremely simple maintenance such as plugs I bet there are a lot of other things that need work.

Luckily there aren't a ton of maintenance items on Tacomas, so a couple fluid changes, belt changes, hose checks, brake inspection, should uncover most of the neglect.

 

Kool

Plugs are cheap...why do people neglect changing them ?

Now I'd be looking at all the fluids/filters etc

 

I changed out the air filter and cabin air filter, both were not original (phew!) I plan on doing the front and rear diff and transfer case fluid this week. After that I'll tackle the AT fluid. I was very surprised to find original plugs since the truck seems to have been well cared for. I was not experiencing any running/idle issues at all but she's a little more lively now and I'm sure my MPG's just got better.

 

Might think about doing engine coolant while your at it. Supposed to be done at 100k I think. There's really good write ups on here for all fluid change procedures.

 

Your plugs looked just like mine when I swapped mine out! At 188,xxx I don't think they'd been changed and was surprised that it was running so well with just the little nubbins that were there. I also found that the previous owner was using a mouse nest in place of the in-cabin filter...

 

$$$, not everyone turns there own wrenches and more than half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.

 

Not on here it seems.... money is spent right and left.

But Mr & Mrs Average USA car driver is lucky to remember where the gas goes in. Spark plugs? Check the oil? I was doing a refrigeration service call on a cooler at night in a gas station. Young lady was told her car was way low on oil.... she had enough money for either that or a pack of cigarettes. Guess which was purchased.

 

The truck has been very well cared for, I just think the previous owner forgot about the plugs or the garage they took it to never mentioned it. The fluids are all in great shape, coolant is clean and pink and tests good, brake fluid is clean and clear, oil service was still a couple thousand miles away. Front struts have been replaced, the rear springs have the updated stack, the frame has been coated. I knew what I was buying for sure but the original plugs were such a surprise. The previous owner wasn't afraid to spend on the truck, new set of KO2's and an expensive toneau cover were also signs to me that it wasn't skimped on. Original plugs in the truck seem so out of place actually.

 

The reason that plugs tend to get neglected is because the install is not as easy and straightforward as an oil change. There is no urgency to change them due to the fact that overdue plugs doesn't cause noticeable changes in engine performance so it's easy to ignore. At least the OP's plug condition just look worn, not a big deal. Should see some improvement in fuel mpg with new plugs.

 

I changed plugs at 50k miles and thought that was decent amount of miles. The job was easier than I expected. I am close to 100k now and have the plugs in a box on the shelf. I figure it may be a little over a 100k if I wait until spring but no harm. I have a actual vehicle mechanic friend like 50 year experience, tell me you get that big gap from worn plugs then coils run hotter and can lead to damage. So I'm told.

 

I've also changed gear boxes and transfer but that dang auto transmission with no dipstick trickery...just might run the factory forever. Meant differentials

 

Or the guy who changed him put the same back in as were there. I know people who have done it. I wouldn’t say thats a guarantee they weren’t changed. You could be really better off than you thought and bought from a guy that was super nerdy about his maint lol. Who knows you may be right. Either way i hope you enjoy the next 170,000+ miles out of it!

 

Was that the last 'straw'?....

 

Half the population wouldn't change plugs till the CEL comes on......

 

Post 14.

You don't 'know' they are original.

But at this point it doesn't matter, because you are base lining everything as any new used owner with no records should.

 

Agreed. I'd say by looking at that plugs gap that it is indeed original. I'm the same way with any vehicle I've bought used, and do thorough routine maintenance. Good idea.

 

Well today was fluids day and I was very curious as to what I'd find.
Front diff first, very dirty, probably original so that's what I expected to find elsewhere.
Transfer case was next and the fluid came out very clean and transparent, I kinda felt bad draining it but now I know it's fresh.
Last I changed the rear diff, not as clean as the transfer case but still clean and transparent.
Overall I'm glad I got it done and I'm pleasantly surprised that the fluids were mostly clean and not all original like the plugs were! It also gave me an opportunity to look around under the truck some more. Put down a taco box while working on the Taco Box.

 

^ Dude, that is some serious commitment to maintenance!

I've gotten to the point where I avoid doing anything other than "emergency" stuff if my garage is below 50 or so. While I usually enjoy messing around with the truck or family vehicles, I really, REALLY hate cold metal and concrete...