How To: Spark Plug Change (1 GR-FE)

Has anyone looked into the difference between the reason for NGK on one side and Denso's on the other? I was thinking maybe it has to do with indexing of the ground electrode. I plan to mark the plugs before I remove them to see if it is indexing.

The steps will be:
1) Using a sharpie mark all the plugs, preferably the upper part.
2) Remove the plugs.
3) Compare the plugs to see if the ground electrodes are pointing in the same general direction. If they are all over the place, well indexing isn't being used.
4) If the electrode grounds are roughly 180 degrees out between the two plug types then it looks like indexing is the reason for the different plug types. I would also install one plug from the drivers side into the passenger side to verify the mark I had made is roughly 180 degrees out.

I'm approaching 50K on my truck and looking into purchasing some plugs in a few weeks and will be cleaning the MAF and Throttle Body at the same time while things are taken apart.

 

That may be true but I'm still curious if that is the reason for the different plugs since I've never seen an answer other than Toyota has to buy both brands by law, or something odd like that.

 

I'll post the results either way so you will know if indexing might be the reason or it blatantly is not. And as you said, it may not make a difference in this type of engine but it doesn't hurt to look into it.

I just ordered my six Denso plugs, couldn't believe the shipping cost almost as much as the plugs but that is the way the internet sellers bring you in. One place the shipping was a buck more than the plugs. And the local dealership would have cost me more. So $36.61 delivered isn't bad at all.

 

If it was significant, I believe parts counter would make a killing by selling 1 plug cheap and hike the price of the other plugs.
Instead I always get a box of denso, never a problem.

Unlike the older z24 engine in my Nissan yrs ago..... Crazy plug times.

 

Take the parts guys lunch once in awhile

 

For all we know, it was merely a business decision based on inventories of the types of plugs.



Jim

 

Subbed

 

Thanks for the write up, I'm at 90k now on my 4runner now and for the third time I've come back to this article for a guide. Appreciate the effort.

 

Just got done doing mine with my son helping. little over an hour and all buttoned up. thanks for the great write up!

 

I think it was like the Twix commercial with which side is better! Lol. Tim

 

Lol best explanation yet.

 

Changed my plugs today, thanks Chris.

 

Thanks, Chris. Would have probably taken a lot more off on the left side of the motor that wasn't necessary. Great post.

 

Thanks Chris. Plugs and throttle body cleaning done.


Some additional suggestions for plug change
--as shown in the tutorial- electric tape on the extensions and sockets always helps
--drivers side use longer extensions and universals to clear manifold and other items that make that side difficult.
--if you don't have a compressor to blow foreign material away from the coils use can of compressed air BEFORE you remove the plugs.
--sometimes plugs stick too much to the rubber grommet in sparkplug sockets . use silicon spray or other mild lubricant so plug will release from socket.


otherwise great help in showing what to do by Chris again. Rep

 

Do these plugs look normal for ~35k miles (70k miles on engine) on them?

Sorry for the pics being sideways. Took these on iPhone...enough said.

 

Spark plug change w/o removing SCer

No pics tho