Replace plugs every 30k?

Yeah, GM has used platinum tips in most all of their vehicles since 1996. Us techs at first got ticked off because then we only had to change out the spark plugs once every 100k, instead of the usual 3 times! lol.

I've driven those things before! The biggest thing I had to get used to was the steering tires being right underneath you, so you have a strange sensation when turning, especially in a tight radius turn! They were nice little vans though.

 

Yes to all of the above! But a great van even with the minor complaints.

It would turn on a dime!

 

I read the service manual specs re: spark plug gap. When I change my plugs at every 48,000 km interval, the gaps are right at the maximum limit for that spec (I measure out of curiosity). That's enough for me to keep up with the recommended intervals. Not sure of the effects of running the plugs past that point... decreased fuel economy might be one thing to consider, but I don't know for sure.

 

Copper spark plugs are generally considered to have the best performance of any spark plug type. This is potentially different from what advertising companies suggest, but the other metals are, unfortunately, not as conductive in general as copper is. Platinum and iridium plugs are more likely to overheat, which causes damage to the plug components and can compromise the delivery of the spark to the engine block.
Platinum and Iridium plugs perform at a lower level than copper spark plugs, because they are less conductive and they tend to overheat. However, the overall longevity of these two types of metal is better than copper plugs. In reality, copper has the best performance of all three and the worst longevity. Platinum has good longevity and the worst performance. Iridium has good longevity and a performance that is decent, which is why iridium plugs tend to be more expensive than any other type. Still, the difference between these plugs in terms of overall quality is minimal, as there is a trade off for each.
Most copper plugs need to be changed every 30,000 miles or so. Platinum and iridium plugs can often go for twice that before they require changing, but the overall performance will not be as good and you may have to deal with overheating of the plugs. This is potentially not worth the added cost of both platinum and iridium spark plugs, although the decision will depend upon your preference.

 

i drove a 1986 toyota something like 30k with plugs that were from the scrap pile and one JB welded in the hole..

someone crossthreaded the plug and it blew out took the thread with it.

what do you want for a $100 truck

 

I'm positive they had a fridge.

I knew a guy that lived in one.

they are actually pretty $$$ now, considering in 99 you could buy one for .50 lol

that picture looks like it has lockouts.

 

Just bought a 2006 V6 Tacoma and joined this forum. I'm surprised to see so many running std copper spark plugs rather than long life iridiums. Why wouldn't we want to run a 60k - 100k plug in the Tacoma and save some time and labor?

 

when changing the spark plugs did anyone use Anti-Seize Lubricant? Is it recommended? Thanks

 

Yes i would put a small amout just to be safe.

I think most on here have the best performance with the standard copper plugs. Some that have tried the iridiums said there engine did not like them. There is multiple threads on this if you will type in the search window up top. I have puf single electrode plugs in my 3.4l and couldn't tell any ill effects really. I do believe after switching back to the copper dual electrodes that my milage got a little better after a short period.

 

The engine is tuned in such a way that they feel the best way to keep it that way is to change them at the 30K mark. Driving habits will determine if they wear faster or slower and 30K covers most drivers. Heavy on the gas, towing, and high RPM will wear the plugs faster than granny driving.

I am considering replacing mine with iridium plugs and possibly leaving them until 50K, but I want to do a little research as to why Toyota did not use them in the original manufacture of the vehicle.

Alright now that I said what I said about Iridium plugs here is an article on them. So it looks like I might stick with the copper after all.
http://www.carsdirect.com/car-repai...m-and-platinum-understand-for-top-performance

 

Yep. When I took out the first set, there was some crunchy cracking going on. I though I was going to break a plug, but they all held out. Now next time, I look forward to having them come out easy.

 

i love these things!

 

I changed mine with NGK plugs first time out at around 90K miles. I bought the truck at around 62K & when I did change them I noticed it had the Denso on one side & NGK on the other so I am pretty sure when I did it that was the first time, but they looked great & I had no issues with driveability. I will most likely do it again though after about 40K.

 

I Need to change my plugs lol

 

Oops, zombie thread.

 

Exactly!!!

 

I think it's just that the Tacoma truck is based on old technologies.

 

I replaced mine at 70k with OEM plugs the one i pulled out still looked new. im at 126k now probably change them before I go on vacation in october

 

Only real risk of not changing is possible effect of slightly dirtier exhaust on the [downstream] O2 sensors and catalysts. If there's a warranty issue with these components later on, Mr. T. may deny it, if plugs can be faulted. Other than that, possible engine damage if an old plug comes apart, but how often does that happen?

 

Since the thread was revived I went back at posts after mine and I had to laugh a little at the one below. The way it was typed out seemed strange so I did a little searching. Seems like some cut/paste of an article was used without a link. lmao.

Many exact sentences from this article: Copper V/S Platinum
One difference is the article says "Most copper plugs need to be changed every 20,000 miles, not 30,000 like the above post.