New Spark Plug Problem

Swapped them out a few months ago and my old ones looked bad after about 130k kms. When I bought them on ebay they came and were NOT gaped properly. I fixed the gap to what the spec was and installed them doing it as I had read how. Torqued and never seized. But now lately everytime I start the truck, the first half second or so it sounds like its going to die as it starts. Im wondering if the plugs are ruined from being re gaped or something else? Seemed like an easy install to be honest

 

My truck did this during the summer
Cleaned the map sensor (or what ever it is) using the TW thread, worked great

How long after you installed did it start doing this

 

almost right away I think, I have map sensor cleaner too so I'll try that out tomorrow

 

if right away not sure about sensor

 

What plugs did you go with, OE Densos?

If it were me, I'd pull the plugs and check them for cracks or a prong that got bent when dropping the plugs in the cylinders. If everything looks good, reinstall and ensure the coil pack gets installed securely on the plugs (maybe even add contact goop). Check wiring for each coil pack, etc.

When you replaced the spark plugs, what all did you remove to gain access to them? You could also doublecheck anything you touched in that sense and ensure there's noting undone, loose, broken.

 

check all your vacuum hoses on the drivers side. You left one of them disconnected.

 

Which is why I didn't disconnect any of them. Just removed that damn bracket, and worked around the vacuum hoses.

 

Very possible, specifically the hose abouve the middle driver side cylinder. Clamps to the intake plenum and runs back toward the firewall. I unhooked this one when doing my plugs.

DONT touch the MAP sensor yet! Retrace your steps first. Since the problem seemingly came up right after you changed the plugs, investigate that first before messing with other things. Personal experience; eliminate the most likely thing before goofing with other things, keeps troubleshooting more structured and simple.

 

^^You're talking common sense, brother. Ain't no time fo that here!

 

Ill be out there checking it soon. Thanks guys

 

What plugs did you install?

 

OEM replacement

 

Let us know what you find. Those vac hoses are easy to accidentally pull off when you are trying to get your hand in there. There are a couple that I just remove right from the get go. If a hose is off you will notice it at idle, but likely not at cruise. If you are sure they are all on, then my next place to look is at the plugs. When you use anti-seize, you have to be careful to keep it away from the electrode/insulator area. It is a conductor, so it will short the plug. I just use a very thin wipe on the threads,...no gooping. You would probably feel shorted plugs at every speed though, same with bad coil wire connection.

 

Checked all the connections and they all seem to be fine. I know what your saying about the anti seize, your right I use it at work all the time on ships and it has to be put on careful but I know I was. I'm going clean the map sensor now and if that's not it it must be the plugs.

 

Cleaned the sensor and started fine on the first go. Might be the issue. I'll try it a few times more today and tomorrow see how it goes

 

what does the plug manufacturer say about using anti-seize ?

don't.

but what do they know about vehicle ignition systems anyway, amirite ?

 

Double check your gaps!

I had the same issue with a 2000 Taco that spec'd two gaps for the same motor but different models. I first tried the wider gap and it was just a bit too wide for the spark to arc when damp from fuel.

When warm and running it actually seemed peppier but difficult to start.

I recall getting them from Toyota and rechecking to spec's provided.

It was a CA emissions vehicle that was the difference I think....

HTH

14

 

I agree w/ you but I used a small amount as well w/ no issues. My father in law as well on his 05 4 runner w/ no issues. IIRC Toyota also says never to change the trans fluid. I don't agree w/ them on that one either.

 

Lots of manufacturers recommendations are just to save idiots from themelves. Rather than bother to tell you how to use it properly, it's easier to just say don't use it,...problem solved,....idiot fail overted. Anti-sieze on the plug threads is a good thing. It prevents galled threads, and allows a more consistent gasket crush. Anti-seize on the insulator is a bad thing,..pretty simple.