PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

Same here, I didn't realize my engine was running so rough until I replaced the plugs. Original plugs had about double the gap they should have had due to wear. First time I drove it with the new plugs I noticed right away it was accelerating much smoother. I didn't think it was gonna make any difference, but I guess my original plugs were worse than I thought lol.

 

Denso

 

DENSO #3493 sk20hr-a11 LONG LIFE IRIDIUM@ ROCKAUTO

 

That bracket in the way though...

Oh, and don't over tighten the plugs when you install them as you'll be threading into aluminum.

 

We don't know what tools you have.

Do you have a torque wrench?

Do you have a 3/8 ratchet with a long extension, the correct spark plug socket and some electrical tape?

 

Grab a magnetic spark plug socket:

$16 GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref=idea_lv_dp_&language=en_US

and gapper:

$6 CTA Tools 3235 Spark Plug Gapper

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00144AZ6K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref=idea_lv_dp_&language=en_US

 

My guess is it's mainly the idling with the AC on. My last tank was almost 18 mpg and that was with multiple times towing the boat and no highway at all. I don't use the AC so that's not a factor and I'm running 33's with 3" lift.

 

Absolutely DO NOT use that style of gapper on the Irridium plugs necessary for the i4. You do not want to touch the tip of the center electrode with any other metal as the coating is thin. You want to use a wire style plug gaper where you pull the ground strap. That stated the plugs should come pregapped.

 

Adding to this; tire pressures also play a factor in MPG.

 

When the owners manual tells you to.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/locating-toyota-owners-manuals-1996-to-present.585640/

 

Denso copper

 

Stealership wanted to charge me $270 ish for a plug change I’m like

Four bucks a plug and a hour and a half and a you tube vid I can feel comfortable with and I had no issues.

 

I used that type of gapper on my 4.0 V6 Denso Iridium . Did I make a mistake?

 

I’v never done it before. My mechanic is doing it for $100 and I get to watch and learn, so next time I need spark plugs I’ll do it myself!

 

The only time I go to the stealership anymore if for Pennsylvania’s stupid yearly inspection and emissions test. The only reason is because they don’t charge me for the safety part of the inspection and I get a free loaner. However, I’m still a bit pissed at my dealer because they didn’t latch the hood properly before giving me back the truck, and then tried to say “the valet must have pulled the hood release thinking it was the parking brake.” My hood started bouncing around as I was merging onto the highway, but there was no damage to the truck so I let it go. However, any competent Toyota person knows that 2nd Gen Tacos with the automatic tranny have “push to release” foot pedal.


This same dealer tried to charge me $1,700 for a full front-only brake job in March 2018 until my neighbor read them the riot act and they reduced it, so I really don’t know what I still go to the fucking place.

 

$53 DENSO ---SK20HR11---- IRIDIUM PLATINUM power pack Spark Plugs -- # 3421 ----- 6 PCS NEW

Denso SK20HR11

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-change-sparkplugs-2tr-fe.157316/

4 Cylinder write-up
Very detailed.

I just bought Denso plugs from the dealership.
and an oil filter.
If you can change your own oil, you can change your plugs.

You got this PennSilverTaco

 

100,000 miles or there 'bout...

 

https://youtu.be/J8K7DVOfzAw https://youtu.be/3djfdzKsi9I

 

Those disc gappers are imprecise crap anyway. Plugs are pregapped, but you can always get a crap one that is out of spec or has a misaligned ground electrode. I take my wire gapper to the store and always check the full set before I pay. 995 no prob usually.

Different plug for different engine, but same tool and concept.