Gunked up spark plug (First spark plugs change at 181k)

BearGee · Mar 7, 2025

winkel said: ↑

I know this is controversial and I am not one to put things off, but how may threads have you seen that start out as a 'changing sparkplugs' thread to, 'I've broken a coil bolt and a day later...".
Just saying, if the person asking isn't somewhat mechanically inclined, I don't think it's right to scare him into thinking he needs to change his valve cover gaskets or his truck will self destruct.
His next thread will be about rough idle because he broke the vacuum nipple off the back of the intake.....
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I changed the spark plugs without issue but I'm going to hold off on changing the valve cover gaskets since that looks far more complicated and time consuming. Overall, I'm learning a lot and it's been fun to work on my truck. Its quickly becoming a new hobby.

Also, thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread and answered my questions. This forum has been of invaluable help so far

tacoman45 · Mar 8, 2025

BearGee[OP] said: ↑

No misfires, no check engine, nothing. The truck ran perfectly with the old plugs and started immediately even in -9 degrees weather. I never would have guessed that they were that worn out. That's why I wanted a Toyota!
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Funny you mention this - I swapped out my original factory plugs at 120k (they're due to be swapped every 30k) and I couldn't tell the difference between the old ones v new plugs when driving. The 1gr is a tough motor for sure

lynlan1819 · Mar 8, 2025

BearGee[OP] initial post: ↑

Hi. I recently got my first truck/Taco and I've been doing all the DIY maintenance to make sure she's up to date on everything and today I changed the spark plugs.

From what I've gathered, for some obscure reason, Toyota puts three NGKs and three Densos in their V6s at the factory which leads me to believe that the previous owner never changed them. The first one I pulled out was all gunked up with what I believe is oil? Im relatively new to car maintenance beyond a basic oil change so I dont know if this is harmless or indicative of an issue. Two of the SPs were gunked up but the rest were fine. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Also, there seems to be a fair amount of carbon built up on the cylinder heads but again, Im not experienced enough to know for sure
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Wonder what else the previous owner neglected/never did.

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Gunked up spark plug (First spark plugs change at 181k)

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Gunked up spark plug (First spark plugs change at 181k)

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