3rd Gen Tacoma Spark Plug replacement

From Denso FAQ:
Should I apply grease to the spark plug thread?

If a thread lubricant such as grease is coated on the thread, tightening of the spark plug increases when applying the same torque; this can cause damage to the spark plug. Subsequently, vibrations may cause the plug to come loose. Because of this, DENSO recommends not using a thread lubricant.


Spark plug manufacturers already plate the threads with an anti-seize coating
Torque spec is 13 ft/lbs dry.
If you use additional anti-seize you should reduce torque by 10-15% or 11-12 ft/lbs

I've never used anti-seize, but, I have always used a torque wrench.

IMO, most folks who booger a head with spark plugs don't use a torque wrench and end up overtightening. In subsequent spark plug changes they use anti-seize in an attempt to avoid future difficulties in removal. When in fact, they have compounded the problem.

 

once i removed the plugs from aluminum head on one of those retro 2nd gen T birds. i was like the plug never came loose, took muscle to loosen them and stayed that way until they came out, scared the crap out of me since i was doing it for a girl friend. i am not touching the plugs in my truck.

 

Dealer and Toyota service rep in my area say 120k. The 30k applied only to the copper electrode plugs not used in the US. In any case, use OEM in these engines.

 

The owners manual calls for 60k on the 3rd Gen V6's.

 

I have, and truck seems to run fine. Here's a picture of the 4705 next to a stock plug.

 

Yes, My dealer and the manual stated 60k.

 

Near as I can tell the 4705 replaced the OEM.

 

Use what the manual says. Please trust me

 

The 4705's work fine. They're what I'm running on. Also I'm in a 2016 Tacoma off road now, I see I need to update my profile.

 

my second gen had 92k never changed the plugs

 

There is definitely a difference in the gap and firing. I went back to the OEM and the firing was better and so was my mpgs

 

Use OEM plugs, do NOT use anti-seize on threads & torque to spec. I will be replacing mine at 60K.

 

Good to know. I bought the 2016 wrecked and just changed plugs while the front end was apart before I started driving it. I do feel like my mpg seems a little low. I guess I'll put that on my too do list. Bummer these are listed as the replacement, although I guess technically they do work, just not as well it sounds

 

with iridium being on par with platinum i would have guessed that they should last 90-100k (atleast they do in other engine's) 60 seems too short

 

From what I gather, per DENSO;

$19 IKBH20TT Denso Spark Plug Iridium TT - 4705

IKBH20TT
The "I" prefix denotes a 'standard' iridium plug. 60,000-80,000 mile possible expected service life, 30,000 mile recommended service interval.
The "TT" suffix denotes twin tip.

FK20HBR8
The "F" prefix denotes a 'long-life' iridium plug; 120,000 mile possible expected service life, 60,000 mile recommended service interval.

 

The stock gap plugs are 0.032”
Those other “replacements” are 0.04”

 

Just had mine changed for the first time at 120k. I didnt realize that its a pain in the ass to get to the plugs on these motors. My local shop that does my maintenance had 450 in labor to get to them. I was shocked until i looked up how difficult it is to get to. Had them also do my first pad slap and an oil change while it was in.

 

Anybody know how the recommended intervals for changing in a 3rd Gen 4 Cylinder?

 

I have read 60k. Lots of vehicles I take care of in our fleet call for something right around 100k for iridium plugs. I would definitely push the iridium plugs to 100k without thinking about it. I could tell the plugs were getting tired/ large gaps by a slight stumble occasionally at idle at around 110k. So 120k worked for me. Keep in mind the v6 is not the easiest engine to replace plugs on because the intake manifold and direct injection system is right ontop of the engine in the way of removal. Engine runs totally smooth now after replacement.

 

Just realized you said 4 cylinder. Is it iridum plugs as well? If massive electrode I would stick to the 30k interval. For gold tipped plugs it usually longer, something like 60k. 100k for iridiums. Toyota is pretty conservative with their maintenance schedule.