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Changing spark plugs…

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Cbirzes, Mar 10, 2024.

  1. Mar 10, 2024 at 4:53 PM
    #1
    Cbirzes

    Cbirzes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Going to change my spark plugs this week.. I’ve seen some rumblings on here saying to not go iridium? Which is what I bought, what does everyone advise on here?
     
  2. Mar 10, 2024 at 4:54 PM
    #2
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
  3. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM
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    Waasheem

    Waasheem The catholic radio bear

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    What I've read is SOME people have issues after swapping in iridium in the 4.0. Some people put em in and have no issues. I've also read counterfeit plugs are commonly received from Amazon.
     
    Cbirzes[OP] and Steves104x4 like this.
  4. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:15 PM
    #4
    Cbirzes

    Cbirzes [OP] Well-Known Member

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  5. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:19 PM
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    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    Why would you put a different plug in the vehicle that the manufacturer tested and proved works the best in that vehicle?
    I can’t tell you how many people would put a different plug in and end up with issues.
    Put in what it calls for..
     
    Jeffs68, lynyrd3, Salmonloaf and 3 others like this.
  6. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:19 PM
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    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    I thought you went for dinner :rolleyes: Do you have a rough idle? How many miles on the truck?
     
  7. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:27 PM
    #7
    Cbirzes

    Cbirzes [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Haha. 135k. No rough idle but she’s lacking a little juice. Bought it privately and just trying to service/swap anything I can
     
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  8. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:32 PM
    #8
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    The 2.7 uses iridium.
    The 4.0 uses standard.

    There is a 90% chance you’ll be just fine running iridium in the 4.0
    But, should you have issues. You get to do them again.

    If you already bought them. Toss them in.
    Odds are, you’ll be just fine.
     
    Micbt25 and Salmonloaf like this.
  9. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:32 PM
    #9
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    When you pop the coils out make sure the tips aren’t covered in erl or you need to replace the VC and tube seal gaskets.
     
  10. Mar 10, 2024 at 5:55 PM
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    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    I used iridium for my sisters 1GR, its been 5 years and no issue.

    Personally I'd run standard plugs because its so easy for me to do, but iridium gives much longer life.

    There's no benefit except intervals.
     
    TnShooter likes this.
  11. Mar 10, 2024 at 6:03 PM
    #11
    TacoTuesday1

    TacoTuesday1 Well-Known Member

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    I used factory and go with recommended intervals.
    Different types have a different life.
    -copper, for performance cars, might need changing every 5k
    -iridium lasts longer, maybe like 30k
    -platinum, lasts longer than that, some mfg's spec replace up to 40k depending on vehicle, but costs a lot more.

    anything below platinum, if you shop around, there's not much of a price difference.
    copper is cheaper than everything else but not really worth it, when you factor in how much more frequently they call for replacing. Just to potentially get like 2hp more.
     
  12. Mar 10, 2024 at 6:59 PM
    #12
    Williston

    Williston Well-Known Member

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    FWIW, I recently changed the OEM Denso's (K20HR111) with 115,000 on them. (purchased used) The center electrodes were well worn of course, but not "gone". I see no reason to go with the more expensive choices (iridium/platinum) with this kind of service life, and it runs/idles about the same after the swap. I do believe the MPG's have improved, but nothing drastic.
     
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  13. Mar 11, 2024 at 10:35 AM
    #13
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    I think you have the Iridium and platinum spark plugs backwards.

    https://www.autonationmobileservice.com/i/blog/spark-plug-types/

    Single Platinum Spark Plugs: An Excellent Middle Ground
    A single platinum spark plug is like a copper spark plug but has a platinum disc fused to the centre electrode instead of a nickel alloy.

    Platinum is much harder, with a higher melting point than nickel alloy. This allows a platinum spark plug to retain a sharp edge (and resist wear) much longer.

    Longevity is a key advantage in platinum spark plugs — they’re typically replaced around 60,000 miles but can last up to 100,000 miles. And because platinum can handle a high heat range, combustion deposits burn off better, preventing spark plug fouling.

    However, platinum is less conductive than copper, so the platinum spark plug suffers a little in performance compared to copper spark plugs.

    Where is the platinum plug used?
    Platinum spark plugs are often used in newer vehicles with electronic distributor ignition systems.

    And here’s another thing — if your OEM plug is a platinum spark plug, don’t downgrade to cheaper spark plugs like copper. You can, however, upgrade to double platinum spark plugs or iridium spark plugs.



    Iridium Spark Plugs: Long Lifespan Spark Plugs
    Iridium is about 6 times harder and 8 times stronger than platinum, with a melting point over 1200°F higher. Thanks to this combo of characteristics, the iridium plug can last up to 25% longer than platinum spark plugs.

    That said, even iridium spark plugs can’t compare to the superb conductivity of copper plugs. There are, however, other advantages.

    As iridium is costly but strong, manufacturers can reduce the center electrode of the iridium spark plug down to 0.4mm. On top of reducing cost, this “fine wire” center electrode on this plug also requires less voltage to generate a spark, thus increasing firing efficiency.

    You can easily tell iridium spark plugs apart by their narrow center electrode tip. Many iridium spark plugs also feature a shaped channel on the ground electrode, which prevents the high voltage spark from quenching.

    The iridium plug can generate a higher flame quality, creating a more concentrated spark. This allows the iridium spark plug to power engines faster than other plug types, and burns fuel more efficiently.

    In fact, the only real downside to iridium spark plugs is their cost, as iridium is pretty expensive.
     
    Micbt25, TnShooter and Steves104x4 like this.
  14. Mar 11, 2024 at 8:46 PM
    #14
    lynlan1819

    lynlan1819 Well-Known Member

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    What you have is just fine.
    If you ask 10 guys a question on this site,you will get 10 different answers.
     
    Williston likes this.

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