Do the spark plugs really need to be replaced at 60K miles on Gen 3?

I just turned 90K on my original plugs, have not changed them yet, was going to do so at the 100K mark.

 

I read somewhere that because the 3.5 switches between direct and port injection, it’s harder on the plugs, so we got a 60K interval, as opposed to the 4.0’s 120K interval.

 

4.0 in the Tacomas has a 30k interval for plugs, isn’t it?

 

I don’t know, but the 4.0 in my 4runner is 120K.

 

Well look at that, you're right. The recommended interval is just 30K miles. Interestingly, there's a footnote that say it's related to emissions controls -- in order to get that "as close to perfect burn" as possible, I guess:

 

I had 2 Sienna's previously, 2012 and 2013. Sold them at 150k and 120k miles.

Neither had spark plugs changed, but checked frequently(only the front bank 3 plugs) and they were in good shape.

The back 3 plugs on the Sienna are major PITA because they are perpendicular to the firewall with close to none clearance.

 

Just keep in mind no mater when you change your plugs to be wary of counterfeit Chinesium plugs. It's amazing how closely they can resemble the real Mccoy.

 

For being such wise nation , they sure like to seal everyone’s ideas……

 

Replaced at 82k miles today, doubt the previous owner ever changed them.

 

Change interval is based on plug type, it's not a random mystery.

As listed in posts above conventional plugs (4.0L)are 30K, iridium (3.5L) are 60.

 

I just checked to make 100% sure and as I thought, the maintenance schedule for my 2017 4runner’s 4.0 calls for new plugs at 120K miles (iridium). So it isn’t just plug type, it’s engine type too (direct/port injection).

 

https://www.denso.com/global/en/pro...ervice-parts-and-accessories/plug/basic/life/

They don't mention engine type.

 

you might be able to go even a little over 100k, no hard and fast rule, but I think they're usually rated for 60k-1??k so obviously toyota dealers recommend the earlier

don't use a dealership for anything but warranty and recalls though (or if they gave you free service for xxx miles)...but for anything you have to pay for out of pocket an independent shop is probably gonna be half that and no reduction in quality of work

 

The engine maker specifies a 120K interval for my 4runner, and 60K for my Tacoma - both iridium plugs. The reason why one is twice as long as the other isn’t because of plug type, it’s because of the way these 2 different engines operate.

 

My independent shop did the entire 60k service for $660.

 

Yup... 2.7 .... It takes longer to move ducting/junk out of the way than it does to change the actual plugs. Everything is right on top, quick and easy.
(Another reason I got the 4-banger...)

 

Yep, although I’m a long way from needing to change plugs I watched a couple of youtube videos, looks like an easy 30 minute job for the 4 cyl.

And you guys made me look, the 2TR-FE 4 cyl spark plug replacement interval is 120K miles, while the V6 is 60K miles, that surprised me. I won’t wait that long though. From my 2019 Warranty and Maintenance Guide:

 

I changed them at 60k. The 3 on the passenger side are really easy. The 3 on the drivers side are a little more tricky but not bad. I would never pay 400 or 600 dollars for such an easy job.

 

I did my second gen at 70k. It started to run noticably rougher and changing the plugs really helped. Since then I have changed them like every 40-50k and I always notice increased smoothness and a small bump in fuel economy.

 

I change mine every 30k