Don't be like me. Change your spark plugs on time.

12 years later and 120,000 miles, I broke down and changed them. (Yes, you read that right)
Yeah, I know. Neglect....
Those on here that know me, know I HATE working on vehicles.
I'll happily help others diagnose and work on their stuff (if they need help).
But my stuff...No. I'd rather dig ditched than do automotive work.

Things I learned.

1. Anti-seize does not help IF you don't change the plugs regularly.
It became really "sticky" and gummy. It fought me the whole way out.
It wasn't the carbon build up on the plug. It was the Anti-seize. (I had previously used the Silver type)

2. If you go by the tightening process on the Denso box. It says to bottom the plug by hand, then tighten 1/4 - 1/2 more turn. Even at 1/2 a turn, it wasn't close to 15 ft/lbs. It took about 1/4 more of a turn to make it to 15-16 ft/lbs.

3. Buy a set of magnetic spark plug socket. Life is SO much easier.

4. I actually torqued my spark plugs. The first time in my life I've ever done that.....
Mostly because I bought a digital torque wrench for a different job. And figured why not use it?



And of course, here are the pics.

Gaps were: (Plugs were Denso K20HR-U11. Previously gapped at .043 when installed @50k)

1. .057
2. .055
3. .054
4. .056
5. .056
6. .060

 

Dont feel bad, i done for others between 100,000 to 160,000 no problem and still runs good before the change.

 

Those look like what came out of my grand Cherokee.

I did my own work for ages. Got old and tired of doing everything. So I had a mechanic swap the plugs for me. He said he couldn’t believe it still ran

 

Shame on you. Shame.

 

My recent i did Lexus RC200t at 185000 miles and still ran.

 

and you!

 

Mine still ran. And I can't tell any difference between the new and the old.
My coil packs can probably tell, but not me.
That's the real reason I changed them. Coils are expensive.

 

Its a Toyota it last forever. I have many story Ive seen and done. Abuse to neglect,,, still no problem

 

I just changed mine this summer, sure I was way early but it’s cheap and easy to do.

 

After purchase the xrunner got some new plugs. Mind you not for any issues as it was running good. Originals???

 

115k on mine when I changed them after I bought it used. Service records showed a change at 15k. They weren't the OEM ones with the numbers on the terminal and were all Denso: not 50/50 Denso and NGK. They looked worn but the truck ran fine. It doesn't run any different with the new ones (Denso OEM 90919 - 01235/K20HR-U11) and the gas mileage is the same. No signs of anti-seize on the nice plated threads and I didn't apply any to the new ones.

You did the right thing (IMO) using a torque wrench.

 

If they’re original, one side should be NGK and the other side are densos.

 

Denso typically doesn’t recommend anti seize on spark plugs

 

That is true.
It wasn't used this time.

 

For emissions purposes, Yes.

I wouldn't hesitate to stretch it to 50k if I were a normal person.
Obviously, I'm not normal.......

 

Most people change plugs at 100,000 miles. Going to 120,000 isn't going to hurt a thing.

 

They don’t un-recommend it either. They only say it is not necessary. I put that shit on just about every thread I encounter. BUT, too much can be bad. And you have to reduce the torque setting by about 15%.

 

Yes. Denso says you can.
NGK says, not to.

I always did on automotive.
But never on my small engines. (Mowers, trimmers, and saws)

To be honest, the only reason I ever used it.
Was because, “that’s how I was taught”.
And I was taught by old school guys.

The reason I never used it on my small equipment was, “I didn’t have any around when I fouled a plug.”
And after that, I just never used it ....
I never had a stuck plug in a small engine yet…….
Hope I never do……