First plug change at 210k miles

It takes 30,000 miles for the plugs to errode past the factory spec. Maybe that's why the recommended interval is 30,000 miles? Just a guess......

This thread is one more reason why I never buy any used car with over 50,000 miles.

But seriously, TW should sponsor a parade for all the heroes among us who run their vehicles to ground with lack of maintenance and care. That way we can truly recognize and honor them for their accomplishments, forward thinking, and bravery. We can throw rose petals as they pass, with tears streaming down our face in admiration.

 

I'm just the opposite, I only buy used vehicles with 15k or more miles on them per year of age.

I bring a torque wrench with me and pull a plug to check and see if they've done their maintenance. In the case of my last car purchase I brought a jack and lifted all four corners to check bearings, and tranny/motor leaks. It really gives you leverage for negotiation if you find leaks. If they refuse to let me pull a filter/plug then I walk away. I also try to only purchase vehicles in rural areas due to city vehicles spending long hours idling in traffic. I'd much rather have a high mileage vehicle that spent its life on the interstate at 70-80mph. Just food for thought, and it has never let me down.

 

My originals had 60K. About .50 over gap. Gas mileage hadn’t change after the install.

 

For the $25 investment for plugs.......why not change them ?

 

Wow - once a year??? - ever heard of never seize - I have seen many stripped plugs because of owners doing it themselves and cross threading plugs - do it when it needs it only if misfiring or 100K.

 

Anti seize is actually not needed for the plugs used on the 4.0 V6. The spark plugs threads have a coating that prevents seizing.

 

I have a feeling that we got bamboozled by the OP to get responses. I expect this type of post on newbies. We got hog tied by a KnottyRope. Nicely done sir.

 

I agree but time is money also.

 

I have pulled a plug to check at 100k and looked fine to me.

 

I bought it new after getting money for my 99 taco frame rot buy out. Changed the plugs in the 99 i4 at about 130k for rough idle. I missed the five speed in that ACLB. Chirped second easy .

 

Idle is better now. Running though my first tank to check my MPG.

 

I was getting 420 miles per tank up until two weeks ago when my idle became rough. So I know I wasn't wasting fuel the past 10 years.

 

All I will say is... it's about time

 

Do you also never use your blinkers so as to make the bulbs last longer?

 

It’s your truck so do what ever you want to do or not do with it. I won’t criticize someone for neglect of their own personal property. I’m just curious though, do you neglect maintenance of the rest of the truck like you did on the spark plugs? If so has it caused any problems? What intervals do you change fluids like oil, coolant, tranny fluid, diff oil?

 

I had a Toyota Echo (unfortunately) that I let go about 170,000 miles before changing the plugs, because my neighbor mechanic said they could go 200k without changing plugs, and because I wasn't in love with the car.
It started behaving weird and I thought it had water in the gas. Eventually the check engine light came on so I changed the plugs. They looked as bad as the OP's or worse.
As it turns out, my catalytic converter and oxygen sensor got corroded and had to be replaced. The new plugs cost me $10 plus tax. The new cat was around $350 plus lots of hassle.

I'm going to replace plugs on my Taco at recommended intervals. I'll find another way to save pennies. I bought this truck with 3800 miles on it. I changed the oil as soon as I got it. Better safe than sorry I guess. It did sit for 3 or 4 years though too.

 

Yo, you're getting 420 miles per tank?

 

Yes. 420 miles on a tank. Stock tires and height.

 

My wife's Sienna minivan is the same for changing plugs. I have to remove the entire intake assembly to get to the rear bank. It's a pain but only has to be done every 100,000 or so since they're iridium plugs. I've done it twice now.

 

Fine grit sand paper