So I have a 2008 Taco...please explain why...

I have to change my spark plugs every 30k and the 2009 is 100k. What did they change in the engine to make that happen. My mechanic wanted $20 a plug + labor, I'm at 41k miles and told him to forget it.

ETA, I have the 4.0

 

They might have gone to a different brand of spark plug thats rated for 100k. I know that from 05-08, the spark plugs are only rated for 30k.

 

I don't know, because my July 2009-built '09 4.0 calls for 30,000 mile plug changes.

ETA: I'll check the warranty book, but that's what I saw in the maintenance schedule at the Toyota Owner's Online site.

 

A few months ago when the dealer told me the plugs needed to be changed I told him I can't believe this thing has rear drums and plugs that only go 30k, how 80's.

He said the 2009 can go 100k on plugs.

 

The difference is factory installed iridium vs. nickel plugs. Iridium's don't need to be replaced until 90 to 120 thousand miles depending on conditions.

 

I just changed the plugs on my 2006 at 29,650 miles. The NGKs on the driver's side were pretty well shot. The Densos could have gone a little longer.

 

my 10 manual says the 4.0s still need to change them every 30k but like what was said, the 2.7s come with iridium plugs good until 100k. Simple, switch to iridium denso plugs and you will be good for 100k (according to Denso)

 

more than likely they've changed to Iridium plugs. I changed them to iridium myself, but after reading some interesting tidbits, I kinda wished I hadn't. Word is they're breaking when people try to pull them out. Haven't tried yet.


Penny for penny, the cost of copper plugs to iridium plugs (mileage based) is not much different. Iridium plugs, at least here, were quite expensive.

 

Also, the dealer thought my truck didn't get plugs until 100k. 2008... I had to correct them (they still didn't touch it, I was just curious how much they rape... er charge people to do it).

I still need to do my plugs... at like 31.7k now lmao.

 

What are the chances you are free on a Wed.
afternoon?

 

Very good write up here to do it yourself.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/30479-how-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.html

Also check here for Vegas meet info.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/

 

Pretty good chance, what ya thinking?

 

regular spark plugs-$3.00
iradium plugs-$12.50

do the math.

 

4.0L in the 09s calls for every 30k on plugs.

 

I watched my dealer's service advisors debate this one day. They finally called one of the old time technicians over who said it changed man I hate getting old and forgetting crap!

Anywho, they changed mine in the 06 4.0 for $75 total. I know there is a DIY here but I am just not tall enough

 

I agree. It's a selling point for a vehicle that says, "This thing lasts and doesn't need maintenance for 100,000 miles" which is the wrong message to send but for those that don't do regular maintenance it sounds really good.

 

Don't do the Iridium it is a waste plus you don't actually know how the motor is running as mentioned above. Doing regular plugs @ 30k gives everyone including myself the piece of mind to see how our trucks are running. Plus this allows me to bond w/ my truck, listen to some tunes, and drink some beer.

 

If you and your dealer was talking about the 4.0L V6 - THEN HE WAS WRONG.

Changing plugs every 30K isn't a big deal. It'll take an hour of your time and roughly $20. I've seen too many plugs break off in the cylinder head, or strip the threads on the aluminum head, to be leaving them in for much more than 30K miles. I learned the hard way on one of my vehicles - a piece of the plug that was seized in the head fell into the cylinder unnoticed. Ruined two exhaust valves and cost me a top end rebuild. $20 for plugs every 1.5 - 2 years is a hell of allot cheaper than a head rebuild.

 

Just an FYI . The manual says that Iridium plugs are required on the 2.7s. I agree why push things to the limit so i will probably replace my plugs every year, like i have done my whole life, but my manual says

"Iridium tipped spark plugs (2.7 L 4-cylinder [2TR-FE] engine only)
Use only iridium tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust gap when tuning engine."