Spark Plug Change? Do it...

2nd gen was a piece of cake to change the spark plugs in. I did it many times. 3rd gen is a pain in the ass on the driver side, it has a little less room to maneuver as compared to the 2nd.

 

So what would have been a fair quote from the dealer? One hour? Let's be real, you got a quote, probably along with all the other services you did ("I have changed all of my gear oils, transfer case, transmission fluid, brake fluid") with no intention of ever having them do it, just wanted to know how much money you'll save doing it yourself.

I recognize the behavior b/c I do the same damn thing

 

No, I have had a lot of work done by the dealer, most in fact the last few years. Three years work disability and about 300 medical treatments on my neck and back the past 20 years, make me just a wee bit wary of trying to do too much… Prior to all the injuries I did most of the work myself, mostly because I enjoyed the work when I could still physically handle it.

 

Yup. I have owned eight other vehicles in the past, the longest 8 plugs took me on those was maybe 25 minutes, tops. The plug change on the third gen is just F’g stupid. What a stupid engine layout.

I did the plugs on my wifes 2013 RAV4 the other day, 20 minutes and done.

 

I should never have to change mine. lol Getting ready in May for my 4th oil change. Truck has 9338 on it.

 

I changed mine at 80k. Should have waited until 100k. 60k is dumb.

 

I just changed mine for the first time and they looked exactly like your 60k plugs. 120k on my plugs.

 

Depends on how hard you drive your truck. It is that simple.

I am doing 4,500ft elevation climbs, that in a 10 mile stretch and with weight. Same if you are towing or hauling regularly.

Don’t neglect it. Your plugs can also tell if you if other issues are creeping up, so not looking as some do and leaving them in can turn a $200 plug cost into a heck of a lot more.

 

I just did mine at 90,000 and this is what they looked like.

As of right now I do see better fuel millage, about 1.5 mpg but it's only been on tank of gas so far. Overall, the process wasn't too bad, just had to move more things around then I would have expected. However, it was well worth it.

Does these plugs look bad that I pulled out?

 

I don’t know enough to rate them as “bad” but the picture does support my intention of following the Manufacturers recommendation to change at 60,000.

Why is it many here will say the manufacturer’s recommendation for a 60k plug interval is too soon but then point to the 10k oil change intervals as something the experts know and we shouldn’t question their expertness?

 

Those certainly don't look great.

This is a cheap and relatively easy maintenance item, not sure why people would stretch it beyond 60K.

 

I did a quick scan of the posts and didn't see it, but I could've blinked and missed it.
Did you ever say what octane fuel you used? Is it the same every tank?
Is the brand and/or station the same (when local of course)?
Do you ever add any injector cleaner, fuel modifier, upper cylinder lubricant, etc. to your fuel at fill ups?

No argument from me about the change interval, just curious if your fuel source comes into play when compared to others.

 

Because iridium plugs are good for 100k. That's why.

 

They CAN be good for 100k. There are other factors to consider, like how the vehicle is used and quality of fuel. But you do you.

 

That's the great thing about the internet.

Now let's do antiseize.

 

I read that as antifreeze. What brand is best? LOL

 

Why not?

 

Always the same fuel, 87 octane (regular which the Taco is designed for), and I never use any additives. After 45 years of driving, here in BC I have found that Chevron works best for me. Esso second, I use that if no Chevron around. Both are good fuel.

I never use any of the no name cheaper gas brands. I have also found that Shell gas did not work for me in a few different vehicles. After having used the Pay N Save and that type on occasion over the decades to save a buck, I found the cheaper gas really fouled things up. From cheaper gas I experienced engine pinging, power loss, rough idle, etc. That was experienced on a number of vehicles. I’ll gladly pay a couple extra cents to maintain performance.

Here in BC, it is generally 3 grades of octane. 87, 89, 91. Chevron also sells a 94 for performance engines.

I have tried the 89 and 91 when I first first got the Taco, and did not get any performance boost or better mileage so I stick with the 87. The 87 octane has worked in every car and truck I have owned, other than a 1970 Firebird Formula 400 which ran on only the highest octane.

 

After changing my plugs at 80k and finding one loose, yeah id say 60k isn't silly.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plug-change.749819/#post-26705466