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Spark plugs, whose changed em? what kind?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 209taco, Oct 27, 2014.

  1. Oct 27, 2014 at 8:50 PM
    #1
    209taco

    209taco [OP] Member

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    Sid
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    I just wanted to say hello, and let you all know i just did my spark plugs. I removed the factory denso's and replaced with ngk iridium ix plugs. I have read that people had issues with these plugs, I must say that I am happy with them so far.

    What kind of plugs have you all been using?
     
  2. Oct 27, 2014 at 9:08 PM
    #2
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    I'm not sure if it matters, and I would like to know if it does, but on my 01 prerunner it states in the manual to only use the dual electrode plugs. I see that those are one. But when I got the truck I replaced with the duals and I didn't really notice a difference. I also heard that someone used the quads and it helped improve the performance. But yeah, kinda curious as to why they suggest only the duals...
     
  3. Oct 27, 2014 at 9:10 PM
    #3
    bellassaiw10

    bellassaiw10 Formally afroman5015

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    It suggest duals because of something with the sparking I believe, Ive run single and duals, truck seemed happier with duals but no drastic change but why not just put what it recommends in
     
  4. Oct 27, 2014 at 9:27 PM
    #4
    209taco

    209taco [OP] Member

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    thanks for chiming in folks. I appreciate the feedback so quickly!
     
  5. Oct 28, 2014 at 7:51 AM
    #5
    40950

    40950 Well-Known Member

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    No matter which flavor you choose,,stick with the NGK's. They hold up the best.

    Bosch was a very short life. OEM was a bit better.
     
  6. Oct 28, 2014 at 8:22 AM
    #6
    Mr. Biscuits

    Mr. Biscuits gentleman and a scholar

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    I heard dual spark plugs don't work as advertised because once the fuel/air is ignited there's no way to make a second ignition point.

    but I can't confirm nor will deny. all I know is I should probably change mine as well.
     
  7. Oct 28, 2014 at 8:29 AM
    #7
    romeo

    romeo Wombat

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    I changed my plugs to the E3 and have liked them so far, after installing them I could definitely notice a change in the exhaust sound and definitely noticed a change in the way she runs.
     
  8. Oct 28, 2014 at 8:34 AM
    #8
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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  9. Oct 28, 2014 at 8:54 AM
    #9
    stvnshnn

    stvnshnn Active Member

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    Why would you change something as integral to the full function of the engine to anything other than what the engineers who designed the engine say to put in it? In other words, go to the dealer, get the spark plugs in the red Toyota boxes and change them the when they should be changed. I want to get 400,000 miles or more out of my truck. A group of people smarter than I am designed the engine and then told me what to put in it to keep it running well. Good luck!
     
  10. Oct 28, 2014 at 9:03 AM
    #10
    Shelf Life

    Shelf Life Well-Known Member

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    Go with the manual reccommendation. When I changed mine, I found a factory surprise. I had 3 Densos on one side and 3 NGK's on the other! It ran ok, but that chapped my hide a bit. I replaced them with 6 NGK's and it runs great now.
     
  11. Oct 28, 2014 at 9:06 AM
    #11
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    They all come from the factory that way.
     
  12. Oct 28, 2014 at 9:14 AM
    #12
    Shelf Life

    Shelf Life Well-Known Member

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    Really? What was the thinking behind that?
     
  13. Oct 28, 2014 at 10:38 AM
    #13
    markmb45

    markmb45 Well-Known Member

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    I've run the factory Denso plugs in all my Toyotas for the last 35 years, zero problems.
     
  14. Oct 28, 2014 at 11:29 AM
    #14
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    Nobody really knows (that I know of), but likely to maintain two major vendor supply chains.
     
  15. Oct 28, 2014 at 11:31 AM
    #15
    Koov

    Koov Well-Known Member

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    Ha! Yep, I too use the ones from the dealer. NO issues so far!
     
  16. Oct 28, 2014 at 11:37 AM
    #16
    Dirty Pool

    Dirty Pool FLIES ON THE FRIES, KETCHUPS WATERED DOWN

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    While there is no proof of any of the many theories, scocar nailed it. The only theory that holds any water is "Supplier Relationship Management" and the fact that Toyota owns a big chunk of both NGK and Denso. I have talked with NGK, Denso and Gadget with no 100% conclusive answer.
    The "3 of each" thing predates Tacomas in some engines and still goes on in the 4.0L, at least my 08 4R.
     
  17. Oct 28, 2014 at 5:02 PM
    #17
    Norton

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    Those looking for additional spark plug info should check out The Truth About Spark Plugs....
     
  18. Oct 28, 2014 at 5:08 PM
    #18
    scocar

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  19. Oct 28, 2014 at 5:11 PM
    #19
    floodedkiwi

    floodedkiwi Well-Known Member

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    I just changed mine and went Denso's all round per Chris 4X4 write up.
    No issues, easy
     
  20. Oct 29, 2014 at 1:26 AM
    #20
    Kalvin00

    Kalvin00 Member

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    I used standard NGKs, single electrode. Runs fine.

    The reason they recommend dual electrode plugs is because it is a wasted spark system, so each plug fires twice per revolution of the engine. Single electrodes will wear faster but I change every 30-40K anyways so who cares.

    Oh, and no anti seize necessary on NGK plugs. ;)
     

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