Spark Plug change interval

[gnegroni]

Well, I read a few posts using the Search function but got lost somewhere between 2005 and 2007...

I was checking the Toyota website for maintenance schedule and it shows spark plug change for my 2005 Gen2 at 120k miles? WOW!

My car has 65k right now and I've never spent so much time without changing spark plugs on a car. Will there be any benefits of changing them (for NGKs IFR6T11 or Denso IK20s) like a bit better fuel economy? I cleaned up my car engine and systems using SeaFoam and I noticed some improvement, so should I expect the same from a spark plug change?

Another quick question: NGK Laser Iridium (above) or NGK Iridium IX?

Either way, when have you changed your spark plugs on your Solara? Since Gen1.5 had the 2AZ-FE also, that particular input is greatly appreciated as well as any other input and/or suggestions.

Thanks,


G-man

[Jakecallun20]

You'll notice a smoother idle, and maybe a little bit better MPGs, but all that aside if it were my car I would change them now, or around 70k. Just for peace of mind and the fact that you won't have to worry about for a while. I reccomend Denso IK20s. Had them in my V6 since 138k and I'm now rockin 149k with no problems. Might not be a bad idea to change the wires too. I got NGK blue wires, look cool while improving the cars MPG at the least.

[gnegroni]

You'll notice a smoother idle, and maybe a little bit better MPGs, but all that aside if it were my car I would change them now, or around 70k. Just for peace of mind and the fact that you won't have to worry about for a while. I reccomend Denso IK20s. Had them in my V6 since 138k and I'm now rockin 149k with no problems. Might not be a bad idea to change the wires too. I got NGK blue wires, look cool while improving the cars MPG at the least.

Thanks for the input regarding changing them and recommendation on Denso IK20s. It never hurts to keep top shape spark plugs (except for wallet, always complaining ).

As far as the wires go, the 2AZ-FE does not have spark plug wires; its a direct coil-on-plug (COP) application (1MZ-FE that has 3 coils and short wires - better than distributor ignition). The best we can do for ignition system improvement would be that Plasma Direct COP, but its another topic and $700. Yowza!

[Aotoyota]

I have the NGk laser iridiums, since they didnt have the other ones at the time.

I noticed more response in acceleration and gas was a bit more but not a whole lot. The idle went smoother and just over acceleration was smoother.

now at 71k, im gonna change again when it gets to 80k. considering to get the denso's but is it work the extra money in terms of performance? anyone ever try the ngk vs the denso opinons?

[gnegroni]

I have the NGk laser iridiums, since they didnt have the other ones at the time.

I noticed more response in acceleration and gas was a bit more but not a whole lot. The idle went smoother and just over acceleration was smoother.

now at 71k, im gonna change again when it gets to 80k. considering to get the denso's but is it work the extra money in terms of performance? anyone ever try the ngk vs the denso opinons?

So, when did you change them the first time? 40k?

[Aotoyota]

oops i guess i deleted that part..

i changed them at 45k or around there.

[gnegroni]

oops i guess i deleted that part..

i changed them at 45k or around there.

Good to know...thanks a lot for your input!

[Aotoyota]

they have NGK Iridium IX available?

[gnegroni]

they have NGK Iridium IX available?

I just purchased some BKR6EIX-11 at Autozone for about $7 some dollars each Great price IMO. I also asked them for the Denso IK20s, but their systems kept referencing the NGKs... seems they don't carry the Densos.

I will change them over tomorrow and post, but tonight...ITS PARTY TIME!

[gnegroni]

Alright, I changed the plugs (4 months later) after doing the whole Seafoam treatment (oil, tank and vacuum). Everything went fine but I ended with two questions after finishing procedure:

1) Don't our cars come with Denso plugs as OEM. Mine had NGK IFR6A-11
2) Whats wrong with these pictures (plug order: left->right, accessories->air filter assy)?

[Aotoyota]

I dont remember mine having the greasy oily looking stuff on the thread?

[gnegroni]

I dont remember mine having the greasy oily looking stuff on the thread?

I take it this is probably due to the SeaFoam cleaning prior to changing them...I take it that is the reason why SeaFoaming is recommend prior to making a plug change, not after.

The plugs fired fine, but if they look like this at 70k miles, I can't imagine how they will be when replaced by-the-book at 120k miles.

Please also note the aggressive ground electrode degradation and coloring on the ceramic center. I'm perplexed.

[Aotoyota]

Check the gap if they are out? might be something too it?

I know Iridium plugs dont need it but since you have them out.
check it out?

[gnegroni]

Check the gap if they are out? might be something too it?

I know Iridium plugs dont need it but since you have them out.
check it out?

Roger that

[System_Crash]

Well my car had 84000 on it and they looked like this http://solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php?t=44431

notice the red ceramic (probly from all the intake/injector cleaner I've run through it)