Some may have seen my recent thread about misfires. While the new coil took care of it, I noted the 2 plugs I took out (#5-6) looked a bit toasted and said I would replace them soon.

Well today was the day. No real drama here. Did have to move the PS hose over a bit to get to one of them. Plugs do look past their prime. Checking over the records I got from the previous owner (a close relative), I could only find a reference to spark plugs changed way back in 2009 and approx 120K-ish miles ago. Considering they were in there this long, I was surprised they didn't look too terrible and still sparked OK. After checking the FSM, the replacement interval is 105K miles.

Got my replacements from Rockauto (more about this at the end). Checked the gaps, right on spec at .040" Installed with no anti-seize (NGK says no, while FSM says yes). Torqued the plugs, popped on the coils, remount the PS hose, and she purrs like a kitten.

Some pics for your enjoyment.

Cyl #6- the one with the misfire


All 6 plugs in order (1,2,3,4,5,6) from left to right

Closeup of 3


Main part of post ends here. Continue on for USPS rant.

</drama start>
Ordered the plugs from RA and were shipped the next day by USPS. RA has a distribution center here in SoCal so the packages from thjem get here in 2 days without any expediting. So it started it's journey in Pico Rivera, then off to Anaheim. Got an estimated delivery of Apr 23rd. The 23rd comes and goes and no plugs. Check the status and get "in transit". I'm about 20 min (in good traffic) from Anaheim so how long can it take? Next day, still no plugs. Check status Monday morning and package is now in Kansas City! WTH! Go online and fill out USPS Missing Mail form. To their credit (on this part only), I get a voicemail from my local PO saying they're investigating and have determine the package is still in KC and it would take a few days for it to make it's way back here. "Sorry for the inconvenience". Package finally arrives May 2nd. Fortunately, there was no damage to the package and the plugs were packed well by RA. However, I did not get a magnet from RA (so minus points for that). Maybe I should've gone to Autozone.
</drama stop>