Spark plug and wires

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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 11:37 PM
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Talking Spark plug and wires

I’m doing a tune up on my 2000 TL and I’m wondering if you guys have any suggestions for spark plugs and wires. Thanks.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 01:37 AM
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Use NGK Ruthenium HX plugs. There are no wires so no need to replace.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 09:20 AM
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The OEM plug for a 2000 TL is the Laser Platinum, PN PZFR5F-11. However, that was before Iridium. Since Iridiums came out, most guys replace their old platinum's with those. It's not that the performance is necessarily any better, but they tend to last longer since Iridium is a harder alloy. Here are your options:



The new Ruthenium supposedly last even longer but I don't know if there's any evidence of that yet since there would be very few cars that have gone 100K+ miles since they came out. NGK states that Ruthenium also creates a more efficient burn but I'm not convinced of that either. According to their website, Ruthenium plugs were designed for newer engines. Not to say they wouldn't work just fine for older engines though. But personally, I still use the Iridium's. They've worked fine in the past are are much less expensive.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 09:37 AM
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Price is not a factor when selecting Ruthenium plugs vs other plugs because Ruthenium plugs are more efficient and will make up for the price difference and then some with better MPG returns, better sparks, and better sparks for a longer time period.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 01acls
Price is not a factor when selecting Ruthenium plugs vs other plugs because Ruthenium plugs are more efficient and will make up for the price difference and then some with better MPG returns, better sparks, and better sparks for a longer time period.
Again, not convinced of any of that. More efficient/better spark/better mileage - all claims but no real data to back it up. NGK has some info on their website that claims they're better but naturally they're going to tell you that the most expensive plug is the best. Until I see some independent data, I'll stick with the Iridium. As long as the OP gets a plug that has the correct gap and heat range, they're likely going to work all the same. I doubt there's going to be any difference whatsoever, especially in a 20 year old engine.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 01:32 PM
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"like'd" because common sense.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 02:04 PM
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OP,

You can decide the type of plugs to use based on someone else's experience or opinions? Most people would choose experience over opinions.

LoL, so no one here have actually used or using the Ruthenium plugs except me and yet you guys have already formed your opinions based on nothing? That is just so wrong on so many levels.
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by losiglow
The OEM plug for a 2000 TL is the Laser Platinum, PN PZFR5F-11. However, that was before Iridium. Since Iridiums came out, most guys replace their old platinum's with those. It's not that the performance is necessarily any better, but they tend to last longer since Iridium is a harder alloy. Here are your options:



The new Ruthenium supposedly last even longer but I don't know if there's any evidence of that yet since there would be very few cars that have gone 100K+ miles since they came out. NGK states that Ruthenium also creates a more efficient burn but I'm not convinced of that either. According to their website, Ruthenium plugs were designed for newer engines. Not to say they wouldn't work just fine for older engines though. But personally, I still use the Iridium's. They've worked fine in the past are are much less expensive.
Do these need to be gapped? Or leave them as is?
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 01:59 PM
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hey James, I've always gapped my plugs (when first installing) to the proper value using the proper gapping tool. In addition: the user manual only shows the base TL's spark plug info: the TL-S uses a different plug that is meant for a hotter running engine.

one last...I've used Denso iridium power plugs for quite some time; those are also another cost effective option.
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 02:17 PM
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The PZFR5F is already gapped. I don't recommend gapping iridium plugs. The center electrode is more fragile than old copper plugs and the likelihood of damaging it while trying to gap the plug is high.

It may not be a bad idea to check the gap - just for good measure. But in the tech manual, it specifically states not to gap the plug. Granted, this is from the 4G TL manual but I'd bet money that the note to not adjust iridium plugs is very likely in the 2G as well.




If you decide to gap them, Denso provides some good instructions:

Spark Plug Installation | DENSO Auto Parts

Originally Posted by 01acls
OP,

You can decide the type of plugs to use based on someone else's experience or opinions? Most people would choose experience over opinions.

LoL, so no one here have actually used or using the Ruthenium plugs except me and yet you guys have already formed your opinions based on nothing? That is just so wrong on so many levels.
I've taken plenty of advice based on experience but you stated better mpg, better spark and better spark for longer. Did you compare mpg of your car with iridium vs. ruthenium? And how can you prove that it provides a better spark or better spark for longer? Your statements are purely anecdotal. There's no data to back it up. I'm all for new products that provide better results but until I see data, or at least a lot of opinions based on experience, I'll stick with the tried and true parts.

Last edited by losiglow; Aug 1, 2019 at 02:20 PM.
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 01acls
Price is not a factor when selecting Ruthenium plugs vs other plugs because Ruthenium plugs are more efficient and will make up for the price difference and then some with better MPG returns, better sparks, and better sparks for a longer time period.
Any ideas of good quality coils I can get? I need all 6.
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 09:40 PM
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I fail to believe all 6 coils are ALL bad at the same time.
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Old Aug 1, 2019 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
I fail to believe all 6 coils are ALL bad at the same time.
True...what are your suggestions for coils to purchase this weekend.
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Jamesharoldk
True...what are your suggestions for coils to purchase this weekend.
By the way thanks for your help with the plugs I got the ones from the manual.
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 04:08 AM
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Originally Posted by losiglow
The PZFR5F is already gapped. I don't recommend gapping iridium plugs. The center electrode is more fragile than old copper plugs and the likelihood of damaging it while trying to gap the plug is high.

It may not be a bad idea to check the gap - just for good measure. But in the tech manual, it specifically states not to gap the plug. Granted, this is from the 4G TL manual but I'd bet money that the note to not adjust iridium plugs is very likely in the 2G as well.




If you decide to gap them, Denso provides some good instructions:

Spark Plug Installation | DENSO Auto Parts



I've taken plenty of advice based on experience but you stated better mpg, better spark and better spark for longer. Did you compare mpg of your car with iridium vs. ruthenium? And how can you prove that it provides a better spark or better spark for longer? Your statements are purely anecdotal. There's no data to back it up. I'm all for new products that provide better results but until I see data, or at least a lot of opinions based on experience, I'll stick with the tried and true parts.

You want data? You can't handle the data.

OP, I would recommend OEM ignition coil.

Last edited by 01acls; Aug 2, 2019 at 04:12 AM.
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 04:34 AM
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You want data? You can't handle the data.
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 04:39 AM
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You want data? You can't handle the data.
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Jamesharoldk
True...what are your suggestions for coils to purchase this weekend.
@Jamesharoldk
Amazon sells the Denso coil 673-2310 (reg $65 each) for $36 at the moment. I keep that in my cart in case the day comes where I need one...
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by whitetiger5
@Jamesharoldk
amazon sells the denso coil 673-2310 (reg $65 each) for $36 at the moment. I keep that in my cart in case the day comes where i need one...
👏🏻🙏🏻
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Old Aug 2, 2019 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Jamesharoldk
👏🏻🙏🏻
Denso ignition coil is $29 at Rock Auto.
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Old Aug 3, 2019 | 02:45 AM
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Wow. Even better. I should have thought about looking there. Rock auto has been doing consistently better than amazon lately.
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Old Aug 3, 2019 | 03:30 AM
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Originally Posted by losiglow
The OEM plug for a 2000 TL is the Laser Platinum, PN PZFR5F-11. However, that was before Iridium. Since Iridiums came out, most guys replace their old platinum's with those. It's not that the performance is necessarily any better, but they tend to last longer since Iridium is a harder alloy. Here are your options:



The new Ruthenium supposedly last even longer but I don't know if there's any evidence of that yet since there would be very few cars that have gone 100K+ miles since they came out. NGK states that Ruthenium also creates a more efficient burn but I'm not convinced of that either. According to their website, Ruthenium plugs were designed for newer engines. Not to say they wouldn't work just fine for older engines though. But personally, I still use the Iridium's. They've worked fine in the past are are much less expensive.
The Ruthenium plug is price less than the Iridium plug at Rock Auto.
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