Just installed new spark plugs.

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Old 04-09-2008 | 05:45 PM
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Just installed new spark plugs.

After 50k miles without changing spark plugs, I made the decision to do that deed today.

Car runs perfect, car idles very smoothly, andthe car starts easier especially in colder weather.

Question is, would you guys want me to make a DIY? To tell you the truth, I was pretty scared to do this for my first time considering ... I've never done it before .. but now that it's behind me .. it's very easy .

Anybody want a DIY?
Old 04-09-2008 | 05:52 PM
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Yes, I'd also like to know what type of plugs and wires you were able to use when you swapped it out.... specs on any special tools would be nice to.... being a guy... pictures would be great too... lol
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:00 PM
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Sure, lets see it!
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:00 PM
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I think the biggest pain was replacing the 3 rear plugs, I took out the front sway bar (6x12mm bolts and I think 3 x 10mm bolts) because it's extremely difficult fitting the ratchet, swivel drive (correct terminology?), extension, and the sparkplug socket in position to take out the 3 spark plugs.

I used the NGK Iridium IX, they have the .40 or .42 gap on them (IIRC).
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:02 PM
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Sure Tyler, Im about to do mine soon. I would love a DIY. Ill put it up in the garage for ya...


Are those pretty good plugs?
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by trancemission
Sure Tyler, Im about to do mine soon. I would love a DIY. Ill put it up in the garage for ya...


Are those pretty good plugs?
Yes, I believe they're a step up from the stock plugs.

I went with the NGK Iridium plugs after reading 01tl4tl's posts, he's a pretty knowledgeable guy haha.

I heard about the Pulsar plugs and I don't think they're worth $24.95 a piece .. especially after reading they don't really give you performance gains with noticeably better gas mileage.

It looks like this will help some people on the forums, I'll get my digicam back from the sister and I will get working on a thread.

EDIT: I suggest you go down to your local autoparts store and purchase them.

I got 6 plugs for $44 with tax, I remember seeing them $11 a piece on some sites
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:12 PM
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Tyler, a DIY would be great on this. Always love to see how it's done before doing it.
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:20 PM
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Are you kidding me? gen 3 has to remove what to get to the rear plugs?
Dont tell me they are using plugs wires again too?!!

On gen2, a 9 inch extension- you can put a 6 and 3 inch together- reach perfect into the rear plugs- use a spark plug socket with rubber insert or magntic tip to grab the plugs
NGK Iridium IX- thats the trusted winners

Pulsestar testing still in progress by members, first reports of 1 mpg increase, and that was before the ECU reset that the plug maker said is needed when changing to them.
Never trust a shop to read the instructions!!!
They may not make big HP change on a TL, but I will take any mileage increase I can.
If it pays for itself in a year or less- thats a bargain IMO
Old 04-09-2008 | 06:48 PM
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Before I submit my DIY, I will most definitely have 01tl4tl check it over and make sure things are ship shape.
Old 04-09-2008 | 07:02 PM
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Sounds great Tyler.

thanks for the info 01tl4tl
Old 04-09-2008 | 07:20 PM
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please post DIY the dealer told me that the aftermarket sparks would fuck up my car and it wouldn't do anything but f up my car, n i was like ok...... but he insisted me of doing a plan they got which was $1200 maintenance which was to replace my spark plugs with higher performance, he was being a hypocrite i guess. but please a DIY would be great
Old 04-09-2008 | 07:24 PM
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Where is this rip off dealership?

Originally Posted by xoulu
please post DIY the dealer told me that the aftermarket sparks would fuck up my car and it wouldn't do anything but f up my car, n i was like ok...... but he insisted me of doing a plan they got which was $1200 maintenance which was to replace my spark plugs with higher performance, he was being a hypocrite i guess. but please a DIY would be great
Old 04-09-2008 | 09:42 PM
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DIY is done, I just need 01tl4tl to look it over for me so everything is good.
Old 04-09-2008 | 09:45 PM
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Spark plugs are pretty easy on the 3G. I didn't have to remove much at all.

The 3G also has individual coil packs, no plug wires.
Old 04-09-2008 | 09:48 PM
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Interesting.

I removed the FSB just to have an easier work area ..
Old 04-09-2008 | 10:29 PM
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just for clarification, are you guys removing the strut bar near the windsheild or the sway-bar at the bottom of the car?
Old 04-09-2008 | 10:41 PM
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Near the windshield.
Old 04-10-2008 | 01:41 AM
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thats called a strut tower bar
The bar under the car is a sway bar- big differance!
Old 04-10-2008 | 02:58 AM
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rip off dealer in ANCHORAGE ALASKA!!!!
Old 04-10-2008 | 03:08 AM
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can't wait for the diy~!
Old 04-10-2008 | 08:37 AM
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I've heard of good results with the NGK Iridium's but the Pulsestar sparkplugs are just like those snakeoil Splitfire sparkplugs. A scam at best for overpriced sparkplugs.




Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
Are you kidding me? gen 3 has to remove what to get to the rear plugs?
Dont tell me they are using plugs wires again too?!!

On gen2, a 9 inch extension- you can put a 6 and 3 inch together- reach perfect into the rear plugs- use a spark plug socket with rubber insert or magntic tip to grab the plugs
NGK Iridium IX- thats the trusted winners

Pulsestar testing still in progress by members, first reports of 1 mpg increase, and that was before the ECU reset that the plug maker said is needed when changing to them.
Never trust a shop to read the instructions!!!
They may not make big HP change on a TL, but I will take any mileage increase I can.
If it pays for itself in a year or less- thats a bargain IMO
Old 04-10-2008 | 09:43 AM
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I wanna see firestorm plugs i wonder if those things will ever be released =/
Old 04-10-2008 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by TylerT
DIY is done, I just need 01tl4tl to look it over for me so everything is good.
Thanks dude!

I love this board! No dealer work FTW!
Old 04-10-2008 | 11:54 AM
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Is the DIY up in the garage already?
Old 04-10-2008 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by TylerT
I used the NGK Iridium IX, they have the .40 or .42 gap on them (IIRC).
WHAT'S THE PART #?
Old 04-10-2008 | 12:40 PM
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Can anyone post the factory torque specs for tightening spark plugs?
Old 04-10-2008 | 12:43 PM
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I believe for J-Series motors the spark plug torque spec is 15 ftlb's.

I just changed the sparkplugs in my wife's 2003 Pilot (I believe the same NGK OEM plug as the 3G TL).

Also there are no rear plug wires, the coils mount directly on the plug insulator boot.
Originally Posted by princelybug
Can anyone post the factory torque specs for tightening spark plugs?
Old 04-10-2008 | 01:11 PM
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You think the DIY will be up in the next couple of days? I plan on replacing mines this weekend.
Old 04-10-2008 | 01:17 PM
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wow.... i never thought plugs were so hard to change they took me under an hour. u take the plastic covers off along with the strut tower bar.... the first set of plugs is right in ur face when u open the hood and the second set is behind the manifold plenum just reach back n repeat what u did on the front.... in addition to changing i do use a lil silicon grease on top of the plug and anti-seize on the plug threads. other than that i think its a simple procedure. easier than changing ur intake
Old 04-10-2008 | 04:36 PM
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The DIY will be up tonight, still making some adjustments to my pictures / content.

Tripnbeats: The procedure may be easy, but some don't feel confident enough to it themselves. I personally thought it would be a lot of work, but after taking an hour and a half .. it wasn't a big deal.

Plus, this will save you a trip to the dealer ...
Old 04-10-2008 | 04:42 PM
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oh yea i agree.... i just wouldnt think anyone would need a diy but then again ya never know.... better to do it than break something. good work.... im gonna go take the pics of the 07 mirror install to do a DIY myself
Old 04-10-2008 | 06:30 PM
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I'm sure you covered this already, but include adding a dab of copper anti-seize to the plug threads.
Old 04-10-2008 | 07:21 PM
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Thanks for your concern powerflow, already put in.

DIY it awaiting approval, I tried making it as thorough as possible!
Old 04-10-2008 | 10:33 PM
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any kind of anti seize...... just make sure its there
Old 04-10-2008 | 11:06 PM
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dont worry folks- I even schooled him on correct application of thread anti sieze, dont gop it all over the threads- just a touch is all it needs
Your DIY is in final edit by OP, just needed a few special tips added and such
Old 04-11-2008 | 03:04 PM
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Submitted to the mods, it will be in the DIY before the weekend!
Old 04-11-2008 | 03:49 PM
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Great write up Tyler. I sent it to Ron for him to look over and then we'll add it.

PM me your address. Ill send ya a little somethin


you too 01tl
Old 04-11-2008 | 08:19 PM
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is it up???
Old 04-11-2008 | 08:27 PM
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Cant add anything to the garage as of yet. But as soon as we can we will.

I bookmarked this thread so dont worry, I will make sure it will go as soon as we can make it.
Old 04-12-2008 | 02:18 AM
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YES PLEASE DO!!! I NEED TO DO THIS RIGHT NOW!!!...soo wait...your car had a hard time starting up in cold weather too?...idles rought?!??! I NEED NEW SPARK PLGUS/!??!?!


Quick Reply: Just installed new spark plugs.



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