I just got a 2004 TL. My longtime honda mechanic (private shop,) tells me that you need to replace the acura TL plugs more frequently than recommended interval to prevent coil burnout problems. This guy is very good and I have to argue with him to do certain maintenance items he views as unnecessary and recommends higher frequency service for other items. Any body have an opinion or knowledge of the plug/coil problem link for the 2004 TL?

 

Certain vehicles have had a propensity for having coil failures, but the TL is not one of them. Some will say that if the spark plug is worn/fouled, that will cause higher resistance and will ultimately cause the coil to die, however, in the TL as with most other makes, I personally don't feel that there is any problem with plug replacement at the recommended intervals. Just make certain that the replacement is the same as OE, as I have seen replacement plugs that are not of the correct designation cause coil failures.

Having said this, would it hurt anything, except the pocketbook to have them changed early, no, but you'll not notice a difference in operation or fuel mileage.

 

Thanks much for the info

 

many gen2 and gen3 have found that replacement of the plugs after 60k miles returns like new running to the car~
use NGK Iridium- nothing else

coil failures tend to happen after a plug change- when a coil was dropped and damaged internally- to fail a few months later

seafoam is a good product run thru gas tank, 1 bottle to half tank, is real tune up in a can
Do it on the tank or 2 before plug change

 

When the plugs get worn and the gap opens up over time, they draw more power. This is not really an issue with the factory iridiums. It doesn't hurt, I replace mine every 40K because I don't like the idea of siezed plugs in an aluminum headed engine and 105,000 is just too long for any plug. The iridiums will get it there but it won't be at it's best.

 

Sorry, but a change in plugs will not change the performance of the vehicle, unless one is fouled.

From teh NGK site:

Q: How much of a performance improvement can I expect from changing plugs?

A: A common misconception is that changing spark plugs will result in a large power increase. In most cases, removing even seriously worn out spark plugs will only result in very modest power gains, typically about 1-2% of total engine output. This could be even less for computer-controlled vehicles, primarily because most newer vehicles have more powerful ignition systems and the vehicle's computer can make adjustments so that vehicle operation seems smoother and more seamless.

Any company that tells you that their spark plug will provide significant gains in power in a stock or near-stock engine is making blanket statements that may not be supportable.

 

let me restate- new plugs and clean combustion and injection system will keep the car running at original spec performance

regain `lost performance` when ecu has to retard timing and play with fuel mixtures to compensate for low grade gas or other conditions like weakened spark

does that seem a fair statement turbo?