Change the Spark Plugs?

I have owned my trick for 11 years. The spark plugs were changed at around 40k miles. It's now at 170k and I've never had a single problem.

So my odd ball question is: Do I go with my Dad's old philosophy of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" or should I go ahead and change them taking the chance that it will break (my luck)?

 

It’s good practice to replace plugs at 100K miles. I prefer using what it came with. Stay away from Amazon since you will most likely get counterfeits.

 

I would change them when I have changed mine the old ones still looked decent it does give you an opportunity to inspect the condition of the plugs are a clue to how the engine is operating. Be sure to replace with Denso

 

LMAO. I bought the plugs a month or so ago and after your post I had to go see what I bought. I guess by dumb luck I managed to buy the right ones. Denso Iradium. Ya had me worried a minute there. LOL

 

Short and simple: change the plugs.

You'll be happy with the lil' extra pep in her step.

 

Well...I knew I didn't want to do this. So far changed 4 plugs. Started the truck just to make sure it would still start... and I have a check engine light.

Is this normal after changing spark plugs?

Double checked all the connectors and they're plugged in good.

Guess I shoulda heeded my dads words. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

Ok... so, I put the tester on it and it threw codes 0352 and 0354. Turned it off. Stayed out again and did a rescan. Codes and check engine light went away.

Looked up the codes anyway and basically they are misfires on cylinders 2 and 4. But how do I figure out the cylinders? I found more than one schematic and they're different.

But I think I know what caused it. When I changed the 2nd plug I started the truck with one of the coil connectors off (I pulled it off to see how they came off because it was easier to get to than the one I was working on- forgot to put it back on). The truck wouldn't start. I put the connector back on, it started fine, and I went about my business, not looking to see if I had any bad indications. I think the codes and check engine light may have been a result of that and cleared themselves when all was good.

 

Nothing like extra parts. Finished the right side yesterday and started the left this morning. Dropped a tool. Went under the truck to find it and there lay an ignition coil seal. Checked all the seals and they're all there. I knew I checked when I put them in. Wth??? LMAO

Spark plug change from hell.

3 to go.

Only me. LOL

 

Take your time. You're learning. One of the greatest aspects of DIY. Next time you'll be able to do all 8 in one operation. If you're near Hoover Alabama I'm happy to help.

 

Finally done.

And I'm here to tell you... these tools were a God send to get this done.

3/8 extensions
Torque wrench
Double headed swivel ratchet ( 1/4 and 3/8)
1/4 Dr ratchet
Magnetic and swivel 5/8 plug socket.

 

Oh, I spent 26 years working on aircraft, so I am mechanically inclined. Just me and this truck don't get along sometimes. And if it wasn't for bad luck I'd have none. Plus... getting a little old and ornery for this stuff LOL

BTW... still don't know where that extra seal came from. Pulled the coils and they all have seals.

 

I’ll be doing that soon as well, but had difficulty in finding the correct spark plugs.

 

I got them at autozone.

If you've never changed them, recommend you start on the passenger side, rear. That side is the harder side and the one in the back is the hardest.

Also hope you're tall. My short azz could hardly reach. LOL

Also, after playing hell disconnecting the first 2 connectors, I said the heck with that and decided to do the rest without disconnecting them. I was able to get the coils out and moved out of the way while they were connected.

On the passenger side I did have to take the tops of the air filter box and the fuse box off to get them out of the way. Just wasn't enough room in there.

 

Thanks. I’m 6’-6” but will still likely need something to stand on as the truck is lifted a couple of inches.

 

Yeah, I'm only 5'6". Even on a step ladder I had to pretty much lay over the fender and engine. My chest and stomach muscles are hurting now from the pressure.

 

Check under your hood for a decal with the correct plugs

 

I didn't know that. Wonder if all cars have it.

 

Glad you got it done! You really must have bad luck; I found this truck to be by far the easiest to change plugs on of any v6 or v8 vehicle I've owned, so long as you have a small assortment of extensions and swivels. I also use a magnetic pickup tool and small section of tubing that fits over the plug end that allows me to turn the plug once or twice to start threading it before putting the socket, extension, then wrench on it.

 

Main problem was my lack of height to be able to reach things.

Yes, swivels and extensions are a necessity as there wasn't very much room in there.

I found the magnetic swiveling plug socket was great for hand starting the plugs. It has a built on extension. I just added another short extension to it to extend it outside the hole and it worked like a charm.

 

Check the Denso USA website. They have a list of authorized sellers. Advance Auto is one and my regular source. Can't remember about Autozone. Too many counterfeits out there to chance it on a too-good-to-be-true price from an unauthorized source (I'm talking to you Scamazon).

 

I could been mistaken. I could got them at Advance. It was a while back and I do shop at both.

 

Yeah. I’m up in Canada and we are limited in terms of parts store chains compared to the USA. I went to Canadian Tire and they had no stk, but will need to check some other places. I just don’t want to get soaked for 8 spark plugs.

 

Nothing is much easier than the straight 6 in my LX450. Lol! I haven’t owned a V8 since my university days (almost 25 yrs ago) when I had a 78 Pontiac Firebird with the 350. That POS put out a measly 175 hp. Haha!

 

last truck was a ram 16 plugs. dealer charged like 400 labor. i did myself in i think 2.5 hours

 

If you have access to a top creeper it makes working on an engine much easier

 

I picked up the NGK Iridium plugs a couple days ago. Will be installing them in the next week or so. I have NGK plugs installed in my 97 LX450 as well as my 1946 Ford flathead.

 

thats what I am going to get. where did u buy

 

I’m in Canada and got them from Parts Source. They were CAN$24/pair.

 

thanks. I am worried avout counterfeit. found at a napa and with 20% off they are 10 bycks each

 

Napa should be pretty reputable. But I know you can get them at Advance or Autozone.