Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: Tacoma spark plugs

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Tacoma spark plugs



    So I have been running OEM style copper plugs for my Tacoma for 100k miles (NGK and/or Denso). Just replaced my plugs with NGK iridium (same gap and heat range) for the first time to get a little longer life out them - not looking for performance upgrade. But now I am getting a skipping or misfire when under throttle at low rpm. Seems from Tacoma World forum this isn't totally unusual, but many don't have any problems. Anyone else dealt with this issue?

    Think I am just gonna go back to the OEM copper style as they have worked for almost 110k with no issues - just don't like changing them so often (not the mention the wasted $40). Add to my list car projects for today.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Member
    #1730
    Last Online
    November 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Denver
    Age
    58
    4x4
    84 CJ8
    Posts
    735
    User Name
    Spieg
    Real Name
    Brian
    Thanks Given
    179
    Thanked 165 Times in 144 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    I'm certainly not a Toyota guy, but weren't the factory plugs supposed to last about 150k miles? I think that's pretty much the industry standard now days.
    ___________
    ~Not All Who Wander Are Lost~ (at least not all the time)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Not on the 4.0 v6. Oem is copper plug not platinum or iridium. Owner manual says 30k miles although I push it farther without much issue. 4cyl is iridium and 100k miles, but not the v6.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    So these are the OEM copper plugs that I took out with close to 100k miles (way over their recommended interval). They should have been originally gapped at 0.041-0.044. Although these were still running, the electrodes had deteriorated and the gap was around 0.055-060 - kind of let them go too long . But I also hadn't had a 'newer' vehicle that was still running copper plugs - most seem to have some sort of platinum or whatever that is good for 100k, or close to it.




    Here I pulled the new iridium plugs out, look like this after a few hundred miles from this week of driving. I rechecked the gaps at they are all still at 0.042.



    Ugly white coating like its running way too lean? This is all EFI with individual coil packs directly above the plug. Maybe the computer had leaned out the mix as the old plugs lost spark, but it should correct that back unless something is faulty with an emissions sensor? Its only misfiring when lugging the engine a bit (too low an rpm) and then stepping on the throttle pretty hard. As long as its in the main power band, it works pretty well.

    From my limited experience, if this were my CJ, I would say it feels like its not getting fuel. It seems to have gotten worse as the week as gone on, but it hasn't triggered a check engine light yet, which I am quite surprised about.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Heard some suggestion that it may take the computer a while to correct for the fresh/stronger spark and mix in more fuel. Its working against its 'memory' of a lot of more recent miles with the old weak spark. Wondering how long it takes for the EFI to adjust fuel trims - sort of thought that was a a pretty quick adjustment that was 'continuously monitored' with the exhaust Oxygen sensor and sent electrical feedback to the injectors to correct. Essentially it should be almost automatically.

    I put in new OEM replacement copper plugs to take that variable out of question - still the same stumble when accelerating from low rpm. Just guessing - but maybe a bad injector? Will drive it around bit more and see if it either clears up or gets worse and triggers a check engine code. If this gets worse, it will probably have to go to the shop.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Member
    #1730
    Last Online
    November 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Denver
    Age
    58
    4x4
    84 CJ8
    Posts
    735
    User Name
    Spieg
    Real Name
    Brian
    Thanks Given
    179
    Thanked 165 Times in 144 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    You should be able to reset the KAM by disconnecting the battery. When you start up the first time after that, the computer usually starts at a default setting and goes into learn mode right away.
    ___________
    ~Not All Who Wander Are Lost~ (at least not all the time)

  7. The Following Member Says Thanks to Spieg For This Post:

    FINOCJ (June 10th, 2017)

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #1
    Last Online
    November 21st, 2023
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Age
    73
    4x4
    4Runner
    Posts
    14,279
    User Name
    Chris
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    576
    Thanked 801 Times in 591 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Spieg previously posted:
    "You should be able to reset the KAM by disconnecting the battery. When you start up the first time after that, the computer usually starts at a default setting and goes into learn mode right away."

    Just noticed this. If it's like my 4Runner, and I assume it is, Speig is on the money.ull the negative cable, let it sit for 5-15 minutes and drive. It should "learn" in minutes.

  9. The Following Member Says Thanks to Chris For This Post:

    FINOCJ (June 10th, 2017)

  10. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    2 Hours Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    This "Windows Support Person" says...

    ...we've come to have as standard "Did you reboot" - which we take as meaning for your computer...

    ...but for your car?!?!?!

    <sigh>




    Also on the list - power cycling modems / routers / printers - and now it seems: cars

  11. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #1
    Last Online
    November 21st, 2023
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Age
    73
    4x4
    4Runner
    Posts
    14,279
    User Name
    Chris
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    576
    Thanked 801 Times in 591 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    But you get to be the savior of troubled computer owners by rebooting Jim! When I was a Mac tech in the schools I was a hero for fixing staff and student computers. They didn't realize all I did was reboot.

    Why should car computers be any different?

  12. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    2 Hours Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Chris previously posted:
    "Why should car computers be any different?"

    Passenger entertainment & communication systems aside... the core components of automobiles - even new, sophisticated automobiles "should be" stripped down, single point of function systems - not general purpose "it can do anything, load the program" computers.

    They "should be" single function capability systems that have zero deviation for inoperable conditions.

    I believe my view is likely to stand alone in the corner and we'll have automobiles that have function issues. For now they are not safety impacting (aside from rare proof-of-concept tests) but I envision they will become safety concerns - not a simple engine mis-fire.

  13. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Just disconnected the negative battery cable. Taking up to vail tomorrow. ..see how it works.
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  14. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Member
    #405
    Last Online
    December 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Golden, CO
    4x4
    1990 Cherokee
    Posts
    4,760
    User Name
    Hypoid
    Real Name
    Mike
    Thanks Given
    82
    Thanked 499 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    Jim previously posted:
    "Passenger entertainment & communication systems aside... the core components of automobiles - even new, sophisticated automobiles "should be" stripped down, single point of function systems - not general purpose "it can do anything, load the program" computers.

    They "should be" single function capability systems that have zero deviation for inoperable conditions.

    I believe my view is likely to stand alone in the corner and we'll have automobiles that have function issues. For now they are not safety impacting (aside from rare proof-of-concept tests) but I envision they will become safety concerns - not a simple engine mis-fire."

    Grapes V.S. Cherries, Jim...
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

  15. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Member
    #1589
    Last Online
    July 7th, 2023
    Location
    Lakewood
    Age
    50
    4x4
    2017 JKUR Recon
    Posts
    2,946
    User Name
    dieseldoc
    Real Name
    Brandon
    Thanks Given
    1
    Thanked 397 Times in 351 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    At JIM,

    As a mechanic I totally agree with you here JIM.
    Engine managment systems have gotten way to complicated.
    We now add in the ABS, the Traction control, 4x4 suffer(more on this), and now we have the ignition systems to start the trucks, turn signal systems have control modules now too....WTF


    So we have our selves a small fleet of dodge trucks
    5 2007 3500 regular cabs 10 foot flat beds, with manual transmission not any real issues except for emissions stuff every now and then.
    5-2012 cfew cab 5500 10 foot beds auto. These thing stuck....4 have had the ignition control modules done, 1 twice, 2 now have had transfers case shift issues. On case split clean in half at 70 mph as the electronic shift made the shift and completed it, the latest one tried shifti,g did not complete but did enough damage to require replacement.
    The Borg Warner change is waisted change.
    The NP271 was a good case we have 5 with going 300k on them.
    2 of these expensive new things blown up at 95-105k
    This seems to be a control module issue as these are electronic controlled Tcases.
    We have 1 with the manual shifter.
    These trucks are in sequential order mind you so who knows....
    But at 9,500 bucks for these cases It best not do this **** carp again!
    ___________
    Crazy- You call me crazy, but you wouldn't know crazy if Charles Manson was eating Fruit Loops on your front porch. Suiciadl tendancies- intatutionalized

  16. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Member
    #1546
    Last Online
    18 Hours Ago
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Age
    45
    4x4
    1970CJ5 1958WillysWagon
    Posts
    3,694
    User Name
    FINOCJ
    Real Name
    James Orofino
    Thanks Given
    1,272
    Thanked 1,588 Times in 965 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    230 miles of driving with no issues today - although most of it on the highway. looking like resetting the computer may have solved the problem (or solved it a bit faster than it would have on its own). Thanks!
    ___________
    James Orofino
    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

  17. The Following Member Says Thanks to FINOCJ For This Post:

    Jim (June 11th, 2017)

  18. #15
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Member
    #1991
    Last Online
    June 14th, 2017
    Location
    Frederick
    4x4
    1997 Jeep ZJ
    Posts
    63
    User Name
    Danimal
    Real Name
    Daniel
    Thanks Given
    1
    Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: Tacoma spark plugs



    FINOCJ previously posted:
    "230 miles of driving with no issues today - although most of it on the highway. looking like resetting the computer may have solved the problem (or solved it a bit faster than it would have on its own). Thanks!"

    One other thing to check if it comes back would be tracking on the plug wires. I had a 1998 tacoma and as soon as I changed to iridium plugs I had two plug wires develope tracking inside the boot that would cause misfires. I'm not sure if it was a condition that was developing with the old plugs and got worse, or if it was caused by the new plugs. I replaced the plug wires and made sure everything was clean and never had another problem with it. That was the biggest pain to troubleshoot because the tracking was the tiniest little black line inside the spark plug boot.

Similar Threads

  1. New Plugs
    By coaz4x4 in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: November 13th, 2016, 06:59 PM
  2. FS: Subaru Spark Plugs
    By Java in forum For Sale, Wanted, Trade, Free
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: October 7th, 2015, 06:06 PM
  3. Stubborn spark plugs
    By javaman34 in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: August 14th, 2015, 07:06 PM
  4. Getting no spark
    By Gorden in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: August 11th, 2013, 11:29 PM
  5. spark plugs sparking on the outside (Help!)
    By upnover in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: September 9th, 2011, 10:40 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP