MacGarnicle

iTrader: (1)

*double post*..

AndyT

Just replaced mine with OEM laser platinum PFR5G-11 plugs - big thanks to this forum, I just followed the how-to instruction. Have 141K km (88K miles) on my 00' GLE so I was thinking it would be tough to remove old plugs. Fortunately for me, they came out pretty easily. 5 out of 6 spark plugs were fried - there was not a central electrode tip at all, as a result the gap was like 2 mm or more (nominal should be 1.0-1.1 mm). Don't know how I didn't get misfires/CEL lights with these plugs. I can say now: This is a different car - smooth acceleration, better feeling.
So guys don't wait till 100K miles as it's stated in the NISSAN maintenance schedule.

wyche89

Hey guys I just got some NGK platinums at a nissan dealer today for 13 bucks a pop... too much? Also, I need to change them, but every link that I click on seems to not work. Does anybody have a working link with pictures on how to change the plugs on a 2001 max? Thanx

Narrator

Get a 6-pack of NGK PFR5G-11 at Courtesy Nissan for $57...

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...e=22401-000016


And use the extra money saved to buy a real sixer while you change your plugs out

636specman

iTrader: (1)

replaced with copper one step colder for nitrous.

nismopc

iTrader: (3)

Installed NGK G-Power Plats LFR5AGP ==> Runs fine.

'02_EMILBUS

iTrader: (3)

$13 for a spark plug is too much, in my opinion. C'mon people, they're just spark plugs. Yes new ones will perform better but spark plugs won't give you THAT much extra power unless you're old ones are BeaT!

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

they are just spark plugs but its what causes the detonation...you need to use what the engine was designed to use. using the correct ones is important.

OEM replacement NGK from advance auto ($10 each) going in tomorrow.

bwinter7

Did the same a soonerfan, I replaced mine with stock @ 58k, though I voted I changed to iridium
DUH

@NgRyM@XiM@

Man, I feel like such a slacker. I just hit 100K last week and have not replaced my plugs yet. I planned to do it when I hit 100K so that will happen this week. As for which I will buy, I am still not sure. I've read the responses and nothing really sounds all that compelling to indicate iridium over platinum over copper really. Did I miss something fellas?

geenowalker

don't feel like a slacker. I replaced mine at 80K and noticed NO DIFFERENCE. I went with the stock and just replaced again at 140K. I have the same gas mileage that I had when I rolled off of the lot.

2000 Black SE
152K
Stock (and I mean Stock even down to the shi$$y Goodyear Eagle RSA's...please hold all abuse, its been a long month)

MaxAK

Hey all,

I'm going to change the plugs this weekend (03 GLE), is there any way possible to do it without removing the Intake Mainfold to get to the back 3 plugs? I found a couple of good DIY's from Greghome and KillerSE; both were showing as removing the IM to access the rear center and rear left plug.

Any other tips or tricks for a newbie doing a plug change?
Got the OEM NGK's, and gasket from Courtesy Nissan, along with anti-seize and gasket fastener/sealant..

Thanks all..

Cheers...

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

you have to remove the intake manifold...sounds like you have everything else you need.

Neapawn

Spark plugs bump!!!!!!

kevin11

would anyone give pulse plugs a try? it is said to increase torque and fuel economy and faster 0 to 60 times. "Instead of 50 watts of peak power typical of all spark plugs, pulse plugs deliver up to 1 million watts of peak power." they sell at $24.95 each. at http://www.pulstarplug.com

secondtonone317

iTrader: (12)

subscribing

Shady33e

iTrader: (2)

as well....im @ 46k miles right now and i see its going to be a mission since i hav the 3.5

i think im going to go for the NGK Laser Plats.

since71

Next time around, I'll go for copper.

notched306

i just priced plugs and the double platniums are more than the iridiums.i thought it would be the other way around

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

NGK Site listing plug part numbers for the 2002-2003 V6:

http://www.ngk.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1431961

MerlotMax

The thing to remember about Iridium plugs is that a standard Iridium still has a conventional ground electrode, and you when replacing a double/laser platinum you will not gain any service life. It will have increased wear on the ground electrode (same for a std copper of platinum). The Iridium upgrade over the Laser Platinums that are OE in our cars would be the NGK Laser Iridium, they are still using a welded platinum tip on the ground electrode.

Just my 2 cents

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Preparing to replace my sparkplugs in the next few days: Some questions:

How do these look? Other than being slightly darker, they don't appear to be worn at all.




What is this...rust?

Will

iTrader: (2)

I bought OEM replacements from the dealer, so platinum spark plugs, but in no way would I defend their performance because they don't perform any better than coppers in my experience, but what they have over copper is durability, which I need in the VQ35DE because a spark plug replacement is a 3-hour job that I don't intend on doing once a year! I replaced mine at 60K. There's no way in hell spark plugs can still be good at 100K such as what Nissan recommends as a replacement interval. By that time, I'd be worried the threads would seize.

bchoe34

hey guys, i just found out about this site, i've recently gotten new sparkplugs replaced at monro, and the total bill including labor and a valv fuel system rang up to 382 dollars including tax, does this sound about right? they said since it was the 6th piston misfiring it costed more? some help would be appreciated. thanks much.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

thats more then about $150 you could have spent doing it yourself.
why do people ask if a price is good AFTER paying it

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

Those look normal to me.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

I replaced mine at 101k. Although they look rusted out at the threads, they're actually in pretty good condition given the age. Replacing them did make the idle a tad bit smoother.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

<== not a gear head

I am pretty sure this is true but when replacing spark plugs, do you take off the upper intake manifold?

Im planning on installing the NW intake spacers and wondering if thats the obvious time to do so? I am @ 81 k and spark replacements are coming closer

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

Sadly enough, for 2k2/3 you do have to take it off. There's no other way to reach the rear banks with it on.

The how-to's look a little daunting, but it was actually rather easy. It took me just a little over an hour to get all the new plugs in. Just make sure you have all the tools necessary to get the job done beforehand.

Since you already have the IM off, might as well do the spacers. (i didn't take mine completely off, it was loose, but i only propped it up and to the side, then used a total of +/- 20" socket extension with the universal joint to reach the last rear plug).

If it helps any, here's my recent post on the torque #'s for putting those bolts/plugs back in.

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Thanks Mike. How many miles on the plugs when you changed them? Assuming you had not added anti-seize at any point, how hard was it to loosen the plugs?

I added anti-seize to my front plugs at 30k then again at 60k. I'm debating if I should shoot PB Blaster on the rear plugs and wait a few hours before removing.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

You're welcome.

I had 101k miles on it It was quite easy taking them off. In fact, i had a harder time loosening the bolts that held the coils in place - half of them were on so tight i had to use a longer bar to get some leverage.

Will

iTrader: (2)

Wow. Well for me, it was also a peace of mind thing, considering when I used to have my 3rd gen, I replaced the copper plugs every year, and the entire process took just 10-15 minutes vs. almost 3 hours on the 5.5 last week! In all my years doing tune-ups on various cars, you typically don't notice a difference in driveability after replacing, but I do think it makes a difference during combustion that's not necessarily felt with engines today that controlled by the ECU to optimise combustion.

One thing I'm surprised at is that like my old VG, my VQ35 doesn't idle with the same barely-audible serenity and refinement that Chrysler, GM, Honda and Toyota V6s have, even after the tune-up. It shakes a bit on idle even with the liquid-filled mounts. Tach needle doesn't move, so I know all is well, but I'm just being picky.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

It's all good. I've never actually held on to a car for this many miles to think about sparkplugs so i just assumed it was okay to stick to the OEM spec schedule. But i am glad i did replace the plugs, as you said, for peace of mind as well.

I'd like to say mileage has gone up since then, but my logged results are screwed up right now. I had to deal with terrible construction traffic the last 2 fill-ups. So back to zero for this test.

Will

iTrader: (2)

I screwed with my DBW throttle when I did the plugs, and had to get the idle re-set by the stealership. Afterward, I filled up and re-set the mileage computer. Funny enough, mileage didn't change (8.8L/100 km), but I did get more miles to the half-tank. The new plugs might not have made a diff after all, but I still feel better having new ones in. I also paid $60 Canadian for the gasket - ouch.

chiefillini

If your engine is smooth and you are getting power/milage, don't waste the time till 100K

1997 GA16DE

iTrader: (3)

I've seen some people using the NGK copper plugs and I've seen some mention they went with colder plugs.

Anyone know where I can get NGK copper plugs in the 6 heat range? That's NGK LFR6A-11 plugs. My normal places don't have any idea what I'm talking about even though I buy 6(E) plugs for my SE-R all the time.

harmbone2k2

iTrader: (1)

bump

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

any particular reason

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

I'll be doing plugs and Aaron's intake spacer at the same time in a month or two. Probably go with NGK iridiums, last spring when I bought some for my old 626, they were only $6.99 each at Pep Boys. Even if the dealer has the platinums at a better price, no Nissan dealer is that close to me so whatever I'd save in price, I'd lose in gas since Pep Boys is so close for me.

pimpin02max

iTrader: (6)

What do you guys think of these? Only $3.99 a piece

http://www.autozone.com/R,APP44914/v...ductDetail.htm