Spark Plugs at 60k?

Dealer is recommending replacing spark plugs for $500+ as a 60k service item. Because it's now out of warranty, I'll do it myself, but is it time to that already?

Also, a Fuel Service for $200+, which I'm even more skeptical of. I'm thinking a gentle cleaning of the throttle body and a bottle of Techron instead!

Am I off base on my thinking?

 

Plugs at 120K and you don’t need ‘fuel service’.

 

You are right to be skeptical. The prior singe VVTI version of the 1GR (used in 4th gen and 2gen Tacoma) had copper plugs and DID need them changed often every 30k. The 5th gen motor has Iridium plugs and they are usually good until 100k. Some techs recommend pulling them at 60k out of a worry that they can seize in the threads if left in place for 100k miles, but the electrodes themselves should be fine. No harm if you want to do it, it will cost less than $75 and a couple hours time. Absolutely do NOT cheap out on the plugs - get the exact factory OEM replacement # (should be Denso and/or NGK) and DO NOT try to gap them - the iridium electrodes are very delicate and come pre-gapped.


Fuel service is definitely a snake oil upsell. As long as you are buying top tier brand gas the fuel system is being cleaned already by the additives in the fuel. Techron is just those same additives bottled up in a mega dose.

 

Never allow a dealer to perform any maintenance that is not covered under warranty. They are limited as to what they can charge Toyota for warranty covered service so they will screw anybody foolish enough to pay out of pocket. Changing plugs as not a high tech operation. Watch some YouTube videos. I would also be skeptical of a $200 fuel service.

 

One good reason for changing plugs earlier is that the threads can get carboned up over time and cause thread damage to cylinder head when removing. Otherwise plugs used now a days being "iridium" etc. do last a long time. "Fuel service" is a waste of money with todays additives already in fuels.

 

What does the manual say for 60k service? If it lists plugs, change them...otherwise, don't.

Dealerships are notorious for adding "service items" or shortening service intervals because a lot of people just blindly take their word for it rather than RTFM. The Ford dealership where I got my F150 tried it exactly once, I asked them to show me where it had that interval in the owners manual, then I pulled the manual out and showed them that it was not a Ford recommendation, it was just a dealer recommendation and asked them if Ford knew that they were speaking on Ford's behalf with regard to service intervals. They left me alone after that.

 

My 2nd gen Tacoma went 160,000 miles on the original plugs and the engine was still starting and running fine. (I thought I'd had the original plugs changed at 75,000 miles but it turned out the shop hadn't done the work.) Swapping the plugs as well as the ignition coils did improve the gas mileage though.

 

I can believe you got away with it, but they where copper and the service schedule did spec 30k. I did mine twice on my 2014 Taco before I traded it (easier than the 5th 4R as there was less stuff in the way). I admit they did come out looking pretty clean each time.

 

Iridium plugs get changed at 100k+ intervals. Find a different independent mechanic.

 

I always figured it was an emissions thing to change them so frequently.

 

Did the dealer at least offer to use lube with that quote?

 

I dont believe so... 30k was the typical copper spark plug interval as far back as I can remember (80s)......

 

Actually it was emissions standards that lead to the 100K spark plug change intervals.

 

Emissions standards requiring better plugs, that in turn have longer life? Or something else?

 

Here's the 2019 Toyota warranty and maintenance guide. 60K service is on P.45:
https://di-uploads-pod14.dealerinsp.../2019-4Runner-Warranty-Maintenance-eGuide.pdf

Hope this helps for planning your maintenance needs.

 

That pretty much sums it up.

Computer controlled ignition and fuel injection help a great deal as has removing lead from gasoline.

 

So wasn't running fine then.

 

no lead

 

Spark plugs at 100k at least, and do Italian tune-up yourself. Stay away from the dealers.

 

I bought used and changed around 190k. History showed a 60k at dealer but looked original to me. They had a 0.77 gap and supposed to be 0.44. Ran fine and 20mpg. I use Denso TT iridium and change every 100k. They are 100-120k plugs and work really well.

 

Well that's for people who don't know better. I change everything every 100k. Steering fluid, brake fluid included and I do transmission fluid and antifreeze every 75k. I use Toyota or Aisin trans fluid and coolant and synthetic everything else and I have no issues after decades of 4runners with 300k+ with no issues. I use Mobil 1 75w90 transfer case and differences, synthetic Lucas steering fluid. Dealer is making money. I'm saving money. Costs about $180 just for differential drain and fill. It's supposed to be good for 500k if I forget. I also use steering cooler and transfer cooler just to reduce heat on seals and hopefully longevity. That's just me. I'm old and do it myself because I don't trust dealers I do and don't know. I priced transmission drain and fill at 3 different Toyota dealerships and got 3 different prices. Usually best price is Toyota dealerships not around big cities or high traffic because they want your business. Knoxville was $400, Cookeville $210, my old out of the dealership was $116 for drain and fill and didn't try to sell a flush. That's about right for price of fluid and actual time involved to do it. I live in the south and buy Toyota parts from Michigan dealership. My idea was in the domestic market are they want more business to increase volume. If you go where there's a lot of money around, you will pay more.

 

I just changed mine this past weekend, 109,000 miles. NGK Doubles went back in. I'm glad the see that the colors of the old plugs were pretty close to each other. I did the easy (right bank) side first. Then tackled the left bank. But I must admit, those first few turns of the ratchet were kinda "iffy" feeling but, they all came out clean.
I put a dab of dielectric grease on the boot of the coil and a dab of anti-seize on the plug threads.

 

NO.

 

They say not to use anti seize on plugs.

 

120K-Plugs. Tell your dealer NO.

 

Why?

 

Yeah I think they are iridium now. Don't quote me. The dealer still uses old maintenance write ups and most of that stuff isn't done anymore. It's fluff to make you think you are getting what you pay for.

 

I use Seafoam throttle body cleaner at intake and a can a month in the tank. Best I have used. Follow directions and it will burn off so much carbon you will think it's on fire. I was amazed. You can get a twin pack from Walmart for $17 or $22 at parts store. Comes with spray and pour. My buddy always recommended it and I didn't realize how good it was.

 

I use anti seize with zero issues on spark plugs. Don't over do it.