Long-life spark plugs?? A little concern...

[Chuck1986]

This summer I got my spark plugs changed over to NGK iridiums on my 2001 Eclipse GT. These plugs are supposedly good for something like 100k miles. I forgot about putting some anti-seize on the plugs before installing them, so now I don't feel comfortable with leaving them in there too long cuz I don't wanna warp a head when I pull them after many years!

My question now is, what's a safe time/mileage interval that will assure a safe, clean spark plug change? And if I have a professional mechanic change them, how common is it for a half-way decent mechanic to warp a head?

Any advice appreciated...thanx a lot!!

 

[porcupine73]

well worst case they might have to pull the heads to get the plugs out or if they snap one off in there or something. was it a real pain job to put them in? if not maybe you could just pull them out within a couple thousand miles and paste 'em up with antisieze plus it'd give you a chance to give the plugs a nice gander. oh and even with antisieze you might want to pull them every 20-30k just to make sure they don't get stuck in the head. and don't overtorque when putting them in - use a low range torque wrench.

 

[Quest]

You do not have to lube the spark plug threads with anti-seize compounds (which comes with lead that may poison your cat if you put too much).

You just have to follow the steps below:

(1)torque the spark plugs carefully. For those that came with a washer and it's going into an alu alloy head, somewhere between 17ft/lbs ~22ft/lbs should be good (consult your repair manual if you have concerns)

(2) take your spark plugs off every 30,000miles for inspection and also to break free from the deposits on the thread that may seize if excessive. (yes, burning gasoline does leave deposits behind)

 

[Chuck1986]

Thanx for the advice guys...things should work out. I've decided to change the plugs in 6 years as a precautionary measure, regardless of how many miles they have, just for the peace of the mind that I can avoid having them seize. The reason I'm not thinking about possibly pulling the plugs for awhile is cuz it's a 3-hour job which I can't really do myself. And I'm too cheap to pay anyone to do it for me. Also, I was thinking perhaps spraying some penetrating lubricant behind the plugs and letting that sit overnight before doing the change..could that help at all?

Anyways, I dunno why I'm worrying over something that I shouldn't worry about for years to come. I guess it's just the mindset of a guy who loves his car too much.

 

[The Critic]

Dad went 12-yrs/45k miles before having the Toyota dealer replace the OE, Double Plat. plugs.

No problems...

 

[BlazerLT]

Ummm, you have 4 plugs right?

How about just remove them, put on some antoseize and insert them again?

 

[Chuck1986]

quote:

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Originally posted by BlazerLT:
Ummm, you have 4 plugs right?

How about just remove them, put on some antoseize and insert them again?

---

Nope, there's 6. This is the Mitsubishi 3.0L 6g72 engine (much like the one found in the 3000GT.) The rear ones are a REAL pain to get at. So much dis-assembling to do!

 

[Tosh]

Didn't I just read here that the threads are plated to help prevent seizing?

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I ran mine to 85k on my Civic. They didn't have any anti-seize on the threads from the factory and came right out. I put copper anti-seize gunk on them when changed, they should come right out again.

 

[johnd]

My car came with platinum tip plugs supposedly good for 100K mi. I changed them out at 60K and they looked fine to me. Not too long after that I developed a mis problem that I traced down to the #3 cylinder. The platinum puck had fallen off one electrode. I replaced the plug with one of the old ones and now it runs fine. I think they may actually be good for 100K, assuming things are normal otherwise. With Al heads, antiseize is always a good idea.

 

[Eddie]

I always use a very small amount of antisize on spark plugs. I personally don't feel comfortable leaving any plugs in for more than 60,000 miles. My 4 cyl engines with very easy to change plugs I use standard plugs and change as recomended at 30K. If I had an engine that were difficult to change plugs (Dodge sidewinder V6), then platinum plugs and change at 60K. Irridums are too expensive for my daily drivers and if I need to pull them (my way) at 60 K I have gained nothing. JMO Ed

 

[The_Jeff]

I agree with the guys who say your new plugs have anti-sieze or similar coatings. Plus there would still be some on the head threads from the last plugs if they used antisieze.

Six years from now, who knows, you might gain the confidence to go at 'em yourself.

 

[Dave Hess]

This might sound a little crazy, but I use motor oil on the spark plug threads and never had any problems in the last 20 years with frozen plugs.

I use a Q-tip and a couple of drops of Mobil 1

 

[Shovel Head Ted]

I changed the OEM AC platinum plugs at 105,000 in my GMC 4.3 and had no problems removing them from the heads, other than having to take the front wheels off and go from underneath.

 

[Schmoe]

Don't worry, it will be fine in 100K. Ask any Honda owner.