Should I replace these spark plugs?

[rationull]

Seeing as it's the weekend and I need some activities to fill my day tomorrow I thought maybe I'd replace the spark plugs in my Civic. On the one hand, replacement isn't recommended until around 100k miles (the car has 66k or so now) and I suppose I shouldn't waste the money if they're still good. On the other hand, the car gets driven somewhat hard due to geography and the fact that my foot can be heavy at times, and if new plugs do anything to smooth out the idle a little it'll be worth it to me.

The gas mileage is doing fine (I get 33-35 mpg generally which I'm happy with considering I have a big hill in my commute). The car burns oil but I'm not sure if it's affecting the plugs at all.

I have some pictures from 6k miles ago that I posted in another thread unrelated to changing the plugs. How good/bad do these iridiums look? Would replacing them be anything other than a waste of money?

 

[Herz]

If you do re-use them make sure they go back into the same cylinders. For new ones being so cheap as a rule of thumb I usually replace them if they come out.

That hill you go up, is it the cajon pass?

 

[hate2work]

Those plugs look pretty good, but since you've already removed them, I would replace them, then you'll be good for another 70k

Does Honda want you to put anti-seize on the threads?

 

[rpn453]

If they looked good and had proper gaps 6k miles ago, I'd run them until 100k. I don't see how you could get any performance benefits out of changing them unless they've been damaged.

I removed the plugs in my Mazda3 within the first year of ownership to have a look and to get some anti-seize on the threads. I don't plan on touching them again until 100k.

 

[meangreen01]

I wouldn't. A good quality plug being replaced at 66k is a waste. Throw em back in with a dab of anti-sieze and replace 'em in another 20k or so.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: defektes
If you do re-use them make sure they go back into the same cylinders.


Why? news to me.

 

[SEMI_287]

Plugs are cheap, replace them and run the next set for at least 100k! But I'm old school and stick to Champion Coppers every 30k, but Dodge motors are like that.

 

[ltslimjim]

They look great. The discoloration that is happening is due too heat, somewhat much by having white tips, but that's expected after several summers. I'd be troubled if they were this discolored after 5k-10k miles. They look to be declining slow and steady. Save your money and use them at least until 80k, though 100k isn't out of the question either.

 

[jaj]

Those plugs are perfect. Don't you just wish you had 8 of them?

 

[morris]

Champion? you are old school.

 

[meangreen01]

Originally Posted By: jaj
Those plugs are perfect. Don't you just wish you had 8 of them?


LOL!

 

[hounddog]

How much are those plugs? $15 bucks each ?

 

[jorton]

My 4 cylinder car is idling smoother with Quaker State(green bottle) oil.

Do you know how much the gap has grown?

I think the whitish color is from the oil burning but there is no build-up of deposits, and these plugs don't look worn so it's ok to keep these plugs in the car.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If you already have new plugs on hand then replace them, if you don't have new plugs and thinking about going to buy a new set then don't, re-use these plugs for another 20-30k miles.

 

[FZ1]

Change 'em out. You want as few spark plug changes as possible over the life of the car to minimize damage on installation/removal. Your car may run more smoothly with new plugs. I never reinstall used plugs. 66k is far enough. 7 years or 75k for my Accord.

 

[GMBoy]

I agree with the some of the others - replace them. Not that they are bad, but c'mon - plugs are relatively cheap and the labor is already being done, why do it w/o new parts? Lastly - why would anyone want to pull plugs and inspect them?? Unless there's a problem you're looking for - just run the interval and replace them when the time comes! I also would never run the plug a full 100k. More like 60-75k anyway. As the plugs wear, the more your ignition has to work so why risk ignition stress for the price of plugs...that and at 100k sometimes you run risk of damaging the heads when removing the plugs.

 

[SteveSRT8]

There is no proof that leaving the plugs in place long term guarantees damage. Most plugs already have a non-seize coating on them already.

The stories are hard to believe, as I have not had an issue with a plug in many years of aluminum heads and high mileage.

 

[hounddog]

Price those plugs. I don't think they are $2 bucks each like some may think. I have been pricing DENSO Iridium's for my Hemi. They are more like $14 bucks each on Amazon.com and a few dollars more on other sites. In my case your talking about $225 for a set of plugs. Run those bad boys till 100k. Thats what they are designed to do.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Unless you have new plug gaskets , I'd replace the plugs. That is a LOT of deposit - who knows if its conductive? It most likely is a metal if its from oil ingestion. You havent been using "octane boost" periodically have you? That's a big no-no.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: hounddog
Price those plugs. I don't think they are $2 bucks each like some may think. I have been pricing DENSO Iridium's for my Hemi. They are more like $14 bucks each on Amazon.com and a few dollars more on other sites. In my case your talking about $225 for a set of plugs. Run those bad boys till 100k. Thats what they are designed to do.


Any new gen Hemi owner should check out NGK's Iridium/Platinum hybrids. That's what the 6.1 Hemi ships with stock.