170k and still using original spark plugs!? (1 Viewer)

[rtpatter]

In the ongoing project of "tuning/manning up" my wife's old GX for my 16 yr old son. I have come to realize we have never changed the spark plugs. The vehicle runs fine as currently is. My question is what should I do? Should I just replace the plugs or replace the plugs and coils or just keep driving it until it starts causing problems? I looked online and I don't really have the tools or the time to do it myself so whatever I do I will need to pay to have done. Thanks for your advice.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

If the only thing you have neglected is the spark plugs, then just change them. Not the coil packs until they start giving you problems.

What’s the rest of the maintenance history? Water pump? Timing belt? Transmission fluid? Other fluids?

 

[Mahalol]

Yeah, just have the plugs changed as regular maintenance. You can ask to have the coil packs inspected for hairline cracks as this will eventually cause misfiring. When I changed my plugs I found 4 coil packs that were going bad so I decided to replace all 8 at the same time. Oem coil packs are expensive at $40-50 each x 8 so I would wait until they fail. I decided to with a generic brand and so far I haven’t had any problems. I kept the 4 good ones as back up.

 

[rtpatter]

All other maintenance is up to date; timing belt/water pump done at 120k; rear air bags replaced at 150k; that’s why I want to keep them when we lift the front and just do the air bag trick. Few other repairs; air compressor and alternator various belts and hoses so car is sound hence why I would like to keep it. I’ll just have some change the plugs and leave the coils unless they are showing cracks.

Realistically how many miles can these GXs run? I’ve seen some say 300k? At what point does the transmission fail?

 

[IwantPrado]

I just did mine and it was a cake walk.
I agree with what the guys said above. My coil packs were fine, so I just did the plugs as my 120k mile service.
Here is a video from my youtube channel:

The NGK spark plugs were under $65 for a set of 8.
Amazon product ASIN B01M97PGOT

 

[rtpatter]

Thanks I may need to update my socket set but it looks doable

 

[corkybuchek]

All other maintenance is up to date; timing belt/water pump done at 120k; rear air bags replaced at 150k; that’s why I want to keep them when we lift the front and just do the air bag trick. Few other repairs; air compressor and alternator various belts and hoses so car is sound hence why I would like to keep it. I’ll just have some change the plugs and leave the coils unless they are showing cracks.

Realistically how many miles can these GXs run? I’ve seen some say 300k? At what point does the transmission fail?

Just changed my plugs at 140k, didn't really need to but was doing a full tune up so figured why not.

As far as how many miles, I met a guy a couple months ago with a stock GX (maybe an 07 or 08) with 350K. Didn't mention any tranny issues. Blew my mind as I just rolled over 146k. I would not be surprised to see a well maintained GX go 4-450k.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

The engine model 4.7 V8 is the same as the pair of million mile Tundras that have been featured online. Just google million mile Tundra.

So, engine seems to have a great pedigree.

 

[Bauer24]

I just did mine and it was a cake walk.
I agree with what the guys said above. My coil packs were fine, so I just did the plugs as my 120k mile service.
Here is a video from my youtube channel:

The NGK spark plugs were under $65 for a set of 8.
Amazon product ASIN B01M97PGOT

Thanks for the video and the link!

 

[tsukasa36]

also just did mine at 135k miles and it definitely idles smoother. you’ll need torque wrench for the spark plugs and also one for tightening the coil pack M6 bolt which is pretty low like 3Nm (should confirm exact torque)