Spark Plugs - Opinion for a Newbie

[Ellison]

This is my first look at the plugs in my 86 LC. I only pulled plug number 2, but from what I can see compared to the service manual and posts on here, this looks normal. I haven't checked the gap. The LC runs great, but I was concerned the plugs may be old. My concerns: The rust around the plug; Is that a normal amount of gray build up on top; How old do these appear to be?

I'm only trying to seek advice to better understand my LC. Thanks for any advice in advance. Not sure what happened but I can't post pictures anymore unless they are URL's to the image.

Pictures: Click Here

 

[DFXR]

That doesn't look too abnormal, maybe a little blistered.

If you're at all concerned about the age of the plugs, just get a new set and install them. It's cheap, and easy, and a good thing to do to start getting acquainted. Plus you can see what your other plugs look like, and with the new ones in you can stop wondering.

If your spark plug wires look at all aged, you might as well change them too. Now you see how the can of worms works.

There are lots of opinions about plug brands on here, so do a search, but you will find that many people with a stock 2F run either Denso or NGK, gapped at .035. I run the Denso.

 

[Output Shaft]

The electrode tips of the plug look really good for an older plug.

Replace them with Toyota plugs and take a look at them again after a few hundred miles.

 

[Spike Strip]

Denso W14EXR-U

 

[Ellison]

I went and pulled all six to check. They all looked the same. The gap ranged from .45 -.50. I used a light wire brush to remove the deposit build up and gapped them all to .35. My service manual says .31 but my coin gap tool isn't the easiest to get to a perfect .31. Seems to be running great. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Elbert]

why not install new appropriate spark plugs...if unknown when changed last.

 

[Ellison]

why not install new appropriate spark plugs...if unknown when changed last.

Pulling these then posting the pics allows me to learn more about them from others. I've never changed plugs before so it gives me a chance to learn about older ones and compare them to the new ones I'm putting in later this month.

 

[brownbear]

If they are clean and the electrode is not worn, they are still ok to keep in the engine. Sure you can replace them. But you probably don't need to. On Airplanes which have a bit more critical need of their plug, get cleaned and re-gapped over and over again.

 

[Output Shaft]

Still good: (not a land cruiser plug)

Not so good:

 

[Elbert]

Pulling these then posting the pics allows me to learn more about them from others. I've never changed plugs before so it gives me a chance to learn about older ones and compare them to the new ones I'm putting in later this month.

I understand, its always good to evaluate the plugs, but to me there is not much value in re-installing the old ones if you pull them out. Carb engines are not the best with long term use of spark plugs, and the price is not bad. So if you have not way of knowing the status of the plugs and plug wires....its real easy to swap out. One lesson there is when new...deal with one plug and one wire at the time....so you get them re-installed correctly. Use the right spark plug...too (not champion).

 

[Ellison]

View attachment 1217067


Still good: (not a land cruiser plug)
View attachment 1217068

Not so good:
View attachment 1217069

View attachment 1217070

Thanks for the color pictures. My chilton manual has almost those same pictures but they are BW. These is way more helpful. I used the coin gap measuring tool, and tapped the plug on Lucy till flatten the gap. I checked at two parts stores for a gapping tool like that picture, but no luck. I try to buy local when I can, but looks like I'll check the web for a better tool.

 

[Ellison]

I understand, its always good to evaluate the plugs, but to me there is not much value in re-installing the old ones if you pull them out. Carb engines are not the best with long term use of spark plugs, and the price is not bad. So if you have not way of knowing the status of the plugs and plug wires....its real easy to swap out. One lesson there is when new...deal with one plug and one wire at the time....so you get them re-installed correctly. Use the right spark plug...too (not champion).

I agree. I'm planning on changing them out with Denso plugs later this month with a fresh oil change and new oil filter. First oil change I've ever done. Thanks for the advice. I did notice my plug wires are number for ease of use, which I thought was a nice touch. Father in law said that isn't normal.

 

[Cruzerman]

I hope the reason your not putting in plugs until later this month is that you don't have the money. If that is the case, this rig is going to kill you financially.

 

[SteveH]

Denso W14EXR-U - about $2.50/each at the dealer after discount. I wouldn't run any other plug in that engine. Keep one or two old ones as spares for trail fixes, driveway accidents, etc.

 

[Ellison]

Denso W14EXR-U - about $2.50/each at the dealer after discount. I wouldn't run any other plug in that engine. Keep one or two old ones as spares for trail fixes, driveway accidents, etc.

Just ordered 6 from advanced auto parts today. $2.39 each. Thanks for the input.

 

[Ellison]

I hope the reason your not putting in plugs until later this month is that you don't have the money. If that is the case, this rig is going to kill you financially.

Nope, not the case. Just wanted some practice with them.

 

[Landpimp]

If you use a toyota cap and plug wires. ...they are # to make life easier. Also oem plug wires are dated, normaly a few year older than they were installed(ie, mine went on in 2001, dated 1999)

Are thsee things required, no, but they sure are nice.