Spark Plug Replacement

Crap... my '05 has 133k on the the original plugs.

 

Honda Service Manuals I've collected over the years advise to use small quantity of anti-seize on the threads.

In my Toyota Prius Repair Manual pdf I see precious little about spark plug install, not even a torque spec. Maybe missed it.

Pic from Honda Manual:

 

That's not really a huge problem by itself.
I just replaced my plugs at about that if not 135k miles.
They are a little harder to get out due to threads being gunked up but its a fairly easy DIY job on a Gen2.
You can get the special iridium tipped plugs various places (Amazon).
The iridium plugs are amazing and you will see they maintain the gaps in good condition. Iridium is the hardest substance known or something like that.

 

Strangely, the spark plug change intervals for CARB states is listed as 150,000 miles. Yet, non-CARB states have a change interval of 120,000 miles. If you look at the 120,000 mile maintenance page, you'll see a foot note, stating this. Makes sense, as the Prius engine isn't always on, unlike a regular conventional engine. The iridium plugs are rated for 120,000 miles according to the respective manufactures. Still just easier to change at 120,000 miles, or sometime soon after.

 

Most of the examples we've seen of plugs taken out at 120k miles, they look like they are practically new and could easily go to 150k without issue.

 

I had heard about them being tough to remove at 120k so just took mine out and gave them a bit of a clean, including threads at 60k. Hopefully, when I do hit 120k, it shouldn't then be an issue.

 

I guess I'll just remove them for inspection and put them back. What's the torque spec?

Edit: Found the torque spec. It's only 13 ft-lbs. Is that correct? That's possibly the lowest torque for spark plugs I've seen.

 

Where'd you find that torque spec?

 

On PC and the web... 2nd gen spec.

 

13ft-lb is correct.

Consider buying a temporary subscription ($55 for 2 days) to Toyota Techstream, to get the manuals (download/print) for your future reference.

A Standard TIS subscription provides access to the technical information library for all Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles marketed in North America. A Standard subscription allows vehicle model and year specific publication searches for the information needed to maintain, diagnose, and repair all Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles. As a general rule, model coverage begins with the 1990 model year with some information, like Technical Service Bulletins, available back to 1987.​

TIS