Spark Plugs at 100k

The plugs look great for having 100k on them.

Did you have any problem removing them?

There have been some stories of dificulties with frozen plugs.

 

those plugs do look great for 100,000 miles on them. You could use this picture guide to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions

 

Wow, those look better than mine did at 55K!
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_H*

 

I hope you used a never sieze lubricant on the threads of the new plugs and tightened them to specs. If not they may be very hard to get out for the next change.

 

I agree, they look great for the milage. I've taken out dozens (sets) of plugs from GM LS1 cars and 5.3L/6.0L trucks and they didn't look that good at 30k let alone 100k. I do have to admit that the NGKs tended to look better than the Delcos.

 

I used to have a 2000 GMC Sierra with a Vortec 5.3 litre V8. I think a similar motor is used by Holden, mine had aluminum heads and iron block

I changed the plugs in 2002 at around 40,000 km and they were almost impossible to get out. Dry/partially seized and made a screeching noise while being removed. I'm surprised I didn't bugger the threads. GM recommended a 160,000 km interval, they would be impossible to remove at that point

 

The used plugs look great, good to know that the ECM is doing its job in providing the correct air/fuel mixture and the engine is not burning oil.

Did you have an opportunity to measure the gap on the used plugs? The new plug gap is supposed to be measured and adjusted to 1.0 to 1.1 mm. When the gap reaches 1.2 mm, that indicates the plugs need replacement.

Even though the 2G spark plug replacement interval is 120K miles (except 150K miles for CA and PZEV states) I suggest removing the plugs at 60K miles to inspect them, check the gaps, and apply antiseize lube. This will make them easier to remove when 120K miles arrives.

I used to own a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT AWD with 5L V8 prior to buying the HiHy. The recommended spark plug change interval was 100K miles. I replaced the platinum plugs at ~80K miles which was a painful process, having to jack up the front, remove the front tires and going in through the wheel wells.

Some of the spark plug wires (remember when high voltage wires were used?) were fused to the spark plugs so they had to be yanked off. One connector was especially hard to remove, I yanked on it with all my strength, the connector came off, and I scraped a few inches of skin off my arm on the access hole in the wheel well. :hurt:

Obviously new spark plug wires were needed - I lubed the connectors with dielectric grease to make removal easier for the next owner or mechanic who decided to replace or check the spark plugs. (Why couldn't Ford manufacturing do this?)

 

Those look almost perfect. 100K! What a cool car we own. Our car has to have the best fuel management in the business. Those are Platinums and are missing the little ball at the end of the center electrode. I don't know why that ball is there as my Ranger Truck will take a brand new Platinum and in 5K eat that ball right off & make it look like your plugs.
I try to never let a plug go more that 25K before I break it out and re-apply anti-seize.I had one on a 78 T.A that was never changed out for 60K and I broke it off trying to break it loose. Stripped the plug hole. That was $$$$. Never again.

 

Get some never-seize and take them out and use it on the threads. Spark plugs shouldn't squeak going in or coming out. You can use molybond grease too.
If the plugs seize in the head you will do hundreds of dollars damage at the next change.

 

Even stripping the threads in a lawnmower engine is a royal PITA. At least it's easy enough to take off the head, heli-coil it, and reassemble. It's a major job on a car though!

 

Jayman, I just popped my plugs out on an 07 Prius with 130K mileage. I hear ya on the screeching noise and tough to get out. I put a light coat of antiseize on my plugs (apparently Toyota advises against it) your thoughts?