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Replacing 3rd Gen Spark Plugs

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by R1CH13, Sep 5, 2014.

  1. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well now you've got me reconsidering, i wouldn't mind a smoother shifting transmission...
     
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  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    You could always recycle the plugs. Clean them up, re-gap them, and put them back in. Of course you do run the risk of the insulator seal failing from heat cycling (because you would be heat cycling them for the equivalent of much more than 100,000 mi). Sometimes they can drop into the engine when the ceramic fails. That can get expensive!
     
  3. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Note to self for 2020: change PCV and plugs when I change the struts.

    I don't want to waste 45 minutes of my life with the disassembly involved more than once in the car's lifetime if I don't have to. ;)
     
  4. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Thats interesting! My Prius transmission never shifts. Hmmmm?

    Oh! I think it does in my Ford F-350. I will have to change the spark plugs and see if it shifts smoother.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you have to read post #16.;)
     
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Mine came with a 6 speed but I can't feel it
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you must have special plugs.(y)
     
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  8. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I read it when it was posted. My tranny doesnt shift any more. Or any less. :whistle:
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my poor attempt at humour.:)
     
  10. HaroldW

    HaroldW Active Member

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    i thought it was a good attempt at humour! h
     
  11. CreigMac

    CreigMac Junior Member

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    I pulled my Tundra plugs at 120K miles and they looked 90% as good as the new ones I put them back and used them till 140K. When I changed them the trucks behavior didn't change a bit MPG's stayed the same. Not sure how heat cycling will affect the Prius plugs but I'd imagine 120K is easily attainable. 10 years from now plugs will be a lifetime item if things keep going the way they are.
     
  12. R1CH13

    R1CH13 Member

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    You guys do know when I meant shifting I didn't mean the transmission right? I was talking about the transition from electric to gas and vice versa. Since you guys like being technical. The Prius TRANSITIONED from electric to gas better after I replaced the plugs.
     
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was just yankin' your chain.:p sorry man!:)
     
    #33 bisco, Sep 9, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2014
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  14. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Yeah we knew. I think. (y)
     
  15. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    You mean the one in the CVT, right? :sneaky:
     
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  16. djs

    djs Junior Member

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    Nice video on how to remove a bunch of parts, and although I haven't needed to replace spark plugs, I remove the plastic plug cover every time I change oil just to clean things up and it just comes off easily with out the need to remove anything else. I haven't check recently to see if there is enough room once the cover is off to remove the plugs but visual memory suggests there is. The video indicates you have to remove all that gear just to remove the plastic cover. That just isn't so on my 2010.
     
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The video method, unfortunately, is the only way to get the at the plugs, get them out. I've done it.

    It is really frustrating: without all that disassembly, you can get at the ignition coils, get them off, and then there's metal sleeve going down into the spark plug well. Pull it up, it comes up about 2 inch, and then bump, hit's the underside of the bodywork. :(
     
  18. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Yeah, if you spent more money, it has to be an improvement.
    :rolleyes:
     
  19. priusde

    priusde Junior Member

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    Replacing plugs over the weekend but what a pain.
     
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  20. 48mpg

    48mpg Member

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    WOW, just WOW! makes me want to pay someone to do it