Platinum Plugs
 

When are you supposed to replace them?
Mine might be original...
Also-Are they easily accessible?

Re: Platinum Plugs
 

Every 100,000 miles
Not really...but do-able

I just replaced mine. The plugs looked perfect (no erosion, tan color), and the car has 82k miles on it. I did a bit of reading on platinum plugs, and even though the manufacturers often recommend replacement at 100k miles, lots of people say the plugs degrade in performance by 50k miles. If you do decide to replace, I'd recommend going with the Denso Iridium spark plug.

http://www.denso.co.jp/PLUG/iridium-e/
http://www.densoiridium.com/

The NGK Iridium plug looks fine too. In fact, it looks the same as the Denso Iridium plug.

The plugs are a PITA to replace. It will probably take you several hours to do it the first time if your engine is clean to start with. If its not clean, I recommend degreasing around the spark plugs before starting. BTW, I ended up breaking all the little plastic hangers for the lead wires.

I replaced my plugs at 130k miles. They were normal in color, and all were gapped within spec and within 001" of eachother.

That's pretty friggin' fantastic performance from a set of plugs, if you ask me.

I agree with the above comments - the plugs are a total pain in the ass to replace. I recommend getting an inspection mirror and a set of picks to do it - the coil boots can and probably will stick to the plugs and you're not going to be able to see in there to get them out.

The current wisdom seems to go against using anti-sieze on the plugs. I used the stuff, but I wish I hadn't, having read the comments from techs here.

...Yep Sparkies are pain in the ass!! The best tool that I ever brought is one of those Craftsman extendable magnets. I can tell you how many times I would drop something down in the engine! ;)

BTW, I was told that you should never need to gap Plat. plugs...

You shouldn't, no. I had to because mine came packed poorly from 1stsubarupats.com, and one of the plugs was a little bent.

I carefully used a needlenose pliers. That worked just fine.

I replaced my original plugs at 130k. Mine were not discolored at all, and were within spec just like Nick's. I did notice some improvment in idle and performance with new plugs though.

Mike

Plug THIS!
 

I replaced my plugs with NGK's (dealer $90. - yes I'm a sucker!) @ 60,000 in October 2002. This was my very first attempt to solve my intermittent rough idle (that has never been solved - did get better though!).

I have small hands. If you don't, take off the battery and air filter housing for access or let a pro do it. It's a B*#@H! I used a 12 mm box wrench to loosen the coil bolts. Popped the coils off the plugs with long screwdriver. I think it took a 2 or 3 inch extension on the ratchet attached to the spark plug socket(?)

I, too, broke all (brittle) plastic wire brackets. They cost 15 to 20 dollars!

My plugs as y'all mentioned were in excellent shape - gapped and "pretty"!

GO FOR IT, BRO! :D

I pulled an easy one on the right front. Here is a picture. Considering what a PITA it is, do you think it will be worth the effort? We only drive it about 2000 miles/year. I'd prefer not to do it.

Let me know. (The left rear look like a horrow show to access)

My car just rolled 80K Miles.

Thanks.

Plugs
 

Looked at your e-pic of spark plug and whole heartedly agree that changing "any" of the sparkies can be a PITA. Most folks measure the gap, or the space between the tip and electrode.

From reviewing your e-pic it looks like the tip has sufferred some erosion, resulting in more of a point than a rounded and or flat post that allows electrical current to jump from one side to the other. Just an observation and may be wrong. Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but unless you can put an eyeball on the situation and or problem..... ou just don't know. Like I said, just an observation based on your e-pic.

Good Luck. I wouldn't think that 2,000 miles of driving within a calender year would require sparkplug replacement, but I am just a junior member.

Mike

Mine's just rolled 200k. Should do it right?

I have 2 more densos left from my "Money Pit". Neet to get 4 more and I am set. Will do plugs, and leekey engine at the same time soon.

L

Re: Plugs
 

Nice observation. However, this is what a normal platinum plug looks like. They all have a small platinum tip and the OEM NGK plugs also have a dab of platinum on the other end of the spark as well...something the Bosch plugs are missing.

Your picture is so far out of focus that its impossible to learn anything about the condition of the plug. However, assuming that the plugs are in normal condition for 80k miles, they ought to be fine and not need replacing for another 20k miles or more.

200k miles on original plugs? Wow. I would think you could get some benefit to replacing the plugs after this many miles. Be careful when removing them. I'm wondering if they might be almost seized to the heads.