so how does this spark plug look ?

[Elp_jc]

Never use anti-seize on spark plugs.

I think most people changing their own spark plugs already know that, but a good reminder. If you use anti-seize, you'd obviously have to tighten the old-fashioned way, like stated in the green chart below your post. I used to do 3/4 of a turn with a washer, and 1/16 of a turn without. But the aforementioned chart is more precise.

That's normal, I think its the nickel coating changing color as it ages with heat cycles.

Thanks. I though that was due to salty condensation (or maybe just condensation) forming in the spark plug cavity. I live in the desert, so we'll see how mine look when I need to replace them .

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[Sivi70980]

Makes me laugh a bit. Torqueing spark plugs and lug nuts is just something I've never done. I've never lost a tire or lug for that matter and as stated earlier, spark plugs just need to be sealed. I anti seize both plugs and lugs so when you have to remove them, they actually come off. Anyway, just makes me chuckle when torqueing is discussed on things that aren't really that precise. One thing I also do when changing plugs is a little bit of dielectric grease before putting the wire or coil pack back on the plug. And because internet, no flame intended.

 

[Jhonda]

I use a finger wipe of oil when putting plugs in.

 

[TnWHTMARE]

Look LOADS better than mine did at 3K

 

[tom_sprecher]

The Facebook tuner was right. With modern metallurgy, unleaded gas and fuel injection, that plug could have gone at least another 30k miles. Ford recommends replacement every 100k.

For me it would be a waste of money, but if it makes you feel better then go for it. I prefer to waste my money on Makers Mark. It makes me feel better.

 

[WildHorse]

For me it would be a waste of money

How's 80 bucks every 30k miles a waste of money? You must run 87 octane.

 

[WildHorse]

Look LOADS better than mine did at 3K

Holy haha. Supercharged ?

 

[TnWHTMARE]

Holy haha. Supercharged ?

Nope, basically a lund tune and corn. Had a cylinder mis-fire on 7 (i believe it was) but most plug threads were oil soaked. Replaced them and had the same issue within 500mi. Long story but found fuel/oil puddled on top of piston via bore scope. Had several other issues also and ended up trading out of it, so, while I could speculate, I'm not sure exactly what the issue(s) were.

 

[tom_sprecher]

How's 80 bucks every 30k miles a waste of money? You must run 87 octane.

The plugs are good for 100k according to Ford. Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I would guess they might know just a little bit more about optimum plug life than the average enthusiast sitting behind a keyboard. You will have spent $240 on plugs that they say don't need to be replaced by then. That's my definition of wasting money.

Also, I run 93.

 

[WildHorse]

The plugs are good for 100k according to Ford. Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I would guess they might know just a little bit more about optimum plug life than the average enthusiast sitting behind a keyboard. You will have spent $240 on plugs that they say don't need to be replaced by then. That's my definition of wasting money.

Also, I run 93.

Ok Karen.

 

[Sivi70980]

The plugs are good for 100k according to Ford. Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I would guess they might know just a little bit more about optimum plug life than the average enthusiast sitting behind a keyboard. You will have spent $240 on plugs that they say don't need to be replaced by then. That's my definition of wasting money.

Also, I run 93.

I do see your point but I have a story to tell. 2nd gen Mini Coopers with turbos (model S and JCW) are designed for once a year oil changes and it's stated in the drivers manual something like 1 year or 12k miles. Get on a forum and read many posts about turbos failing due to coking and other issues that come from not changing your oil enough. You've likely already guessed BMW has a loophole in place so around 60k miles when your turbo fails under warranty, the consumer is stuck with the entire cost of replacement. So the enthusiasts behind the keyboards change their oil every 3k-5k miles and what happens? Turbos lasting over 100k miles. Again, I see your point but you do realize manufacturers of anything you can think of design their products to fail right? I think it was Schick that spent like 5 years of R&D to develop a razor that goes dull faster. I'll always and gladly do maintenance more than needed on my 40k investment to try and avoid having to spend another 40k before I want to.

 

[WildHorse]

I do see your point but I have a story to tell. 2nd gen Mini Coopers with turbos (model S and JCW) are designed for once a year oil changes and it's stated in the drivers manual something like 1 year or 12k miles. Get on a forum and read many posts about turbos failing due to coking and other issues that come from not changing your oil enough. You've likely already guessed BMW has a loophole in place so around 60k miles when your turbo fails under warranty, the consumer is stuck with the entire cost of replacement. So the enthusiasts behind the keyboards change their oil every 3k-5k miles and what happens? Turbos lasting over 100k miles. Again, I see your point but you do realize manufacturers of anything you can think of design their products to fail right? I think it was Schick that spent like 5 years of R&D to develop a razor that goes dull faster. I'll always and gladly do maintenance more than needed on my 40k investment to try and avoid having to spend another 40k before I want to.

Yes Sir. Also extended oil change intervals, spark plug, filter changes does is make the customer think hmmm.. low maintenance. Cause the 'typical' customer is lazy. Regular maintenance is the key. It's like saying well my car is dirty, but I should wait till it's filthy before I clean it to save money.

 

[tom_sprecher]

Whatever...

 

[tom_sprecher]

I do see your point but I have a story to tell. 2nd gen Mini Coopers with turbos (model S and JCW) are designed for once a year oil changes and it's stated in the drivers manual something like 1 year or 12k miles. Get on a forum and read many posts about turbos failing due to coking and other issues that come from not changing your oil enough. You've likely already guessed BMW has a loophole in place so around 60k miles when your turbo fails under warranty, the consumer is stuck with the entire cost of replacement. So the enthusiasts behind the keyboards change their oil every 3k-5k miles and what happens? Turbos lasting over 100k miles. Again, I see your point but you do realize manufacturers of anything you can think of design their products to fail right? I think it was Schick that spent like 5 years of R&D to develop a razor that goes dull faster. I'll always and gladly do maintenance more than needed on my 40k investment to try and avoid having to spend another 40k before I want to.

Small engines with turbos and not enough cool oil is always a problem. Look up older Audi A4's. Oil has a hard life if the system is not properly designed. This can lead to excessive wear and premature failure.

The whole reason to pay the high price of iridium plugs is to get 80-100k miles out of them. If you are changing them at 30k, get conventional plugs at half the price and spend the money you saved on hookers and blow.

 

[WildHorse]

The whole reason to pay the high price of iridium plugs is to get 80-100k miles out of them

Well, the 15-17 do not use iridium.. they use double platinum.

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