(& clean the coils/boots)
How do I clean the coils/boots. I am going to check my plugs soon and an not familiar with this process. Does anybody have pics of this?

 

How hard is it to replaced the spark plugs on a 2K2 Maxima???

 

Cleaning coils & boots should be simple... just wipe all carbon/junk off the outer casing with some cleaners, apply some silicone spray and reinstall the coils with a little dielectric tuneup grease to the spark plug's ceramic insulator (or a thin layer in the boot, if that's easier--just don't clog up the coil's terminal which plugs onto the spark plug's center conductor)

Cleaning the coils was something I remember from the old CA18DE engine (1988)... too much carbon down there can promote flashover, possibly making the coil fail (and causing misfire/etc.)

 

I can do it in 35 minutes.

 

What I need to know is how difficult is it to replace the spark plugs, not how long it takes. Do you have to dismantle anything to get to the plugs? The front ones seem not too bad; how about the back plugs?
Thanks.

 

I'm running NGK iridium IX with no problems.

 

Its not difficult, I did it last year in 22 mins at the track. However, you do have to remove the intake manifold. There are instructions in the FAQ's somewhere.

 

I replaced with stock plats. No good reason, but I'm lazy and I don't want to have to do it again anytime soon.

 

I'm running my 2k1 on NGK Iridium IX's w/ no problems.

 

platinum plugs have a great lifetime. stick with them.

 

i jus did mine last week, went with some ngk iridiums and new ig coils, did it at approx 49k ithink it was their time!

 

Someone stated that you should replace the back ones with Plats and the front with copper. Does this cause any potential issues, since they perform differently?

 

I've never heard that before and wouldn't do it.

 

For an 02+ it may make sense to a lazy few tht don't feel like taking off the intake manifold every 30k.

 

how much are the platnium NGK plugs and who stocks them?

 

I paid 57.00 for a set of 6 at Coutesy. Not a bad deal. I would stick with OEM for our cars.

 

well accordingto you guys...60k looks like the right time to change..im at 62.7k right now...maybe i should look into it but as for me, stock out,stock back in unless u need to change for a good reason. .02

 

Just replaced my plugs with ngk coppers. I was surprised how easy they came out with 87K on em. Thanks for all the help .org guys!

 

Ouch, you can get iridiums for $40 on ebay. Search around and you can get them much cheaper.

 

went to Advance Auto part today, here is what I am found
1) oe style G-Power $2.98 2) Laser Platinum $9.98
wow there is a big difference, is it worth it?????????????????
Anybody have clue? I need to change mine 78k miles already.

 

What about the iridium plugs? Are they better than platinum, and is ngk or denso better?

 

I heard Iridium plugs are only beneficial if you car is boosted.

 

The masks are latex I believe. I should call my NBC NCO. I remember when they used to have the alcohol wipes in them and now you have to wash them in warm soap and water. PITA

 

I will probably call my boy DaveB and he should be able to cut a good deal. He is adding an addition onto his house from my sales

 

My mechanic installed 6 triple plats at 60K. Apparently that's what I had in my 00 for stock, and they were pretty covered in deposits. I won't say how much I paid for them, bcuz it may have been too much. Either way, I trust him.

I notice that I don't get as good gas mileage...it can't be because of the new plugs can it?...cleaner spark...no can't be.

Are triple platinums that much better so that they have to charge so much?
Just want to know for future reference.

 

I'd pay to see that! I say no faster than 45 minutes (I've done it myself and know how long it takes. First time: 1.5 hours. Second:1 hr. 3+ ~45 minutes, no faster.) I know you have the fastest max around, but...


You coming back to MIR next year?

 

Holy crap! Just went to the auto store and they wanted $20 EACH for the NGK Plats! There's no way Im spending over $120 on spark plugs. I just bought and installed NGK Plats on my mom's SAAB for under $10 for all four. I dont see how our's can be THAT special.

Just removed a couple to see how mine are doing after 50k... I've got to say they don't really look that bad. I think Ill hold off for a bit more.

BTW, the best price I've seen for these plugs are at www.sparkplugs.com for $11.71. Anybody know of a place with better prices?

 

Advance Auto Part $9.98

 

The truth of the matter is:

Copper: Best conductor of electricity, most power, soft metal (loses gap), short life (as little as 5k on a set)

Plats: 'Poor' (I use this term loosly) conductor of electricty, Less power, EXTREAMLY hard, Holds gap, LONG life (60k on a set is normal)

Iridium: Conducts electricity nearly as good as copper, power levels near copper, As hard as plat, holds gap like plats, and their life is like plats.

Boost has little to do with the material used as the conductor. Boost/Power is important when you talk about plug gap and heat range of the plug.

I personally run Iridium's in my 3000GT VR-4 (Twin Turbo) and reccomend them to those who consider power and life important.

 

Copper is the best conductor on earth, but this means squat when there is megaohms of resistance in the air between the electrodes. All you would have to do is gap the plat plugs a few nanometers less to get the same overall resistance. Copper plugs don't spark as well as plats because the electrode is bigger on copper than plat. The sharper the point, the easier it is for a spark to jump the gap.

Two needles will spark more readily than two metal ***** at equal distances.

Copper plugs are crap. Copper is a soft metal that easily corrodes and has a low melting point. I would use Iridium or Plat. only. Plat plugs and esp. iridium can easily last 100k miles.

 

I see 2 different NGK platinum plugs which one do I pick? I just want the OEM replacement. NGK 6240 and the NGK 6376. One is $7 and one is $10.

 

Just checked my plugs and the guy before me had these stock POS plugs in there. I actually thing they are STEEL! Just kidding, I put in Champion Platinum
+4 and wow power... For $29 for the six i couldnt pass it up...

 

I would definetly go with ngk

 

How do you change the back plugs on the vq30? Do you have to take off the intake?

 

No, they're behind the manifold. You need a long extension and some patience.

 

is there a how-to?

 

It's only been covered a million bazillion times. You ever look in the stickies?


It's really simple, unplug and remove the ignition coils, unscrew spark plugs, put new ones in, put the coils back in and plug them in. Takes 10min tops.

 

I know that, i mean for the back three, i took a look at it the other day and i didnt see anywhere where i could pull coils. but then again i didnt look that hard.

 

There's your answer right there

 

Thanks remember to do that.