Read the FAQ and searched around the site, all I can find is use platinum tipped. Does anyone have a preference for spark plug brand? any one brand better than another? NGK, Bosch, Or all they all about the same. What about heat rating, anyone found any reason to use anything but factory suggested heat rating?
Is this an hour job, or should I set aside more time to do this. I know that someone mentioned that one or two of the plugs are a ***** to get to, any special tools needed other than an extension and a U joint?
all suggestions greatly appreciated.
TIA

 

NGK is the OEM brand and recommended replacement. Most people use the platinums but some are using the copper plugs with no problem. Nitrous and forced induction cars may need one heat range colder but otherwise stick to the factory spec.

On my '95 its very simple, no special tools needed and an hour is plenty of time.

 

Seems that NGK are the preferred plug on the forum but the choice is yours.

It's really less than an hour job. The only plugs that are a problem are the two on the back, driver's side. There's a cable guide in the way of the center plug, and there may be another assembly in the way of the other plug. Both can be moved out of the way very easily.

You'll want a long extension (12" is good), a 5/8" spark plug socket, an allen wrench for the cover on the front plugs, and a smaller socket or nut driver (8 or 9 mm I think) for the coils, and some thread lubricant for the new plugs.

Then it's pretty straightforward.

 

i have ngk plats right now, but i think im gonna go with ngk coppers next tune up. the only thing is they have to be replaced around every 30k miles rather than the 60k plats. however the price is so much cheaper that i think its worth it. from what i hear theres no performance differences really. (i searched this a lot, if u do too, you'll find what im talkin about).

 

Thread lubricant....you mean some type of antiseize compound?
I have heard of plugs that would tearout the aluminum threads, should the engine be dead cold, like in the morinig before starting or would warm be better?
TIA

 

I have the NGK plats....and I can change them in 10 minutes

 

I've using Denso platinums that I picked up from Napa since last weekend. They're about half the price of the NGK plats (OEM) at ~$5 or $6 each, and look nearly identical to the NGKs. Same laser-cut ground electrode, similar center electrode. Had to gap them all, as some were slightly off from spec. Car runs as smoothly now as I recall it would after new NGKs, so I think they're a good alternative to the OEM NGKs.

 

What about Denso IRIDIUM spark plugs? Any hits for those?

 

 

Best Plug to use is NGK PFR5G-11. If you use anti seize compound reduce foot pounds by 35% so you don't overtighen plugs. 14 - 22 foot pounds is torque range w/o anti seize compound for spark plugs.

 

I just installed some NGK Coppers and I have some old Champion Plats I think. I'm gonna keep em and make a comparison after 30k miles or so unless you guys want to see the what the Champs look like after 30k without the NGK coppers to compare.

-Gambit

 

Yeah, sorry. I should have been more precise. I use Permatex Anti-seize.

 

Just changed out my Bosch Plat +4s with these. Bought them at a NOPI store for about $10 each. Slightly cheaper than the NGKs at the Nissan dealer. Checked gap on all and within spec out of the box. Idles/runs smooth. Agree with others, get some anti seize compound....about $1 for a little packet. Also, buy a length of heater hose about 18" long and a diameter that will fit snugly on your plugs. Use this to initially "thread" your plugs in. This was a tip from Chilton's and I think is worth the price of the book . Install of plugs is pretty easy on the front bank. Only "buggers" are the middle and driver's side plugs but really not a problem if you go slow. Don't use a philips head to remove the two screw/nuts on the coils. I use a metric bolt/screw driver thing. Works great. Another tip, get two spark plug sockets. Take the rubber insert out of one and use this to install the new plugs. I've found that the socket comes out easy this way instead of "sticking" to the plug and coming off the extension. Use the other socket with the rubber insert to remove the old plugs....the rubber will grip the plug and let you pull it out.
Cheers

 

I bought spark plugs for my 95 max from the dealership.... and when i installed them i didnt gap them... are they pre-gaped ... or do i have to gap them.

 

i believe plugs from the dealer are pregapped at .44? i don't think u would have to, but i guess checkin wouldnt hurt.

 

The -11 indicates the plugs are pre gapped to .044 inches but I always double check them to avoid potential problems.

 

I thought you were not supposed to gap platinum plugs, that it was to easy to damage them? Of course I know the gap should be proper, and if it is not should be gapped, always been a question for me.......I usually have just checked the gap and found them to be proper, don't really know what I'd have done if it were not proper.......guess I would have set the gap

 

copper ngk are supposed to spark better than the platinum ngks, but you have to change them more often

 

So what is the part number for our Max's if you use the copper NGK's?
I think that is what I'll buy if they have a stronger spark.....
TIA
2maximas
(I assume the parts houses have a cross reference sheet, but I want to make sure I'm getting the right plug) plus you know has happens when you assume................

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....5&pagenumber=1

 

So coppers provide better performance but plats last longer? How much for each?

 

I just ordered ngk platinums today and should be getin them tomorrow, my max has 110k and i have no idea when they were changed last or how they were changed, so im hoping to notice a slight diference since the cars been havin a list of really dumb problems latly...soo what you guys are sayint hough is that the gap should be .044 then right?

 

So far noone has said anything bad about the NGK Plats.
I think it's worth spending the money. The wrong plugs can cause a lot of expencive problems in the long run.
It's better to pay the money and get the NGK's

 

Deff get the NGK plats,,, but dont pay dealer price for them... look on ebay.. i got mine for like 38.00.. and if you find an auctoin that is for NGK plats but not for a maxima email them and most the time they will be able to get you ones for the maxima.... at the same price..http://search.ebay.com/search/search...laser+platinum

 

NGK PFR5G-11 is the Laser Platinum Plug for 4th gen Maximas. The -11 means they are pre gapped to 1.1mm or .044 inches. I always but very carefully check the gap to avoid potential problems.