The 2K Owners Manual says that you should replace your spark plugs at 100K. But I've heard that they may be difficult to pull after 60K miles. So I'm wondering how many of you have run over 60K miles on your original plugs and whether you've had a problem removing them.

I've also read one post where someone replaced their original plugs at 42K and noticed a definite performance increase. Can anyone else corroborate that?

 

I'd just take the plugs out and CAREFULLY put some Anti-Seize on the threads and re-install them. I've done this to my VE30DE platinums when I did my first plug change at 70k. At 130k, I put a new set in and they came out no problem. Car ran a bit better and it should. But I ran them for the full duration

 

I dont give a **** because either a) I will have a new ride b) I'll pay someone else to do it for me

 

If I were you I wouldn't wait no longer than 48K to change the plugs, even though Nissan recommends the 100K to change them, I say that's crap. If you drive your car often and you tend to drive hard and fast most of the time, I'd say change them before 60K.

When they changed mine after the 60K service my plugs were so fried that they were wondering how I was even able to run that long that way. I know some will disagree with me and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their opionion. Based on my experience I wouldn't wait to 60 and 100k is an eternity for plugs, that's just like changing your oil at 6k instead of 3k.
Just my .02

 

Is it mandatory to remove the intake on a 2k1 to change the rears?

 

no, the only plug you are going to have problems getting to is the rear one by the throttle body. But you can get to it by removing the throttle cable bracket and taking some of vacuum hoses off around that area. Just be careful with the bolts, you don't want to drop those behind the engine. But if you do, they usually land on the heat shield

 

How do they look when they are fried? I just changed mine at 50k and mine still look alright but you can tell the engine's been running lean because its white around the tip on all of them. Can you post a picture of your plugs? I'm curious to see what fried Maxima plugs look like.

 

I am at 78K and I can feel the car start to hesitate. It is getting annoying. I am going to take my car to Nissan tomorrow to change the plugs... Any suggestions as to what kind of plugs or do they use a standard brand?

 

I changed my plugs at 52K on my 97. The plugs still looked great but replaced them anyway. Installed new NGK PFRG5-11 plugs. Made a significant difference in performance and MPG. I plan on replacing them at 40K next time. I used silicon grease on the coil pack plug seal and anti seize on plug threads. Reduced plug torque by 35% so I wouldn't over tighten plugs when using anti seize compound.