should I change the spark plugs?

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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jeff_j1701
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should I change the spark plugs?

Post by jeff_j1701 »

Hey all!

I have an '07 Vibe with just over 200K on it.

The owner's manual says to replace the spark plugs at 200,000 but I haven't really had any issues with them. They are the original spark plugs.

Would there be a reason why I should change them?

Thanks!
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Raven
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Raven »

When I changed mine on my '06 at 160K they looked brand new and the gap was perfect on all 4. If it's running well, I would keep on going with them.
Caretaker

Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Caretaker »

+1 to that ^^^
Salsa Guy
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Salsa Guy »

Yes change them. It'll cost $20 and 15 minutes of time.
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Chiadog
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Chiadog »

2X change them, unless you want to wait for the ceramic on one of them to fall off into the combustion chamber!
SeattleJeremy
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by SeattleJeremy »

I agree with Chiadog and Salsa, change them.
They are suppose to be changed every 100k miles. That's great they've lasted as long as they have, but they will eventually fail, causing more headaches then it's worth.

They will cost you about $9 each for the right ones. Use the NGK BKR7EIX. This is the stock plug, and is the best plug for this engine.
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Caretaker

Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Caretaker »

Jeremy/others: what would be the best plug (iridium) for the second gen Vibe (corolla engine)?? The link you provided was for 2.4 liter (camry engine) only. How about the 1.8?
SeattleJeremy
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by SeattleJeremy »

Caretaker wrote:Jeremy/others: what would be the best plug (iridium) for the second gen Vibe (corolla engine)?? The link you provided was for 2.4 liter (camry engine) only. How about the 1.8?
jeff_j1701 has a 2007 Vibe. The links says the following.
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Mark
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Mark »

Caretaker wrote:Jeremy/others: what would be the best plug (iridium) for the second gen Vibe (corolla engine)?? The link you provided was for 2.4 liter (camry engine) only. How about the 1.8?

This one: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/ngk- ... spark+plug" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might as well change or at least clean the PCV while you're there, just make sure you get the right one.
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triz
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by triz »

Change them. It's cheap maintenance at the very least. The plugs should be chAnged every 100k. You'll get better spark, mAybe even a bit of mileage.

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Raven
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Raven »

triz wrote: What would Jesus do?
He'd drive a Tesla! :shock:
Caretaker

Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Caretaker »

Mark, that isn't the right plug for what I asked for, plus the PCV valve isn't anywhere near the plugs. You have to take off the intake manifold to get to it and then have to replace the intake manifold gasket. NGK wasn't even listed in the Advanced Auto search for the 1.8 liter SECOND generation Vibe.
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by lannvouivre »

NGK ILKAR7B11
Denso SC20HR11 or 3444

I googled 2ZR-FE NGK.
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Mark
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by Mark »

Caretaker wrote:Mark, that isn't the right plug for what I asked for, plus the PCV valve isn't anywhere near the plugs. You have to take off the intake manifold to get to it and then have to replace the intake manifold gasket. NGK wasn't even listed in the Advanced Auto search for the 1.8 liter SECOND generation Vibe.
Yeah, sorry. I always forget how much different the 2nd Gen 1.8L is.
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MarkM66
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by MarkM66 »

The owners manual states to change them at 200k miles, and not before????
bobho
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by bobho »

So they changed the Spark Mileage it would seem. I'm one of those old timers who remember changing plugs every 10,000 miles. Plus changing the points and condensor.
I agree that they should be changed
gtv237
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by gtv237 »

Besides even if its running good, it might not be 'running good'. It could have weak spark causing it to run rich which can foul up the inside of the engine and reduce efficiency. I would replace them with none other than the original ones toyota put in from the factory. I mean they got you to 200k, didn't they?
mbz321
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by mbz321 »

I replaced mine a few weeks ago (111,000miles on my Vibe) and the car seems to be driving a little better, but maybe that is just a placebo. The plugs I removed didn't look too terrible. Anyway, for less than $25 (NGK's. Ordered them online from AdvanceAuto with a coupon code and picked In-Store Pick Up), there wasn't any harm in changing them, IMO.
circuitsmith
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Re: should I change the spark plugs?

Post by circuitsmith »

MarkM66 wrote:The owners manual states to change them at 200k miles, and not before????
200k kilometers. Op from Canada, hey?
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