Car starting to shake. Need tune-up?
11-06-03, 06:05 PM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Car starting to shake. Need tune-up?
My LS is starting to shaking when idling. I got the car at 128,000 miles and havent done a complete tune-up like spark plug, cap, rotor, etc. Do you guys think this is causing the car to shake?
I am thinking about changing the plugs tomorrow to see if this will fix it. I know that the car came with Denso Platinum plugs, but I heard that copper plugs provide better conduction but last only 30,000 miles. I was wondering if anybody changed to copper plugs on their N/A and had problems. Also, do I gap the copper plugs to .043 in like the platinum plugs? I am going to go with the Denso K20R-U11 copper plugs. Is this the right part number?
I am thinking about changing the plugs tomorrow to see if this will fix it. I know that the car came with Denso Platinum plugs, but I heard that copper plugs provide better conduction but last only 30,000 miles. I was wondering if anybody changed to copper plugs on their N/A and had problems. Also, do I gap the copper plugs to .043 in like the platinum plugs? I am going to go with the Denso K20R-U11 copper plugs. Is this the right part number?
11-06-03, 11:27 PM
#2
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Are you having erratic idle? If you havent done any tune up at all, do it as soon as possible. It will make a world of difference after your done with all the regular maintenance. Heres a list of things that you should do.
1. Spark plugs - copper plugs do provide better conduction but they go bad quickly, about every 3500 miles (not 30,000miles) so if you dont mind changing plugs at that interval then do it. Or just go with Denso or NGK Platinum plugs. I dont know were you got the .043 gap, but does'nt your owners manual say .031. I have a 95 LS and that whats written in my manual (unless its a typo). And since we both have the 2nd gen LS, I doubt there's any difference. (correct me if I'm wrong)
2. Distributor cap and rotor - a b*tch to replace, having girlie hands will help
3. Spark plug wires - check for cracks and if you have the cash just replace it. $90
4. Throttle body - clean the throttle body, spray with TB cleaner, brush and wipe all the gunk inside.
5. Fuel filter - replace fuel filter
6. Air filter - replace air filter
7. Transmission fluid - flush all the old atf out of the system, and fill it with Toyota type4 ATF( forgot how much)
8. Coolant - flush it out and fill with fresh coolant
9. PCV valve - replace with a new one (very easy)
10. Fuel Injector Cleaner - run a bottle of Redline Fuel injector cleaner or Chevron Techron cleaner.
One more thing have you change the timing belt, at that mileage its long over due.
If all this things doesnt work, you might want to check the ECU for codes. Maybe some of your O2 sensors are bad. Hope this helps. Good luck.
1. Spark plugs - copper plugs do provide better conduction but they go bad quickly, about every 3500 miles (not 30,000miles) so if you dont mind changing plugs at that interval then do it. Or just go with Denso or NGK Platinum plugs. I dont know were you got the .043 gap, but does'nt your owners manual say .031. I have a 95 LS and that whats written in my manual (unless its a typo). And since we both have the 2nd gen LS, I doubt there's any difference. (correct me if I'm wrong)
2. Distributor cap and rotor - a b*tch to replace, having girlie hands will help
3. Spark plug wires - check for cracks and if you have the cash just replace it. $90
4. Throttle body - clean the throttle body, spray with TB cleaner, brush and wipe all the gunk inside.
5. Fuel filter - replace fuel filter
6. Air filter - replace air filter
7. Transmission fluid - flush all the old atf out of the system, and fill it with Toyota type4 ATF( forgot how much)
8. Coolant - flush it out and fill with fresh coolant
9. PCV valve - replace with a new one (very easy)
10. Fuel Injector Cleaner - run a bottle of Redline Fuel injector cleaner or Chevron Techron cleaner.
One more thing have you change the timing belt, at that mileage its long over due.
If all this things doesnt work, you might want to check the ECU for codes. Maybe some of your O2 sensors are bad. Hope this helps. Good luck.
11-07-03, 11:14 AM
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
It is strange my service manual says
ND = PK20R11 gap .043 in
NGK = BKR6EP11 gap .043 in
and my owners manual says
ND = PK20R8 gap .031 in
NGK = BKR6EP8 gap .031in
Anyways, I have to do a complete tune-up sometime soon. I havent had time to do the maintenance. I know that copper plugs on my maxima would go for 30,000 miles. Are you sure they only go for 3500 miles for the Lex?
I am going to change the plugs today and clean the TB and see what happens. I will change all the other parts next week.
ND = PK20R11 gap .043 in
NGK = BKR6EP11 gap .043 in
and my owners manual says
ND = PK20R8 gap .031 in
NGK = BKR6EP8 gap .031in
Anyways, I have to do a complete tune-up sometime soon. I havent had time to do the maintenance. I know that copper plugs on my maxima would go for 30,000 miles. Are you sure they only go for 3500 miles for the Lex?
I am going to change the plugs today and clean the TB and see what happens. I will change all the other parts next week.
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