RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Spark Plugs

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Old 07-23-10, 08:41 AM
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hypervish
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Default Spark Plugs

Hey, how's everything doing today? Well I've got almost 150k on the RX and the spark plugs haven't ever been changed. I will be tackling them very soon, and want to purchase them sometime this weekend and maybe even install the front 3 plugs, and leave the other 3 to my mechanic. Does anyone have any recommendations for plugs and where they will be the cheapest?
Old 07-23-10, 09:51 AM
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weinkaufjr
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I usually use Rockauto.

Here is good thread if you want to DIY and there are a couple of others.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-f...-patience.html

Do the front first to get a feel for it. After that you can do the back ones by feel if you are so inclined.
Old 07-23-10, 11:57 AM
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hypervish
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I've seen the thread and I know for sure that I can do all the spark plugs but the back are way too time consuming so they will be done by my family friend who's a mechanic and he's gonna do it for free anyways. I looked on RockAuto as well, but I'm wondering if I need to get NGK Iridium or will NGK V-Power do fine. I honestly don't want to spend much money on spark plugs but if the iridium will make a noticable difference over the V-Power then I'll spend the money.
Will the Iridiums give me better fuel mileage or will they just last longer than the v-power and give the same performance?
Old 07-23-10, 01:59 PM
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salimshah
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Stick with iridium. They need replacement at 110K miles.

The back ones are slightly more difficult but not very hard. Lot smoother if you have the spark plug socket ... it has a rubber to hold on to the head and short extension.

Dont be too surprised that your coil-pack dies after the plug change. They dont like the new load (specially if you have not changed them earlier).

ie. Dont change plugs a day before you intend to take a journey.

Salim
Old 07-23-10, 02:23 PM
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hypervish
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What are the chances of the coil-pack dying afterwards? Because I don't want to have to spend more money, I may just wait till next summer then to replace the Spark Plugs.
Old 07-23-10, 04:27 PM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by hypervish
What are the chances of the coil-pack dying afterwards? Because I don't want to have to spend more money, I may just wait till next summer then to replace the Spark Plugs.

Dont want to jinx the situation. There are more chances that nothing will happen. Do what you need to.

Salim
Old 07-24-10, 01:14 PM
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hypervish
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Should I get the NGK Laser Series Iridium Spark Plug or the Denso Iridium Spark Plug?
Old 07-24-10, 03:58 PM
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salimshah
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Just pick a set of 6 from the dealer.

Enjoy the snacks.

Salim
Old 07-24-10, 04:19 PM
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hypervish
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Well I'm going to buy them from advanced auto parts because I used an online coupon so I can get the OEM Denso spark plugs for $33 and the NGK Laser Iridiums for $31. But I'm going to get the OEM Denso's. Look's like the snacks will just have to wait.

Edit: I just got a CEL, so I'm going to go to AutoZone tommorow and get the code read, hopefully it's not much well good thing i didn't change the spark plugs yet or else I would have blamed the spark plugs. lol.

Last edited by hypervish; 07-24-10 at 06:16 PM.
Old 07-24-10, 06:46 PM
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AlexusAnja
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I think either way, the coil packs are going to pack it in at anytime now anyway with 150K+ so just replace them if you're in there. I had one pack fail at 90K, the other at around 110K, then a third soon after so I just did the last four when the third went because I was about to go on a trip.
Old 07-24-10, 08:18 PM
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trhs75
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Hypervish -- I just changed the plugs in my wife's GX470 today (much easier than the ones on our RX300!!!). Same plug number as the RX: Denso SK20R11 long-life iridiums. They were 7.95 each from lexpartsonline with free shipping for orders over $50. They arrived within a day or two after ordering. Be careful on the website -- lots of their plugs say they "replace" the SK20R11's. Make sure you order the correct number. Good luck, and I hope you have small hands!
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