jbl-1985

So I am looking to take my '99 to get the T-Belt replaced for the first time, and I am on the fence about having them swap out the spark plugs as well. Only 74k miles, but 17 years old. I've seen some guys pull them out with 120k on them and looking like they could go another 50k or so.

Thoughts?

p.s. not sure I have the patience to get to the back plugs so I may take the easy way out and have the dealer do it...

artbuc

They will easily go another 50k but you may never get them out. How long are you planning to keep her?

salimshah

If you are not burning oil, then leave then in till 110K miles. Usually they can go more, but that is the recommended service interval.

Salim

fastnoypi

i'd consider pulling the front 3 plugs, inspect them for wear and gap and make a decision on an overall full spark plug replacement service.

Depending on the shop, they may cut you a break on labor with the spark plug service while doing a timing belt at the same time.

jbl-1985

Keeping her forever. And I didn't think you gapped the Iridium plugs either??

jbl-1985

No oil burning here. Engine still purrs like new.

artbuc

I didn't post anything about gapping. I do always check, but I have never found a single NGK or Denso iridium that wasn't perfect right out of the box and damn near perfect after 120k miles.

salimshah

My understanding is that one should not adjust gap on iridium's

Salim

fastnoypi

You shouldn't need to gap an iridium plug but from time to time the ground strap may arrive bent due to packaging. You can gap the but do not use a coin style gapper. Use a gapper like this to avoid damaging the electrode. http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/ima...prod_222856901

jbl-1985

I know you didn't someone else did however...my bad.

jbl-1985

Here's a thought though, and the reason I am considering doing so. This car is only driven, say 3,000 miles a year. Maybe even less. So to get to 110k miles would take 11 years or so. By then the plugs are 28 years old. Too old even though they would be within the service interval?

salimshah

Spark plugs do not go bad sitting on the shelf ... so time does not impact them. Rubber, vinyl, oils, fuel etc get impacted by time.

Salim

artbuc

If I were you I would forget about changing the plugs. Do you really think you will be driving a 28 year old car?

jbl-1985

Well it has kudos of sentimental value and it doesn't get driven that much...

Wait a minute, are you kidding, and is it so hard to figure? People drive cars that are 2-3x times as old...

artbuc

Well, you answered your own question.