Iridium Spark Plugs
 

Fellas:

My GS has been running a bit rough lately and I think it might be the spark plugs.

But I;m not sure. A friend suggested that this might be the case.

the car is a 1999 but has only 36,000 miles and is meticulously cared for.

Do you think that new spark plugs are warranted and could they be the solution to the problem?

Also, I have heard that Iridium spark plugs are the way to go. Is this true or are there better spark plugs.

Which ones should I get, if any, and where should I get them and the price please.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Ted

Lexus Iridium plugs can be had for about $10 each from a OEM parts discounter like www.spartanmotormall.com or from Carson Toyota. From your symptoms, it could be the plugs, could be a MAF, among a few other things, but it would be nice if you described your symptoms more fully. Good luck!

Thanks for the info.

Should I go with Lexus Iridium (is this simply a stock replcaement or an enhanced piece)?

Is there a better sparkplug that I should get?

The problem is that the car seems like its not running with its full power, like it has 5 instead of 6 cylinders. It is also making a pretty loud noise / sound espcially when I punch it. It sounds like I have a really souped-up race car or soemthing. Th exhaust sound is also really pretty damn loud - louder than before.

Anything else you need to diagnose the problem?

Please let me know.

Thanks,
Ted

Ted,

It sounds like you may have an exhaust leak or even a bad sensor somewhere.

On new plugs, I'd personally use either the Iridiums or Torquemasters (read a couple of other threads active in this forum). Both are usually around $10 - $12 each I think.

how do I find out if its an exhaust leak or a bad sensor?

thanx,

ted

I agree, it's probably the exhaust system. Anytime you get that sort of noise, it's pointing to leak somewhere. You'll need to trace it down to the leak. One way to do it would be to have someone plug one of the exhaust pipes w/ a cloth and you should get a hissing sound somewhere in the exhaust system, and you can start tracking it down that way.

The easy wasy would be to take it into the dealer and have them take a look at it as your car is still under its 70K mile powertrain warranty. Are there any dash warning lights lit up? If so, have a dealer read the diagnositcs and they'll tell what's going on.

By the way, the Lexus Iridium plugs are the OEM ones--stock replacements.

Possibly a stupid question but, would an exhaust leak cause a decrease in power and seem like there is hesitation and rougher drive?

Ted