Spark Plug Inspection

PLATINUM PLUGS
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for burned electrodes. Also check for fouled, cracked or broken porcelain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order in which they were removed from the engine. An isolated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in the Maintenance Schedules.

The spark plugs are platinum and have a recommended service life of 100,000 miles for normal driving conditions per Maintenance Schedule A. The spark plugs have a recommended service life of 75,000 miles for severe driving conditions per Maintenance Schedule B.

Platinum Pads:

A thin platinum pad is welded to electrode ends. Extreme care must be used to prevent spark plug cross-threading, mis-gapping and ceramic insulator damage during plug removal and installation.

Caution: Never attempt to file the electrodes or use a wire brush for cleaning platinum plugs. This would damage the platinum pad which would shorten spark plug life.

Setting Spark Plug Electrode Gap:

Adjust the spark plug gap to 0.048 to 0.053 in.

Apply a very small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads when reinstalling the vehicle's original spark plugs that have been determined good. Do not apply anti-seize compound to new spark plugs.

NOTE: Anti-seize compound is electrically conductive and can cause engine misfires if not applied correctly. It is extremely important that the anti-seize compound doesn't make contact with the spark plug electrodes or ceramic insulator.

Never force a gap gauge between the platinum electrodes or adjust the gap on platinum spark plugs without reading the Spark Plug Gap Measurement procedures.

Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque. Over tightening can cause distortion resulting in a change in the spark plug gap. Overtightening can also damage the cylinder head. Tighten spark plugs to 28 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).