Spark Plug????

[BT-22]

I got a question for you all. I have close to 16k on my '01 V8 tundra. I don't really drive it hard or tow/carry a lot.

I have a heavy foot so I must admit I have gunned the engine and raced a little more than a few times. But I've never floored it or really abuse it.

Anyway, I keep up with oil changes every 2,500 mi. and just changed the air filter. I decided to check the spark plugs to see the condition and see if they needed changing.

I pulled the right rear plug first and noticed a little wear and small carbon coat.

I also noticed "Oil" on the tread and a little smudge of it on the top end of the thread (dunno how to explain not a mechanical expert----when holding the plug upright the end of the thread the flat part----hope that helps).

That worried me a little dunno why, but it did. I took the front right and the left front plugs and found the same oil on the thread.

Is this a bad thing? I thought plugs should not be wet at all from oil!!!!

Thanks in advance! I hope this isn't a problem.

[DevinSixtySeven]

Odd...I changed my OEM plugs at 36 or 38K and they were bone dry, albeit worn down to nubs. Maybe whoever changed the oil added too much? It's meant to take a little over 6 quarts, so I only have them add 6, that should put the reading just below max. For a while the 2K models had too short a dipstick, people were using 8 quarts and fouling the engine. Perhaps this is the same sort of thing. Where do you get your oil changed?

...Incidentally, the change interval is 3K miles unless the truck is new, then it's 1500 for a few changes, then 3k. I'm using Mobil 1 and changing at 5K now, 6 quarts and only 6 quarts.

-Sean

[BT-22]

I change it myself! 6.5qts all the time no more! I don't get it. I shows at just under the top notch of the full range on the dipstick. Any other ideas.

I thought the threads might have been lubricated for easy removal, but you said yours were clean DeepStealth! I don't know.

The elctrode area on the plug does not have oil build up. I've seen old fords and chevys' wet spark plugs and they get dirty and carbon builds up fast.

Mine are clean except for the threads which have that oil.

Another question the cylinder heads on the V8 are aluminum right?

[BT-22]

I change my oil every 2,500 on the advice of several mechanics which have told me (dunno if it's just an old wives tale) not to believe everything the manufacturer tells you.

Especially with thin oil like 10w30. I drive an average of 40 mi. everyday to and from work.

thanks,

BT22

[KLS]

You can change your oil as often as you like, it's your money, but you're wasting that money. And 10W-30 oil is not thin--it's just right.

Way back when those mechanics (or their fathers) were learning their trade oil wasn't as good and a 2500 mile change interval was the right thing to do. Modern oils are much better. Here's info that applies to all brands of modern oil.
http://www.tosco.com/internet_pub/re...s/44_tn3_4.pdf

Are you willing to wager $15 on whether or not your oil needs to be changed at 2500 miles? Here's how. When you get 2500 on your present oil don't change it until you get a lab analysis. It costs $15, and the engineer that does the analysis drives one of our trucks and is a frequent contributor to this forum.
http://www.avlube.com/automotive.htm


Ken