Not true.
Not true.
Figured as much, but also figured I'd ask. Electrical components don't have unlimited lifespans, of course. AFAIK, these are the original components with now nearly 20 years' service.
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
Understood. That is an impressive life span considering.
Also, that ROT on the calipers is also not true. Brake pads/rotors, yes.
Replace consumables in sets ( pairs / ends etc.) for brakes. When a caliper fails, it generally creates uneven wear. Best practice is to replace the broken caliper but also the pads, rotor, hardware on that end (F or R) so performance is even.
OEM coils are $105 shipped apiece. NGK unit from Rock Auto is $37 apiece. If you were me, what'd you do?
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
I went ahead and bought the NGK's. I'll keep the old ones as spares. Maybe put some epoxy or something on the cracked one. Keep 'em in the trunk.
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
kung fu jesus (05-04-2021)
NGK FTW. OE manufacturers are always the safe bet. NGK, Delphi, Denso, etc.
I also keep known working electronic spares. Sensors, relays, I keep in a compact tool kit in the trunk.
HarryB (05-05-2021)
Did plugs, wires, and air filter today with the little dude. Glad I bought wires and new ignition coils, too, but more on that later.
Since we were trying to squeeze in the job in the 45min or so I had to spare on Mother's Day, I opted to not do the valve cover gasket or extract the broken bolt holding the forward coil in place. Shame on me, but it'll have to wait. I probably should've replaced the PCV valve as well, but that can be done on a different day.
Anyway, here's what I bought:
WIX Air Filter
NGK Blue Wires
NGK FR5BHK Ruthenium Plugs
NGK U4013 Ignition Coils
Glad I bought both the wires and coils because that crack in the forward coil turned out to be a bit more...terminal (see what I did there?) than I thought.
20210509_151959 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
20210509_152002 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
Try as I might, that part of the coil that was still attached to the plug wire was not coming out. Oh well. At least the other coil and wire were good, so in the Spares box they go.
20210509_152012 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
New and Old plugs. Top to bottom is Cylinder 1, 2, etc. To be honest, I don't remember when I replaced these (I am pretty sure they haven't been in there since 2008 when I bought the car and snapped the coil bolt, buuuuuuuuuut...sigh).
20210509_144704 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
20210509_144822 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
20210509_145101 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
Comparing #3 to #4, it's interesting how much cleaner the #4 plug looked. Also there was a lot more electrode material left on it (relatively):
20210509_145106 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
20210509_145238 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
Got a pic of the little dude while he was getting the plugs out and finger tightening them back in:
20210509_144642 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
20210509_150125 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
I ended up having to zip-tie the OEM harness to the coil because it wouldn't click in place on the forward coil. Not sure why. Clicked in place just fine on the rear one.
Started up the car and butt/ear dyno says it sounds smoother, which aside from long replacement time for the plugs is really all I wanted. It was good to have the little guy out to work with me on the car!
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
HarryB (05-10-2021),kung fu jesus (05-09-2021)
Which cylinder # was the damaged coil on?
PVC test, shoot some brake clean through it, shake it along its axis. It it rattles its good. Blow and suck on the end to see if the valve closes. Its basically a check valve.
Plugs all look decent except #2, which is why I asked about the damaged coil. Looks like it wasnt firing as well as the rest.
Also, a little dielectric grease in the wire boots and on the tops of the plugs can help prevent them from sticking together over time.
What's your visual cue? I thought #4 looked pretty rough.
We are all too similar, and he's VERY worried about breaking things. I try to allay those fears while also trying to not make him do anything I think actually could break something. For example, I broke the plugs loose before he got them the rest of the way out so that at least he wouldn't feel like he was responsible if one broke off in the head, lol
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
HarryB (05-10-2021)
And having the little guy helping out must have been fun; he surely looks excited! I was very lucky that my dad used to do the same with me in every aspect (car, small construction/remodelling works around the house/backyard).
Bryan (05-10-2021)
The second spark plug picture above, I assume those are plugs # 2 & 3. The top one looks sooty and dark, the threads look a little oily.
The rest look fine for their age/mileage.