Hi guys was thinking of changing the front 3 spark plugs on my TL and was wondering what i need to do defore and after i replace them...
Q1... Do i need to gap the plugs as i see that there is a sticker on my bonnet saying that i need to gap it...
Q2... Do i need to reset the ECU after i replace them...

from what i understand from other threads, its just as simple as taking them out and putting them in... pls correct me if i am wrong...
and how much did u guys pay for the normal plugs for the front?

Cheers

Plugs should come gapped already - checked the gap on the box matches up with whats on the sticker.

Ecu does not need a reset.

Depends on how much you want to spend on spark plugs - you can get them for about $15-$30 depending if you want normal spark plugs or iridium tipped ones.

If you buy NGK ones, they'll be pregapped if you buy the BKR6E ones (that should be the code but you can find out for sure on their website).

You could go and change the rocker cover gasket and the spark plug tube seals if you want but its only really useful if theres something wrong with them in the first place.

You won't need an ECU reset and be careful when putting the plugs back in - do not over tighten them or you could damage the head.

for the front bank just use the $4 ngk plugs

iriduims/platinums etc... waste of money and make no difference! they have a use in the rear bank where its not a 2 min job to change them

the back ones were a bitch to change - i put platinums there so i can leave it be for 100000kms!

Also while installing them, hand tighten them first to make sure you don't cross-thread them. Then tighten them reasonably well, but do not overtighten them. If they are overtightened, you can damage the head and the spark plugs.

I once read a guide on doing your spark plugs, needless to say it was about 50 words in total, mostly consisting of "If you suck at '....' don't do this" EG, if you like rounding out the cuts in a screw, don't change your own plugs.. after all, who wants to spend a load of cash re-tapping their spark plug holes??

Also remember your engine is alloy, you do not need to me the Californian governor to tighten them as the head expands with heat and will 'naturally' get a good grip on them, plus all that expansion with combustion stuff pushes them into the thread which also lock's them in nicely.

As others have said, get the cheap plugs for the front, it's about as hard as filling your car with petrol. DO NOT BREAK YOUR PLUG OFF WHEN TAKING OUT/PUTTING IN, It's easy to do if you're trying to remove/install on an angle, the 'white stuff' is only ceramic and will snap easier than you'd think.

Also on the topic of Iridium/etc.. plugs, if you're running rich/lean/pinging, you will nuke these fast, so unless you're 100% confident your car is running right (which it should always be) should you only use these, or you have too much money and not enough sense.

I hosted a guide from a car mag once that has some info on reading plugs etc, good read for those who know minimal/nothing about it. READ (http://web.aanet.com.au/naa/reading_plugs.pdf).

If you go to the NGK.com.au web site there is some really good instructions there on how to install new plugs. Follow these and you won't go wrong. Just two other things I would add. Check the plug gaps before you put them in as you should never assume they have been pre-gapped (that bit of advice comes straight from NGK's site by the way) , AND buy a tube of anti seize paste and out a little on the plug thread to stop them from binding in there and being difficult to remove in the future

i changed the plugs so that i can keep track of it... so when will the normal plugs need a change again? in 40Ks or 20Ks or 30Ks??

I think it's every second service interval, so about 30k's for a 3rd gen?

30ks... i heard somewhere that its 40Ks but then again its alright cause i have 67ks now and i think by the time it hits 100ks its time for the major servicing anyways...
can someone else comfirm the duration a normal plug would last?

Basic plugs last 40k, Iridiums last 60 or 80k, platinams (lol I cant spell) last 100k