Spark Plugs

Tyler_Canada · Jun 30, 2005

When I last had a maintenance 3, I was going to replace the spark plugs. This was at 48,000km, but they told me the plugs were good until 160,000km(!).

They also told me they inspect and clean the plugs, and that they should be fine for quite some time. I didn't realize at the time that 3 of the plugs required removal of a plenum to get to. When I asked this time if they inspect all of them, they said no, only the front 3.

The plugs are double platinum (platinum center and ground electrodes). I know with the standard (non platinum) Champion plugs I used in my Jeep, they needed replacement every 36,000km.

What are people's thoughts on when to change the plugs in the Murano? I'm thinking I'll go with 100,000km (60,000 miles).

Kris · Jun 30, 2005

my understanding is that they are good for 100k miles.

bob1 · Jun 30, 2005

My question is how much will they charge for plugs (replacement at the Dealer) on the Murano?
Bob1

Tyler_Canada · Jun 30, 2005

100,000 miles = 160,000km, which is what they recommend. I drive very hard though, and will change mine sooner. How much sooner I'm not sure.

I was given an estimate (not a quote, just an educated guess) at over $100 CAN.

GMTURBO43 · Jun 30, 2005

Since you drive it hard I would suspect you would be more likely to notice a degradation in performance based on a fouled plug. I'd stick with the manufacturer's recommendation unless you feel there is a problem.

Tyler_Canada · Jun 30, 2005

Spark plugs are something I'm not too sure about. I guess basically plugs either work or not, and when not, I'd really notice?

In other words, I'm worried about a slow degradation in performance. If that's not going to happen, but rather a sudden drop in erformance that I'd notice, I guess I probably will stick with the recommended.

GMTURBO43 · Jun 30, 2005

Some vehicles are more prone to ignition problems. With the cleaner burning engine/fuels and better materials used in plugs - the 100K mile mark isn't abnormal (infact - most manufacturers are doing it).

Spark plugs will 'wear' out. It can be a slow change - however....you are more than likely to notice drivability issues.

There is a good website on reading spark plugs. You can probably get buy with just checking the 3 - to tell the general condition of all plugs. If you have one bad which will cause a misfire - which you will feel and it isn't on the front 3 - you might as well look at the back 3. Since you're there - you might as well change them.

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/spkplghnbook.htm

It is more about bike plugs - but some great reading.

Tyler_Canada · Jun 30, 2005

Interesting read, although I don't get to look at the plugs. I might ask for them when I have them changed, just so I can see what they look like. I guess I'll go with the recommended replacement interval, unless I notice misfires first. Thanks for the info.

GMTURBO43 · Jun 30, 2005

You can request any part that is replaced on your vehicle. I think in the US it is the law they either give it to you or show it. I'm sure any decent dealer would show you the parts as they can't (shouldn't) reuse them.

Tyler_Canada · Jun 30, 2005

I'm sure my dealer would show me. They're very receptive to special requests.

Stoker · Jul 4, 2005

Tyler_Canada said:
When I last had a maintenance 3, I was going to replace the spark plugs. This was at 48,000km, but they told me the plugs were good until 160,000km(!).

They also told me they inspect and clean the plugs, and that they should be fine for quite some time. I didn't realize at the time that 3 of the plugs required removal of a plenum to get to. When I asked this time if they inspect all of them, they said no, only the front 3.

The plugs are double platinum (platinum center and ground electrodes). I know with the standard (non platinum) Champion plugs I used in my Jeep, they needed replacement every 36,000km.

What are people's thoughts on when to change the plugs in the Murano? I'm thinking I'll go with 100,000km (60,000 miles).

My VW has Platinum plated plugs and they do last for 100,000Km, after that that point you do notice degraded engine preformance i.e. hesitation when leaving an intersection on a green light and poor fuel economy. That is my VW experience, but I am planning to change my plugs at 100,000 KM.

Tyler_Canada · Jul 4, 2005

I have been noticing hesitation when leaving lights, but I didn't think of the spark plugs causing that. It started around 80,000km I think. It feels like the engine stumbles, then catches up. I've also had an ongoing issue of almost stalling most times I start the vehicle. I think I'll change them at my next maintenance (which will be a major one anyway) and see what happens.

Eric L. · Jul 4, 2005

Will the plugs last until 100,000 miles? Yes. Will performance degrade as the plugs get older? Also yes.

Bottom line is that the computer can compensate for aging plugs but no plug will perform as well at high mileage as when they are new. I plan on replacing my plugs at half those intervals. Yeah its costly due to the boneheaded design of the rear bank, but I want to keep the car in tip top condition.

mgthe3 · Jul 4, 2005

I doubt anyone could ever kill bosch platinum +4 plugs....at least before you have to pull the engine for something else. If I had to replace mine, that is what I would use. I will be replacing my wife's plugs soon and that is what I'm using, betcha I will never have to do it again.

Kris · Jul 4, 2005

How bosch platinum +4 compare to Murano OEM. It would be interesting to know.....

Tyler_Canada · Jul 5, 2005

I tried the +4s in my Cherokee, and they sucked. Not saying they wouldn't work in the Murano, but I took them out of the Jeep in less than 5,000km.

Kris · Jul 5, 2005

Eric L. · Jul 5, 2005

My experience with my Maxima and reports from Maxima.org have convinced me that the stock NGK Laser Platinums are the best for the VQ engine.

Some Maxima owners who have used non stock plugs have had drivability issues or poor mileage.

Kris · Jul 5, 2005

So once again OEM wins..........

Tyler_Canada · Jul 5, 2005

Basically after about 2,000km, the engine started misfiring and losing power. As in the above case, the stock plugs worked best (albeit only for 36,000km at a time!).

Given that the stock Murano plugs seem to last at least 100,000km, I'll just put those in again.

mgthe3 · Jul 5, 2005

it sounds as if you got the wrong heat range---how a plug with 4 seperate electrodes could misfire could only be due to nasty cylinder conditions or wrong heat range for the plug's self cleaning properties. NGK U-grooves are legendary for 2 cycle engines--they tend to foul plugs easily.
If in the correct heat range, 4 electrodes are better than one.

Kris · Jul 5, 2005

I tend to agree with improper heat range. Had it happen before in a motorcycle. And quite recently in a lown mower!

It would be interesting to see what Bosh has to say about their plugs and Murano engine.........

Tyler_Canada · Jul 5, 2005

I agree it sounds like the wrong heat range, but they were the ones listed by Bosch for the vehicle. It could have been the spark orientation in the cylinder though. Instead of firing "up/down" the +4s fire "sideways" (relative to the plug lengthwise of course). The engine was in mint condition, there were no problems there.

I must say, I'm extremely happy with the stock plugs, I see no reason at all to change. And while relatively expensive, they're still only about half the cost of the +4s.

Tyler_Canada · Jul 5, 2005

Bosch doesn't list an application for the Murano.

Eric L. · Jul 5, 2005

I hope we all know by now that how much something costs is not necessarily reflective of how well it will perform.

I'm sure the Bosch plugs are acceptable substitutes. However, the stock NGK Platinums are excellent plugs and I've never seen one "foul" in a well maintained VQ.

GMTURBO43 · Jul 5, 2005

Has anyone used the NGK Iridium plugs in a VQ engine?

Spark Plugs

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities