JMIG118

Hey guy what going on... well im planing ing the come week to change my spark plugs and was wondering if anyone can give me a few pointer... anything i should know about doing this service to 03 LS430??? If i correct the plug need to be gaped to 0.44 right?? And what spark plugs you guys thinks is best NGK OR DENSO???

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

If you ordered for the specific model, the sparks should come in regaped.

I would stick with Denso, But NGK I have used for my turbo SC works perfect too. I guess just personal preference then.

Lexophile

Hi
The gap is already set on the plugs... there are two types of Denso plugs, the long life plug and the performance plug, the long life is pre set at 0.7mm while the long life is set at 0.4mm

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I recently changed the plugs on my GS430 (same engine) and used NGK plugs... they have been nothing but great.

No trick to it, just make sure the engine is cool, so its easier to loosen the plugs.

JMIG118

So how do i know which plug is which??

big_blzr94

your car runs iridium spark plugs, use those from njk or denso, also do not use a gap tool on iridium plugs you will damage the tip.

Gibenstein

To DO NOT gap iridium's. You can but but you have a greater chance of damaging if you tried, but they come pre-gapped so I can not see a reason you would want it unless you were driving a sports car.

fyuen

How often should I replace the spark plugs? The Lexus website simply suggests 5000 mile service without further details. Thank you. (It's a 2001 LS430 with almost 100k miles.)

AlexusAnja

The Iridiums (and some platinum) are rated for 100K, but unless you're experiencing some premature hesitation or rough idling, then I would say 100K is about right. I would almost venture to say if you use a premium grade fuel, then over 100K is fine.

The only important tip with changing the spark plugs, guide then in by hand, then wrench tighten. Common mistake is that right from the start the DIY'r wants to tighten the plugs with the wrench. If you're off a little bit, you can strip or rethread, and then you've crapped it.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I changed mine on my GS at 70K, and noticed better response.

geekhou05

I have the plugs, but I cannot seem to extract them correctly. Is there some type of special tool that has a flex in order to change the plugs on a LS430>

AlexusAnja

You've removed the coil pack already and extracting the plugs now right, or you're just about the remove the coil pack? The coil packs are just held in place by two little bolts. Remove those, then you have access to the plugs. Use a spark plug socket which is deeper and had a rubber o-ring inside that will hold the plugs inside the socket. Before turning, take a non-flammable compressed air can and spray into the chamber to blow any dirt out so that once the plug is removed, the dirt doesn't fall into the cylinder. Turn counter-clockwise and the plugs should pop right loose and come out. It's straightforward.

cenwesi

So i am about to change my Spark Plugs on my '02 ls430. Do i need to change the wires as well if so what wires do you guys recommend. I see every one here says to get the Denso plug? Is there an online site i can order this cheap?

PS: car has 181k miles.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Bringing this thread alive again...

How many of you guys use torque wrenches when installing your spark plugs? And at what rate? I've had people tell me they do and don't use torque wrenches with removing their plugs. It's time to change, and I have some free time later today to do some maintenance.

AlexusAnja

I do not, but if you have a torque wrench, it's always best of course. I just tighten to a "nice tightness." Never had issues before.