Hi all , I have owned my mk3 on a 2006 1.8 for 2 years , my question is looking over old service documents I see spark plugs were changed around 22k my Nc now has 58k on the clock . Mazda and experts say they should be changed at 62,500 miles , my question is do I still change spark plugs as new was used on a previous service or regardless should I change once speedo is around Mazda recommendations , sorry if this seems a stupid question regards Richy
The long life sparkplugs do not need changed for another 20,000 miles if the original service garage used the proper grade sparkplugs.
I would remove them and check the grade, this is very important.
If they are the correct plugs and you believe they were changed at 20k miles. I would gap and put back in the car.
If for any reason you think the garage had not changed the plugs, I would purchase new plugs and install.
I removed and gapped the plugs on my 52k mile MK3. The gaps were spot on and I could see no wear on the electrodes. I put the plugs back in the car and will change at 62K when the present owners brings it back for serviced and it is nearer 62k miles.
What a surprise! I just changed the Mazda spark plugs ahead of an oil change service I am to do. From NGK to Denso both iridium tipped.
Took 10 mins! I was worried about snapping them or cross threading but it was so easy.
They were first and last changed 7 years and a tad under 30k miles ago. The old ones were a good colour but looked a bit worn to me.
Well, what a difference! Unbelievable. Running much smoother with a quicker pick up. Its also lost a small flat spot just after starting off where I compensated with a few revs and a tad of clutch slip.
Well pleased with that. A good £26 spent on them and a good £60-70 saved on plugs from elsewhere.
Exactly which plugs did you use and can you advise the spec of the ones that came out.
I used Denso IT16TT. Fitted were NGK ITR5F13.
I used Denso IT6TT. Fitted were NGK
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153124983170
I think that these are the 1.8 plugs not for the 2.0? So for the original poster should be ok. Good price, maybe they have loads of stock.
My only concern about removing and replacing the same plugs is that they will have an anti seize coating from new which may be destroyed on removal making subsequent changes after maybe another 40,000 miles a bit of a problem. Any thoughts on this?
Like the op mine is a 1.8 also. Hence the reply. 2.0 was not mentioned.
If a plug is removed at 40k I cant see the point in replacing it. Change them.
I have changed a few MK3 plugs around the 60k mark and we noticed no differance in engine performance with new plugs. My own car at 50k was still running well and the gaps were spot on.
I did not replace the plugs as there was no performance issues having driven a good few 2 litre cars.
Yet after 30k you car was under par? Just one of those things!
It is just daft that one ebay supplier is so much cheaper than the rest for the same plugs.
I was expecting them to be around £45 a set and the plugs for the 2 litre car to be more expensive!
Let’s hope these ones do not degrade so quickly.
Can I just say that the car was running fine. I have just returned from a 459 mile trip to Belgium.
The last service was by a Mazda dealer in December. I will be servicing from now on.
I wanted to make sure all was just so since I bought it in April and did not want a December service.
Service for plugs according to Haynes is 60k or 5 years whichever first.
They had been in 7 years so for £26 Itvwasxa no brainer to change them.
All I am saying, is that although I had no cause for concern before, it is definitely improved now.
Hi Eddie
What size do you gap the 2 ltr plugs to and where did you get your info?
This is the first car I’ve had with plugs that say “preset gap” in the Haynes manual and I want to whip them out for inspection and gapping.
Thanks
1.3 mm or 50 thou in old money and I treated myself to a new gapping tool.
I would normally use feeler guages but splashed out this.
You should use a wire type gapping tool for iridium tipped plugs, normal plug gap gauges can damage the tips. If the gap is too big you should replace them, not adjust them.
Well that is new information to me!
Thanks for passing that on Robbie!