should i change spark plugs?
 

I have a base 986 which i hardly ever use. Im not sure i cover 1000 miles a year in it. Regarding servicing i make it a point to still change the oil and filter every year. This morning i realised that its been close to 4 years since i last changed the spark plugs. That means that maybe theyve got just over 3000 miles on them. Should i still change them? I use denso iridium.
Thanks in advance

I just changed mine at almost 50K and they looked perfect. Can't tell any difference in performance or fuel milage. I'd say you were good for a while.

Realistically, you should replace the plugs at least every 4-5 years, regardless of mileage. This is to prevent the steel plug from taking a seat to the aluminum head. Use a small dab of anti seize, torque to spec, drive it like you stole it..............

With so few miles per year, I'd think about doing a major service on 5 yr intervals (coolant, coolant cap, brake fluid, plugs, fuel filter, etc). Otherwise it might take 15 years before you do any maintenance.

thanks for the info guys. regarding coolant, I change it every 3 years, and oil and filter every year. its the plugs i find not necessary to change often.
but i think its time I took them out to check them at least!
What do you guys think about the Denso iridium plugs? Any recommendations?

They are an excellent plug, just be sure to get the correct heat range.

JFP, any speculation why Bosch & NGK seem to be going away from 4 electrode plugs?

Simple: The Iridium's out perform and out last the multi electrode plugs

I realize that but Bosch recently discontinued their Iridium 4 electrode plug for 986s & I couldn't find a NGK replacement either. My local supplier said Bosch recalled the plugs off their shelf.

Wow, today I just installed 6 new Bosch FGR 6 KQE plugs in my 2004 S 3.2L. Is there a problem with these plugs?

I think you are referring to the Bosch "Platinum Ir Fusion" plug that is a hybrid of both Iridium and Platinum plug technologies. It uses Yttrium side electrodes and a Platinum and Iridium center electrode:

http://www.boschautoparts.com/SparkP...ionPlug238.jpg

I had heard there had been problems with the side electrodes.

The Iridium's we use are single side electrode Denso's, and they have been working very well for us.

I have a 1999 Boxster and I change the plugs every 30,000 miles.
I do believe there is not a true need to change them that often, but I do it myself and plugs are cheap.
I use Bosch 4-electrode "Platinum Ir Fusion" #4503 plugs.
I get them from RockAuto for $6.16 per plug. The last time I purchased them from RockAuto I got a $24.00 rebate.
Based upon this thread "Should I Change Plugs?", I just ordered a new set. Unfortunately now RockAuto only sells them in packs of 8.
And the rebate is still available until 31 Dec 2013.
I see this as a win win situation.
Just my two cents.

MNC-I

Yes that's what I was referring to, Bosch 4503 I think. Looks like they changed the side electrodes.

Thanks for the info guys. I think i will continue to use denso iridium though. I will get them checked out at the next service