which spark plugs?

I'd suggest looking at the Denso on-line application guide. See:

http://www.globaldenso.com/cgi-bin/global/plug/usa/4w/4w-plug.cgi?name=CAMRY&filename=4w-63.txt&action=search

PK20TR11 is the Denso Part Number for Platinum Plugs.
The Iridium Power Plugs for your car are Denso P/N IK20.
The P/N for the cheap Denso plug for your application is K20TR11. My guess
is that these are the $3 plugs. However, Toyota is recommending Denso Plug
P/N PK20TR11 for your car, so that is what I would use.

If you prefer NGK plugs, they have an online guide at:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_finder/car_truck_suv/default.asp?mode=nml

They list the following plugs for your car:

Standard - P/N BKR6ES-11  Stock No. 5553
V-Power - P/N BKR6EYA  Stock No. 7990
G-Power - P/N BKR6EGP   Stock No. 7092
Laser Platinum - P/N BKR6EKPB-11  Stock No. 3452 - NGK refers to this as the
OE Service Part
Iridium IX - P/N BKR6EIX-11  Stock No. 3764

I checked a few on line stores for prices:

Autozone carries NGK IX Iridium as stock number 3764 for $6.99 each
Advance Auto carries the following plugs:
*Denso IK20 Spark Plug Stock # 5304 - $8.49
*Denso PK20TR11 Spark Plug Stock # 3253 - $6.99
*NGK Spark Plug Stock # 3452 - $9.89
*NGK Spark Plug Stock # 3764 - $5.99
*NGK Spark Plug Stock # 7092 - $2.59

If I was buying the plugs, I'd go with the Denso P/N PK20TR11 (Stock # 3253)
plugs as my first choice. Second choice woiuld be the NGK P/N BKR6EKPB-11
(Stock # 3452 ) as my second choice.

I would not go with the $3 plugs. I also would run away from Autolite,
Bosch, Champion, and AC plugs no matter what they claim about being right
for your application.

Ed

wrote:

Wow thanks for the research and the sites!

Just wondering, what are the drawbacks going for the $3 plugs?  Would
I get superior mileage going for the more expensive plugs?  Or is
there the risk that the metal electrode will fall off?

wrote:

Wow thanks for the research and the sites!

Just wondering, what are the drawbacks going for the $3 plugs?  Would
I get superior mileage going for the more expensive plugs?  Or is
there the risk that the metal electrode will fall off?

================

I can tell you that based on the recent experience of an acquaintance, you
do NOT want the electrode to fall off. It's interesting, sort of like having
your shirt catch fire. That sort of interesting.

On 3/3/2010 8:54 PM, Michael wrote:

Do not worry. My guess is that the laser spark plugs are a marketing
gimmick, much like Angus beef and new improved Tide. If your electrode
falls off, it's likely due to a manufacturing defect. I've never heard
of this happening. Worry instead of an asteroid crashing into the Earth
and ending all human life.

wrote:

Yep the NGK BKR6EKPB-11 is the one the manual spec'd, along with the
Denso PK20TR11.

I'll see what Autozone has in stock.  It's also on the way home from
work.

Thanks again,

Michael

wrote:

I just discovered, I have three NGK BKR6EIX-11 iridium spark plugs on
my shelf (long story).  Would these work?  I'd only have to buy one
more to fit in the car, if these will work ok.

No. These plugs are not suitable for your engine because they only have a
single ground electrode. Your engine has a wasted-spark ignition system
that requires dual ground electrodes.

Toyota does not recommend non-platinum plugs for your car, so I would spend
the extra cash and get what Toyota specifies, which is:
Denso PK20TR11 (also sold as Toyota 90919-01194)
or
NGK BKR6EKPB11

I'm told that some aftermarket ND plugs come with screw-cap tops, even if
they are otherwise identical to OEM Toyota. So check for that if buying ND
plugs in the aftermarket. The screw-caps can come loose, and cause problems
with arcing and damage. OEM Toyota ND plugs have solid tops.

--
Tegger

How often do you change plugs? For you it's been 11 years since new--is it
worth going for the cheapies?

I got it used at 67k miles, and put Bosch plugs in then.  It's now at
97k miles or so.

Michael

On Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:39:21 -0800, Michael wrote:


I think the ones for $13-14 are Iridium, really no need to use these in
your car.

Denso Platinum are ~$6 each, these will do just fine.

$3 plugs are standard copper, and usually not recommended by Toyota. You
could use an NGK V-power or U-Groove, but you'll be changing them again in
20,000-40,000 miles.

I'm lazy. $6 for 70-100,000 miles is good for me...

Where do you typically find the Denso?  I'm thinking of going online
at rockauto.com since no one sells them for a reasonable price over
here in Sacramento.

Thanks,

Michael

On Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:28:19 -0800, Michael wrote:


I think I used NGKs from AutoZone. NGK, Denso, about the same.
Just don't use Champions if you want the car to actually START below 45
degrees...

Your car's easy. I did it on a Supra and had to remove the entire intake!
I certainly went with a high-mileage plug!

Those are $10 each over here!



Point well taken!

Michael

Finally found the PK20TR11 Densos at CarQuest here.  $7.16 each.
Beats waiting for an internet order to arrive via mail.

Thanks all!

Michael Darrett

On Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:16:32 -0800, Michael wrote:


I forget about CarQuest (even though I used to work at one) because they
closed the one I used to work at and the next closest are ~20 miles away.

I changed the plugs, and the old ones were in good condition, except
the first two (on the left, and second from the left) had some oil on
the top part of the threads.  (The bottom part of the threads, near
the sparking end, were clean.)

Bad valve cover gasket?

Michael

I forget what model year and engine you have, but if it is the type where
the spark plugs are at the bottom of a well in the valve cover, the o-ring
at the bottom of the well could be leaking.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)