My new / used truck was missing at wot and pinging a bit. It is a stock 3.4l v-6 95.5 tacoma. I decided to check the plugs and change out the fuel filter.
A trip to Autozone and $25 later I had six cheapo bosch super plugs # 7557 and a private label filter # FF692 I was on my way.

Autozone said I should gap the plugs at 0.032. I did that with a jacobs gap pliers and double checked with a small wire gauge.

I removed the old plugs which looked well worn gap was 0.065(no wonder the truc was missing-Stock ignition system can't be good enough to bridge that gap consistantly at WOT). I guess they have been in there for at least 100k miles. One was a stock plug someone had probably forgotten to change.


Fuel filter was full of crap / rust on the tank side.

Truck runs much better at WOT and no pinging.

Maybe I should have used the ngk dual ground strap but the truck has 215k miles and those plugs cost more.

On side note it passed emmisions this morning with okay #'s with the original parts.

 

I think the FSM calls for .043 gap for your truck doesn't it?

 

That is why I posted. I do not have a FSM. The guy from AutoZone said the gap was .032 and that is such a huge difference between what was on there .065. The interesting thing is the solo nkg plug dual electrode had about a .045 gap.

I wonder if a dual electrode is recommended because the heat may actually bend the ground on regular plugs over time extending the gap.

I did a search and saw most people would do the gap larger than .032...
I figured my gas mileage will go way down if the gap is too small due to the small spark not igniting the entire fuel air mix.

 

The dual electrode is used because of the spark waste ignition system used on your vehicle. Basically, as I remember the spark plug fires on the power stroke as well as when the opposing cylinder fires. This way the ignition system manages 3 cycles instead of 6. Someone correct me on this if I am wrong. My memory is not so good.

anyway, the reason for the dual electrode is over the standard maintence period that plug will fire 2 times as often as if it used standard ignition timing. A standard plug will wear much quicker in this circumstance.

 

ya factory plugs are a little pricey i paid about $20 dollars for 6 but i will not buy anything but ngk or denso

 

This engine requires dual electrode plugs no questions asked. The FSM says so and the picture on the engine reminds you. Why doubt it, really?


Mike.