How-to Change Spark Plugs 2005+ Gen 2 Frontier

[FitzIngarage]

Originally Posted by shinermiller

ZERO Anti-Sieze on the stock plugs!!! I WAS PISSED!! ...

Arrrgh. Thanks for answering a question that I've not been able to get an answer for anywhere. I'll probably do mine at 30K Miles, even if I just remove them, apply anti-sieze and re-install the same plugs for peace of mind. I'll make a judgement call when I remove them as to replace them or not.

[Newman]

how come you didn't go with the new diamond tip ones?

[Nissan4Life]

Per the service manual, spark plugs need to be changed out every 105k miles. I was wondering why such a long interval. They look easy to do. But seeing this post, I guess I did not look at those other cyclinders.

[Pro2X]

It isnt that difficult, seriously. The upper intake manifold comes off in about 30 minutes. Prob less, I just cant remember. There are 2 bolts on the passenger side and then like 8 bolts inbetween the runners and a couple bolts here and there but its really easy.

[Argo73]

Does the stock intake manifold gasket look the same as the one with the spacer as you show it?

[callen81]

My father (registered GM mechanic) told me the iridium/platinum spark plug intervals are a huge headache. He regularly has to bore and heli coil heads to fix seized plugs. A good suggestion he made to me was to take your plugs out and swap them around every 20,000ish km or every 3 oil changes to mitigate the issue. Seems to work pretty good and have never had any issues.

[Zero Six LE]

Originally Posted by callen81

My father (registered GM mechanic) told me the iridium/platinum spark plug intervals are a huge headache. He regularly has to bore and heli coil heads to fix seized plugs. A good suggestion he made to me was to take your plugs out and swap them around every 20,000ish km or every 3 oil changes to mitigate the issue. Seems to work pretty good and have never had any issues.

You should be able to do it once every 60,000 miles or so as long as you apply anti-seize to the threads. The plugs have to be removed from a cold engine to avoid damaging the aluminum threads in the cylinder heads.

[K20z1_rsx]

I just changed the spark plugs on my mothers 05 Xterra it has 103,xxx mile and the plug were pretty wore out but not terrible. The factory laser platinum plugs last that's why there $10 each. Also did the tune up with the a "warm" engine I let it sit for about 45 min. after driving. The Alum heads expands faster than the steel spark plug help make them a little looser. I would not do it on a hot engine or you might just bring the threads out with the spark plug. Also defiantly use anti-seize on the new plugs

Also change the plugs with out removing the intake it is very very tight. If you have fat or large hands there is no way you could change the plugs without removal of the intake manifold. You will need 2 or 3 swivels and a 10mm gear-wrench if you do the plug change without removing the manifold.

[westexasrepublic]

would you say not removing the intake is worth the effort/time?

[K20z1_rsx]

I would not take the manifold if you don't have to. It will reduce the chance of an intake leak later on and the cost of new intake gaskets. But if you don't have small hands I would definitely take the manifold off.

I just bought a frontier with 90,000 and I defintely won't take the intake off it now that I have done on before.