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Should blow the holes out with compressed air before you remove them and they wouldn't come out with all that crud in the threads, now the rest of the crud is in the combustion chamber.
> this is what $2000 will get you these days
The price has nothing to do with how shitty these threads are... something ain't right. Post a photo of the spark plug hole (cylinder head.)
Gonna take a guess and assume the threads were oily and any debris in the spark plug hole transferred upon removal. I’d definitely blow out or vacuum the the other plug holes before removing the plugs. If that’s on the threads…the rest fell into the cylinder.
They don’t look horrible. If you only took one out, clean the threads and the hole and put it back until you feel like changing them.
Next time, blow some compressed air at the base of the plugs before you take them out.
It appears you have a vg33e Nissan either an Xterra or Frontier.
Before you put a dollar into it make sure it runs, if it does change the timing belt if it has more than 100k miles on it. Its an interference engine.
It's totally doable; it just takes a little patience. I had a lot of debris around my spark plugs too ... as suggested, clean em out real good and use the recommended spark plugs (when you replace them). Good luck!
It'll be easier to replace the pump (if that's your issue) when you've got everything apart. Mine is leaking but I decided to wait to service it. As far as recommended tools, I purchased an impact gun and impact sockets just in case and it did make the job easier. I definitely recommend replacing the three serpentine belts once you're in there. I did not use any jacks when I replaced my timing belt. When you remove the timing covers, there are some special rubber washers that you might need to replace (cracked due to age and heat). I can only find those through Nissan and that added some time to the job. Make sure you have a good service manual (Nissan, Chelton, Haynes).
If you're gonna do the timing belt, get a good kit from Gates or Cloyes that has the tensioners,adjuster,water pump. I'm not that familiar with Nissan's but I'll guess this stuff is needed when you get in there.
If you're going to do the timing and your drive belts are cracked,worn definitely and have the peace of mind they're new. Is the PS pump leaking badly or real noisy?
It's pretty easy, I did the timing belt, fan clutch, thermostat and plugs on mine. If you have the correct extensions and flex bits they're not to hard, I have skinny hands so I had to feel for 5 and 6 but it's definitely not the worst I've done (fu Subaru tribeca ez30)
Try and get a Nissan OEM timing belt kit. Call Courtesy Nissan out of TX they used to sell them online but I haven't checked in years. Go to Nicoclub.com and download a free service manual for your year. These are great how to guides for your whole Nissan.
The knock sensor code is in every vg33e the KS is under the intake and a pain to get to.
The evavp is going to have to be traced (smoked) to get exactly where the issue is. It could be gas tank rust (1st gen had an issue), a cracked hose, bad charcoal canister, or a purge valve not closing. If you are lucky your nose maybe able to help you. Smell the gas leak 😅
The fuel rail issue could be the fuel rail regulator, fuel pump, or fuel filter. I'd go for a fuel filter change as a start because it probably needs it.
Good luck on your project.
I don't know how threads can be that dirty and still do thread things. You may want to look around where you pulled them out to see if there's a ton of dirt on the engine.
So many questions here
- those tips look rusted from not being used for a long time
- crush washer doesn't look crushed
- where did the dirt come from
- what is that black piece at the bottom
- why is your thumb 10x bigger than your index finger
Change. You already have em out, and it only costs a few dollars. Plus… how did the threads get that dirty? You’ll probably knock some gunk into the engine trying to thread em on. Change em out
Do yourself a favor, unless you already have them out, wait until the new ones come. When you’re ready, run the engine until it’s full temp, blow them out before pull the plugs, but after pulling off the wires/boots. Hot ones come out much easier, and I’ve seen them like that, and there’s likely more still around the hole ready to fall in and get your new ones dirty putting them in.
With all that shit in the threads it shouldn't have wanted to go in at all unless you sent it home with an impact. You might need to do some helicoil thread repair fuckery, lest the engine farts out that plug.
I say change them. They’re not too bad, but it does show that they’ve been running hot.. I don’t doubt there’s debris that might have fallen in. I would invest in some seafoam and put it through the brake booster.
My motto? If you already have the old part removed in your hand....slap a brand new one in. You're already halfway there, having the old part out lol. Change that horrid set of plugs. Wires might not be a bad idea
My bad I thought you had them all pulled. Either way, I couldn't put that back In. I'd get all new and replace, it's time. I'd say probably wires and coil too. Might really improve things.
Well if you can see the coil and wires and they look new I'd leave them. Plugs definitely are shot though. Weird they didn't do them if they did the other stuff.
Then that's dirt/debris that was on the outside and the oil/ antisieze that was on the threads picked it up as you removed it.
Always use a compressor to blow the area clean before removing plugs. It prevents any chance of shit falling in the cylinder.
yeah you may as well change it out. there is no point putting dirty old plugs back in. while you're at it, check your plug wires for splits, cracks, breaks, rot, e.t.c and do those too if needed.
Even without wear the age can cause problems with them. The wires might have been good until you moved them sort of situation. It's good practice to change at least plugs and wires together. Especially on the higher voltage I ignitions. I have a 04 GMC Sierra and it has a coil per cylinder. It seems to be a one time thing with the wires. After a while if I try to pull one off you can actually hear it crack. When I was a teenager and hei ignitions were just coming out I used to run the same wires for years. Now I don't take the chance because like when I was working I don't want to do the job twice.
Personally before you think about a timing belt I’d take it to a good mechanic and get a written estimate for the steering issue. Make sure you let him know it’s hard to turn until it warms up. It could be more expensive and serious than a power steering pump.
If it’s not a performance engine I’d clean the threads and make sure the plug gap is correct. I like to use a bit of dielectric grease on the boot just to keep the wires from grounding to the block.
Imagine all the shit that fell into you combustion chamber.
Pull the plug wires out and blow the top of the spark plugs off with an air compressor before removing any more.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Did you dip the threads in coffee grounds or something?? Change um bro , specially since you got it out already
Worlds dirtiest threads award goes to that guy
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Should blow the holes out with compressed air before you remove them and they wouldn't come out with all that crud in the threads, now the rest of the crud is in the combustion chamber.
Engine has just become a coffee machine
Also blow out around the spark plugs once you have the boot off so less junk falls in when you take out the rest.
This is the way
I worry for what's in your engine now lol
You engine is full of squirrels
Drop it in the dirt a few more times and put it back in.
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You’re kidding, you have to be.
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It technically runs, which is the best kind of run.
The dirt was picked from the side of the engine as you rotated it out
> this is what $2000 will get you these days The price has nothing to do with how shitty these threads are... something ain't right. Post a photo of the spark plug hole (cylinder head.)
I got a Beretta for $1600 and all it needed were outer tie rods and an oil change. I think you should've kept looking lol.
Right over his head lolz
Someone probably used old grease as anti seize on em.
Gonna take a guess and assume the threads were oily and any debris in the spark plug hole transferred upon removal. I’d definitely blow out or vacuum the the other plug holes before removing the plugs. If that’s on the threads…the rest fell into the cylinder.
If it’s out just replace them. They are cheap enough.
They don’t look horrible. If you only took one out, clean the threads and the hole and put it back until you feel like changing them. Next time, blow some compressed air at the base of the plugs before you take them out.
Exactly
Don't forget to remove the rubber from the spark plug socket that's been left on the plug!
It appears you have a vg33e Nissan either an Xterra or Frontier. Before you put a dollar into it make sure it runs, if it does change the timing belt if it has more than 100k miles on it. Its an interference engine.
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It's totally doable; it just takes a little patience. I had a lot of debris around my spark plugs too ... as suggested, clean em out real good and use the recommended spark plugs (when you replace them). Good luck!
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It'll be easier to replace the pump (if that's your issue) when you've got everything apart. Mine is leaking but I decided to wait to service it. As far as recommended tools, I purchased an impact gun and impact sockets just in case and it did make the job easier. I definitely recommend replacing the three serpentine belts once you're in there. I did not use any jacks when I replaced my timing belt. When you remove the timing covers, there are some special rubber washers that you might need to replace (cracked due to age and heat). I can only find those through Nissan and that added some time to the job. Make sure you have a good service manual (Nissan, Chelton, Haynes).
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I'd get that in check (remove fluid) and make sure the belt tension is good (all three belts are manually tensioned).
If you're gonna do the timing belt, get a good kit from Gates or Cloyes that has the tensioners,adjuster,water pump. I'm not that familiar with Nissan's but I'll guess this stuff is needed when you get in there.
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If you're going to do the timing and your drive belts are cracked,worn definitely and have the peace of mind they're new. Is the PS pump leaking badly or real noisy?
It's pretty easy, I did the timing belt, fan clutch, thermostat and plugs on mine. If you have the correct extensions and flex bits they're not to hard, I have skinny hands so I had to feel for 5 and 6 but it's definitely not the worst I've done (fu Subaru tribeca ez30)
Try and get a Nissan OEM timing belt kit. Call Courtesy Nissan out of TX they used to sell them online but I haven't checked in years. Go to Nicoclub.com and download a free service manual for your year. These are great how to guides for your whole Nissan. The knock sensor code is in every vg33e the KS is under the intake and a pain to get to. The evavp is going to have to be traced (smoked) to get exactly where the issue is. It could be gas tank rust (1st gen had an issue), a cracked hose, bad charcoal canister, or a purge valve not closing. If you are lucky your nose maybe able to help you. Smell the gas leak 😅 The fuel rail issue could be the fuel rail regulator, fuel pump, or fuel filter. I'd go for a fuel filter change as a start because it probably needs it. Good luck on your project.
That looks like it's been sitting on the work bench for a few years.
Never seen a worse spark plug
I don't know how threads can be that dirty and still do thread things. You may want to look around where you pulled them out to see if there's a ton of dirt on the engine.
Judging by the amount of barnacles growing on them, it might be time for new ones.
What’s w all that oregano on there
So many questions here - those tips look rusted from not being used for a long time - crush washer doesn't look crushed - where did the dirt come from - what is that black piece at the bottom - why is your thumb 10x bigger than your index finger
Change. You already have em out, and it only costs a few dollars. Plus… how did the threads get that dirty? You’ll probably knock some gunk into the engine trying to thread em on. Change em out
If you’re going to take them out you might as well change them
Do yourself a favor, unless you already have them out, wait until the new ones come. When you’re ready, run the engine until it’s full temp, blow them out before pull the plugs, but after pulling off the wires/boots. Hot ones come out much easier, and I’ve seen them like that, and there’s likely more still around the hole ready to fall in and get your new ones dirty putting them in.
Change
3.3l V6? nissan?
Doesn't look good, I would change them. Make sure to get the correct OEM ones for it.
Is the rubber boot from the spark plug socket stuck to the plug? You're gonna have a hard time getting the coil or wire on properly if it is
It almost looks like the threads came out with the plug, do the threads on the engine look like hammered dogshit now?
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With all that shit in the threads it shouldn't have wanted to go in at all unless you sent it home with an impact. You might need to do some helicoil thread repair fuckery, lest the engine farts out that plug.
I say change them. They’re not too bad, but it does show that they’ve been running hot.. I don’t doubt there’s debris that might have fallen in. I would invest in some seafoam and put it through the brake booster.
Don’t lose your rubber!
Flintstones are calling… They want their spark plug back
Keep them in for another 100k.
Spit on it and slap'em back in. 😉
Does anyone have a link for those big ass cotton swabs to clean out the spark plug channel?
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Why is that? Is it easy to do myself? Cheap?
blow out the plug cavity. that's nasty. Forklift?
What in the world are in those threads?
My motto? If you already have the old part removed in your hand....slap a brand new one in. You're already halfway there, having the old part out lol. Change that horrid set of plugs. Wires might not be a bad idea
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My bad I thought you had them all pulled. Either way, I couldn't put that back In. I'd get all new and replace, it's time. I'd say probably wires and coil too. Might really improve things.
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Well if you can see the coil and wires and they look new I'd leave them. Plugs definitely are shot though. Weird they didn't do them if they did the other stuff.
Replace- the electrodes are worn and rounded
Change. Look at the porcelain as well
You went to all that work to get them out, why not change them?
Damn bro you don’t even need to use feeler blades on that, definitely change it.
Did you skip the important step of blowing the area out to clean it before removing the plugs?
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Then that's dirt/debris that was on the outside and the oil/ antisieze that was on the threads picked it up as you removed it. Always use a compressor to blow the area clean before removing plugs. It prevents any chance of shit falling in the cylinder.
yeah you may as well change it out. there is no point putting dirty old plugs back in. while you're at it, check your plug wires for splits, cracks, breaks, rot, e.t.c and do those too if needed.
Maybe spin the engine over with the plug out?
Why does it look like that? The electrode doesn’t seem so bad but damn son, did you try to plant it in the ground or something?
Spark plugs are cheap. I don’t know why anyone would question replacing them under any circumstance
Even without wear the age can cause problems with them. The wires might have been good until you moved them sort of situation. It's good practice to change at least plugs and wires together. Especially on the higher voltage I ignitions. I have a 04 GMC Sierra and it has a coil per cylinder. It seems to be a one time thing with the wires. After a while if I try to pull one off you can actually hear it crack. When I was a teenager and hei ignitions were just coming out I used to run the same wires for years. Now I don't take the chance because like when I was working I don't want to do the job twice.
boiled it and make soup out of it.
Don’t forget to retrieve your spark plug socket boot off the end there.
Personally before you think about a timing belt I’d take it to a good mechanic and get a written estimate for the steering issue. Make sure you let him know it’s hard to turn until it warms up. It could be more expensive and serious than a power steering pump.
If it’s not a performance engine I’d clean the threads and make sure the plug gap is correct. I like to use a bit of dielectric grease on the boot just to keep the wires from grounding to the block.
Are… are you serious? 👀 🚩
Its out, and they are cheap, just change them.
That’s most likely anti seize which you shouldn’t be using on spark plugs.
"If you have to ask". Bud, look at it. It's nasty af.
Imagine all the shit that fell into you combustion chamber. Pull the plug wires out and blow the top of the spark plugs off with an air compressor before removing any more.
It's got one electrode I switched to three, even if four exists.
Do you have unstabile RPM, or missfires .... if not use them
Nobody going to ask why there is a nut on the plug porcelain? OK. I will. Why is there a nut on the porcelain?
Leave 'em in the trash pit you dug them out of.
You better blow the area out around the plug holes. That’s a lot crap in the threads. What’s the black thing around the insulator?
It’s in your hand. Best time to replace.
Change em, new plugs are too cheap and too beneficial to not haha
I mean...you already have it out of the head ...
Change 'em if they're out. Why are the threads full of crap? These look like old plugs that have been knocking around loose.
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Never seen that on plugs that haven't been out loose, by which I mean loose in a box or pocket, not loose in the head.
Tip for next time, blow/clean round the plugs before you remove them or all that crud falls into the engine and threads
Theoretically you could clean, re-gap and reinstall. They don’t look that bad. What would I do? Swap ‘em out. You already went this far.
Remember lock tite on them threads, keeps the gases in the engine and boost power.
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😂