# Sparks, Carbon......100k! **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [December 16, 2024, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404 "2024-12-16T17:25:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/41 "2024-12-20T16:54:43Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > I’ve never reinstalled used spark plugs Say the shop use borescope to look into the cylinder. So they remove the (modern) spark that came with the coating. When they put it back after the inspection, should they need to use anti-seize? ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/42 "2024-12-20T17:46:12Z")
> [@sciconf](#): > > When they put it back after the inspection, should they need to use anti-seize? And that was answered in the above post… > [@davesmopar](#): > > BTW: If you remove the spark plug for whatever reason and go to re-install them and the threads are leaving anti-seize on your fingers, don’t add anymore anti-seize to them… > If the spark plugs were cleaned and the treads are dry, then add a very thin film of anti-seize to the treads, it doesn’t take much… ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/43 "2024-12-20T17:51:01Z")
For me even new spark appeared dry - I didn’t touch it intentionally. Others stated that if you torque hard, the anti seize coating will break … or something to that effect. So I assumed there is a thin dry coating on the thread. Correct me if I am wrong. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/44 "2024-12-20T18:20:59Z")
My answer is for installing used spark plugs for whatever the reason… I have never pulled a plug out that I had previously installed using the correct high heat anti-seize, even years later that didn’t still have a coating left on it… rub the threads across your fingers, if your fingers are still clean then add a little bit, also remember that the threads in the head will have a small amount on them also… Again, you are not slapping an once of anti-seize on the threads, just a very very thin coat, like a small dab that gets smeared around with the brush, I try to wipe as much off the brush before running over the threads… ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/45 "2024-12-22T18:52:24Z")
> [@weekend-warrior](#): > > Oil will become darker as the engine is used. > Advice - change the oil as recommended in owner’s manual > and I would change it at least every 6 months even if you don’t make the recommended mileage in the owner’s manual > I only drive about 2k every 6 months. and change the oil every 6 months. My car takes 7 quarts @ about $13 a quart. I usually wait until it’s on sale and by a few cases. @weekend-warrior This is what I would do if I were you - of course I do not know the make/year of your car, mileage and engine condition: - I would do an oil analysis at the end of 2k/6months - follow the oil analysis recommendation but not exceed 1 year interval - if you have piston ring, oil burning issues, I would increase oil viscosity by 5, instead of 0W-20, I would do 5W-20 My car uses Full syn. I did an oil analysis and they wanted me to go longer. Manuf said 7500/6months which was 10yrs ago. This is 2024. I would do 7500/12months and I did an oil analysis already - but I would change early if I see something with the oil after 6months. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/46 "2024-12-22T20:32:48Z")
My car only has 4k miles on it. I don’t think I need an oil analysis yet. I change the oil every 6k or 6 months as per the manufacture. ![IMG_0265 (1)](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/0/c/0c485d6ca93d3c18a28a46e218990bcd7a03f8fc.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/47 "2024-12-22T22:41:40Z")
@weekend-warrior - did you build this thing? Can you also work on a Porsche? Its my dream car, I am yet to buy one! ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2024, 4:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/48 "2024-12-23T04:02:10Z")
If you remove an old plug and then want to put it back in, what do you do about the crush washer? That is the other reason I don’t put an old one back in. ---
**Author:** ![Clueless33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dbc845/32.png) [@Clueless33](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Clueless33)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2024, 4:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/49 "2024-12-23T04:06:06Z")
Love your ride ❤ ---
**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2024, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/50 "2024-12-23T04:39:41Z")
Well…not all of them have crush washers as some are tapered seats. Of course, normally I’m only pulling plugs to replace them, so I’ve never tried, but can’t a crush washer be replaced? IDK why anyone would bother since even “expensive” plugs are still cheap enough to just throw new ones on. But just curious as I’ve not thought of it before. ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 4:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/51 "2024-12-25T04:32:49Z")
> [@bloody\_knuckles](#): > > Mazda wanted close to $30 a plug for mine and Rock Auto had them for $13 as NGK plugs (no Mazda branding on them but they are the same plug with the same NGK part number as the Mazda plug). @bloody_knuckles - you saved me a bunch. Instead of $19 at local store, I found it at rockauto at $6 wholesale closeout of NGK brand, single boxes, ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/52 "2024-12-25T14:16:27Z")
> [@sciconf](#): > > you saved me a bunch. > Instead of $19 at local store, I found it at rockauto at $6 wholesale closeout of NGK brand, single boxes, Watch this video, it is about Toyota, (not Mazda) and counterfeit parts, but also about counterfeit NGK spark plugs… buyer beware… [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/e/3/e397c45829a1d51f194d11da506973502002ad5a.jpeg "Toyota Counterfeit parts EXPOSED!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVA4RYql9KU) ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/53 "2024-12-25T16:35:39Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > Watch this video, it is about Toyota, (not Mazda) and counterfeit parts, but also about counterfeit NGK spark plugs… buyer beware… Rock Auto doesn’t do counterfeit right? O’Reilly doesn’t do it either right? Like someone else stated, we could be buying a returned part - but it also could happen at dealership right - customers could return parts? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/54 "2024-12-25T16:50:34Z")
Don’t use a heavier winter weight oil. All you’ll accomplish is accelerated engine wear during cold starts Tester ---
**Author:** ![jdmere](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jdmere/32/3002_2.png) [@jdmere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdmere)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/55 "2024-12-25T17:16:53Z")
I had always trusted Rock Auto but last year I got a defective NGK coil from them for a 2009 Outback. From the moment it went in there were constant misfires. The misfires eventually messed up the catalytic converter, and that required about $3,000 to fix. I did get a refund for the defective part, but it made me wonder about why their prices were so low. It might have been the luck of the draw, but I don’t think an OEM coil from a dealer would have had that problem. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 8:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/56 "2024-12-25T20:26:02Z")
I only use Pennzoil ultra platinum 0w-40 Full syn. as per manufacture ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/57 "2024-12-25T20:51:14Z")
I stock up on synthetic engine oil at Costco, when it’s on sale We use 0w20, 5w20, 5w30 and 0w40 for our various vehicles ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/58 "2024-12-25T21:03:32Z")
That is such a beautiful car, I love those… 🤤 ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2024, 9:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/59 "2024-12-25T21:16:45Z")
Your local parts houses buy direct from the manufactures and or distribution centers, so no (or not much) chance of getting counterfeit parts… Rock auto buys whatever from left over stock and I don’t even know where, but those “close out” prices make me a little nervous… If you buy online at O’Reilly or Advance, they always have a coupon or something, and you can even do a store pick up or if $X amount they ship it free to your house, and if there is an issue, simply take it to the store for warranty or return or whatever… Yes I use Rock Auto at times, just watch the shipping charges… ---
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404/60 "2024-12-28T18:49:12Z")
> [@jdmere](#): > > I had always trusted Rock Auto but last year I got a defective NGK coil from them for a 2009 Outback. From the moment it went in there were constant misfires. The misfires eventually messed up the catalytic converter, and that required about $3,000 to fix. I did get a refund for the defective part, but it made me wonder about why their prices were so low. It might have been the luck of the draw, but I don’t think an OEM coil from a dealer would have had that problem. If the Spark was so bad: - was the damage visible to eyes? - were u slow to react in avoiding the misfires? - was the CAT damage coincidence or really caused by the Sparks - what mileage was on the car? [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404.md?page=2) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sparks-carbon-100k/198404.md?page=4)