Spark Plugs

I changed the plugs in my FJ this past weekend. I replaced them with OEM plugs. All the old plugs seemed OK...with the exception of the one closest to the firewall on the driver's side. It had a strong smell of gas.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Or can I assume the new plug will "fix this"?

The FJ is running fine as always...

Could be a few things.  Plug could've been bad, and not fully combusting the gas.  Or the injector is messed up.  The smell of gas though is fairly normal.  Did the plug look the same as the others?  Was it wet?

The plug was a bit darker than the others but did not appear to be "wet".

Scottydog wrote:

The plug was a bit darker than the others but did not appear to be "wet".

I wouldn't worry about it.

did you plugs have one brand on one side and then another brand on the other... heard they came from the factory that way!

How old were the plugs?

And yes - plugs often come different for each side of the motor from the factory. That isn't a problem.

They were all Denso...my FJ has 112k and I'm not sure if they have ever been changed.

Scottydog wrote:

They were all Denso...my FJ has 112k and I'm not sure if they have ever been changed.

 They should be changed, at least on my 07, every 30k. I've fouled plugs at 32k.

My 07 is the same as SEO's and I just changed my plugs today.  All were clean and dry with none smelling like gas.  I'm guessing that you shut the truck off mid-cycle on one cylinder.  The fuel injector sprayed some fuel but the truck was off before it could ignite it.  Of course if you're supposed to change your plugs every 30k like the 07s, your plug could've been cooked and not firing very well.  Have you noticed it running smoother now?

I was told by the dealership last time I was there I needed to change my plugs, I have about 47k on mine now. But I have read the "newer" FJ's (mine is a 2011) can go until 120k before needing a change. I read in the maintenance schedule it says at 120k. I plan on changing mine at like 60k maybe unless something happens before then. The "newer" FJ's also come from factory with the iridium type plugs which have a longer life.

Funny how the stealership advises you to change at such a low mileage yet TOYOTA says no problem til well over 100k...

Check the gap on the plugs. What is the gap of the odd ball plug vs the others. How long had the truck been sitting when you changed your plugs?