[Mummyman]

Well yeah I'm not saying the rep is the authority on spark plugs. On the website NGK states themselves that while the gap from the factory will be fine for most applications, it's not the case in all.

The fact remains the factory gap from NGK is .052, which will work with Mazda's requirement of .049 to .053 gap measurement per manual. It doesn't take a "certified tech" to realize you don't have to mess with re-gaping them yourself in this specific application. So, you are incorrect.

I'm not here to start a pissing match, just stating the facts. People who follow this How To should know assuming they use the OEM NGK plugs, re-gaping them in this vehicle is not necessary (nor is buying a "gaping tool"). That's just a fact in this application.

 

[DrWebster]

In light of this thread, I've updated the first post to note that the 2004-2005 MY 3's use different plugs than the 2006-2009 models do. Also included a note about not needing to gap the NGK plugs, but that YMMV with other brand/model plugs.

 

[Mummyman]

Good information to add on. This thread should help plenty of users have confidence in installing their own plugs, rather than be at the mercy of the dealership rates.

 

[nova]

This DIY was 1million time easier than changing the head light bulbs. Seriously.
I could only hope the air cabin filter were the same.
Kudos Dr Webster.

 

[suzoom]

:assume: WOW!!! thanks so much! any one...(including this chick) can handle this!! :icspot: I did some calling around on the plugs, the NGK IX Iridiums are $8.49 or OEMs for $14.23(a plug) plus shipping. its not the money its the quality i'm looking for. thanks for the tip,,headed over to amazon next... oh, by the way...LOVE the gloves in the photo shots...as a Dental Assistant it'd be like i'm at work... except this one doesn't vomit or drool on me.....lol. seriously :lol:

 

[Mummyman]

Advance Auto has the OEM NGK plugs for $9.99 each. You can pick them up in store or have them shipped (free shipping over $75). There are also 40% off coupons floating all around the net, so you can get a smoking deal. With tax, comes out to about $6.50 a plug round my parts (8.75% tax, WTF). Great deal, certainly better than $14.23 a plug.

 

[Springer]

Thanks for the info.. ordered the NGKs online through Advanced with 20% coupon and instore pickup. Cost $43.

 

[ndrewoods]

The Mazda3 uses a coil-on-plug design, meaning there's no distributor or spark plug wires.

Great write up. So Mazda3 has no longer distributor or spark plug wires to begin with. I've learned something new today. Keep it coming. Thanks.

 

[thebrakeman]

[quote author=Mummyman link=topic=177283.msg3812561#msg3812561 date=1285803696]
Advance Auto has the OEM NGK plugs for $9.99 each. You can pick them up in store or have them shipped (free shipping over $75). There are also 40% off coupons floating all around the net, so you can get a smoking deal. With tax, comes out to about $6.50 a plug round my parts (8.75% tax, WTF). Great deal, certainly better than $14.23 a plug.
[/quote]
I see the 20% off (no minimum) coupon "P20" for AdvanceAuto.com.
Can someone point me to the "40% off coupons floating all aroudn the net"??

 

[thebrakeman]

Never mind. I just found the "BIG10" code (link at the bottom of this page!!!)
It's for $10 off purchase of $25 or more. So it's only 40% off if you spend exactly $25.
In this case, it's $10 off of about $40, which is 25%.

With shipping, it looks like $38.62 after discount.
I wish they would give free shipping if they ship to a store and you pick up. Can't find an option for that.

 

[Mummyman]

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2254987

Link to all of Advance Auto's deals, inclduing "A123" that will give you $20 off a purchase of $50 (40% off). If you just need spark plugs and that's it, then getting exactly 40% off can be tricky, but I cant see Advance not having something else you could use to get the full deal. Wiper blades, air filter, tools (gearwrench are solid), heck I bought a bottle of Techron cleaner for $5 (a good deal in itself) just to get over a certain limit. I picked up an autocraft battery I needed as well, $61 after taxes, amazing.

Brakeman, they do free shipping over $75. If you are just buying plugs, why not just pick up in store? That is obviously free, there is no need to have them shipped to the store...it should be in stock already.

 

[araba_ilanari]

it's okay perfect informations

 

[Toyo72]

At what mileage are you all changing plugs?

 

[nova]

[quote author=mls64 link=topic=177283.msg3865595#msg3865595 date=1290399613]
At what mileage are you all changing plugs?
[/quote]

There is no right answer.
I changed mine's at 85K miles.

Others change it out after 15K.
Change it out if you you are not getting good gas mileage, hesitation or start up issues.
Otherwise, there is no hard & fast rule.

 

[balding geezer]

Mileage isn't the only indicator either. I don't put a lot of miles on my car so if I went by the 75-100,000 mile recommendations some make for iridium plugs I'd be running the factory plugs for 7-10 years, maybe longer. I'm quite confident they would be permanently bonded to the cylinder head by then. I wouldn't leave a set of plugs in for more than 3-4 years, just to avoid that problem.

Yes, iridium (or even platinum) plugs are expensive but the cost, time and hassle of getting a seized or broken spark plug removed and maybe needing to have a heli-coil installed will more than offset the savings from trying to squeeze an extra couple of years out of a set of spark plugs.

 

[Toyo72]

[quote author=balding geezer link=topic=177283.msg3865950#msg3865950 date=1290446235]
Mileage isn't the only indicator either. I don't put a lot of miles on my car so if I went by the 75-100,000 mile recommendations some make for iridium plugs I'd be running the factory plugs for 7-10 years, maybe longer. I'm quite confident they would be permanently bonded to the cylinder head by then. I wouldn't leave a set of plugs in for more than 3-4 years, just to avoid that problem.

Yes, iridium (or even platinum) plugs are expensive but the cost, time and hassle of getting a seized or broken spark plug removed and maybe needing to have a heli-coil installed will more than offset the savings from trying to squeeze an extra couple of years out of a set of spark plugs.
[/quote] Great info, thanks. I, too, put not many miles annually on my 3, so your comments about leaving the plugs for an extended period of time is spot on. Thanks.

 

[sirive]

Great write-up, worked like a charm and I was done in like 15 min. Now my idle is smooth as silk :smokinamd:

 

[Iocol]

[quote author=DrWebster link=topic=177283.msg3750476#msg3750476 date=1280850971]
[quote author=XCNuse link=topic=177283.msg3750440#msg3750440 date=1280849229]
I got mine on Amazon, just search for NGK ILTR5A; mine shipped out of Floriday, shipped with Amazon Prime 2 day free shipping. Total cost was a smidgen below $50
[/quote]

Yep, that's what I did too. Here's the link to the part:

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-ILTR5A-13G-Laser-Iridium-Spark/dp/B001RLU0IS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1280850935&sr=8-1-catcorr
[/quote]

How can you tell the difference between the part numbers on Amazon? I clicked on the link and didn't see anything that states which version it is. I need the 4477. Should I just call Amazon to confirm?

 

[DrWebster]

The link you quoted is for the 3811 -- it says the model number in the item description. For example, Amazon's item description (in big bold letters towards the top of the page) is "NGK (3811) ILTR5A-13G Laser Iridium Spark Plug, Pack of 1".

Here's the Amazon link for the 4477:

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-ITR6F-13-Laser-Iridium-Spark/dp/B000GZETXS/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=3%7C2435&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Mazda%7C80&Year=2004%7C2004&carId=002

The "Make sure it fits!" year/make/model selector on Amazon also seems to be pretty accurate too, so you can always just search for all of the plugs that Amazon sells that match what's compatible with your car.

 

[ZMZMZM]

[quote author=DrWebster link=topic=177283.msg3747530#msg3747530 date=1280542916]

If you want to go with the NGK's, here's what to order:

--2004-2005 Mazda3's, model ITR6-F13, part number 4477 (thanks Mummyman!).
--2006-2009 Mazda3's, model ILTR5A-13G, part number 3811.

[/quote]

Nice writeup. For 2004-2005 Mazda 3, both dealer and manual recommend NGK ITR5-F13, NGK part number 6044.