1998 Spark Plug & Distributor change

[sc89]

Hey guys, im new to this forum..and after searching I have not found what im looking for (I am not too good with search features, so please excuse me)

First off..my names Rob and im 25! I have a 1998 pathfinder, since 143,000 kilometers, and now it's at 171,000. Timing belt has been changed and the regular oil ect..but here is my next task.

I am going to change my spark plugs, wires and distributor.

#1, I don't mind spending the extra cash (not a big deal). Is there any real benefit from the NGK iridiums over the OEM's? If so, I will go with the Iridiums. Please note where I live, it often goes down to -20c to -30c in the winter.

#2, is there a good distributor I should go for? I know NGK doesn't make them, and I see some on ebay..I just don't mind spending an extra 50$ or whatever to get a QUALITY product. What is a good brand/model?

Let me know..

by the way, this is a great forum! I will be here for a while

[GotQX4?]

hey Rob. I went through the same thing when I did a tuneup on my '96 Jag and '98 QX4 last summer. It seemed better to go with a higher end brand that appeared to be a better spark plug, but it was recommended by a few people to stick to the OEM. Wouldn't hurt to splurge for the NGK's but it isn't necessary either.

If you're worried about the very cold temps, I'm in Buffalo, NY and during some of our winter months it definitely stays in the single digits and down to 0 degrees F. My QX4 does just fine since the full tuneup last summer even in the bitter cold months!

[sc89]

OEM's are NGK's.

Im glad to hear what worked for you

but you didn't say which spark plugs you put in exactly, what about the distributor?

[alexf20c]

you're only replacing the distributor cap (and rotor), not the whole distributor. you can use any house brand from AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc.

i always recommend OEM plugs unless you have considerable engine modifications. NGK Iridium is what i use; it's logistically the same as OEM, it just uses an Iridium electrode instead of platinum or copper. do not use any of that SplitFire or Bosch Platinum +4 garbage, unless you want to be replacing your plugs every 20k miles.

[sc89]

Well the vehicle is at 107,000 miles..and I don't know how much maintenance was ever done, because when I got it at 89,000 miles there was no service history.

Albeit..it runs great, but I just want to be safe. I was told doing the distributor with the new plugs and wires is the good thing to do. I have a mechanic with me, so it's a problem when it comes to how to get it done or labor costs.

I know the OEM's will be sufficient, and I don't mind spending the extra cash for the Iridiums. I just wanted to know what advantages I would get with the iridums over the OEM's, thats all. Will the iridiums start the engine easier, or even better on cold -20 to -30 starts? I was just more concerned with the advantages I would get.

This is a great forum

[Chuck Tribolet]

One big advantage to the OEM plugs is that the come pregapped. I always check them, and I've never had one out of spec.

On the 3.0/3.3, after you pull spark plug boot, blow out the hole in the head with compressed air. It collects grit, even if you don't off-road. You don't want the grit
inside the engine.

[sc89]

Alright, but is gapping them complicated? If not I don't really care, I have time on my hands.

Can anyone tell me what advantages the iridiums offer over OEM..?

[fueler]

for the NGK's, i'd stick with the factory recommended NGK FR5AP-10 they are platinum tipped and good for at least 60k (according to nissan maintenance schedule)

[sc89]

Lol, could you possibly list why you pick these over those? I couldn't care less on how much money I save (duration of the part)..

I am concerned with WHY those are better than these ect..I am trying to inform myself on the advantages because the NGK site just says increase fuel economy and other typical stuff, but manufacturer websites always inflate and hype up their products. Im trying to figure out why the FR5AP are better, what's so good about platinum tipped plugs over OEM? Or iridium over platinum tipped?

Sorry if it's a complicated question, im just trying to inform myself..

[alexf20c]

google.com can answer those questions. but if you say money is no issue, then why are you making an issue out of it? either get the FR5AP-10 platinum plugs, or the iridium version. the only difference is the electrode. iridium is more stable and will last longer than platinum.

if you have a "mechanic," why aren't you asking him/her these questions? you do NOT replace the distributor. ever. unless it's broken. you are only supposed to replace the distributor cap and rotor.

[sc89]

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/s ... gpower.asp

Went with those..hopefully they're good enough!

[alexf20c]

i'm glad to see you bought the cheap stuff that does not meet OEM standard.

[alexf20c]

http://www.courtesyparts.com/22100-dist ... cPath=4700&

^^^

be sure to buy one of these also, to complete your long overdue tune-up.

[fueler]

i recommend the factory plugs because the VG33 seems to be picky about plugs. one time i was trying to be all cool and stuff, i put some bosch platinums in and within a few months it caused a gnarly misfire. I asked on nicoclub and everyone said ONLY USE STOCK. So i threw the fr5ap10's in and it's been running fine ever since.

if you've really got your heart set on installing a different plug, you could try going hotter or colder (fr4ap10 or fr6ap10)

my question to you is, why would you want to play around with getting completely different plugs when they are the same high price as stock??

[sc89]

lol, the fr5ap10's aren't stock. I looked in my book for my 1998 pathy and it said BKR5E-11, which is http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/s ... vpower.asp

[fueler]

well i'll be damned if you aren't right. The 1998 factory service manual does in fact call for BKR5E11

Not sure why that is, since the VG33 stayed the same from 1996 to 2000.

Sorry for throwin the wrong part # out there for ya!

[Chuck Tribolet]

well i'll be damned if you aren't right. The 1998 factory service manual does in fact call for BKR5E11

Not sure why that is, since the VG33 stayed the same from 1996 to 2000.

The basic engine may have stayed the same, but maybe the emissions requirements changed, or they made some changes for better fuel economy or power,
and the tuning changes required a different plug.

But the NGK website lists both BKR5E11 and FR5AP10 for '98 PF. BKR5E11 and FR5AP10 BR5E11 is a "V-power" plug and looks traditional and FR5AP10 is a "Laser Platinum" plug with skinny positive electrode. Maybe the FR5AP10 wasn't available or proven for '98, and Nissan made the change for plug longevity reasons in '99.
What's the plug change interval for '98 and '99?


Chuck

[fueler]

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/pathfinder/

Theres a list of factory service manuals for Pathfinders.

Click on the section called MA (stands for maintanance) and there is a detailed schedule as recommended by nissan.

Mine is 60k yours could be different.