Replaced Spark Plugs and JWT Air Filter and Drive Belts On Staurday

[Jacko3]

Folks:

After flogging my engine for 20,000 miles eventhough my car has 32,000 miles---except for when fuel prices went through the roof, I decided it was time to replace the spark plugs. Though I know this may not be long enough time to see effect of time and performance on spark plugs, however, the old spark plugs removed from the engine was so clean that I could actually use it for another 20,000 miles easily and without blinking. I was impressed given that i drive this car very hard. No oil or grime or dirty discouraging patterns anywhere on the spark plugs. I suspect my internal components are also very clean as well.

I also got the throttle body cleaned out---lots of black dirt inside that chamber. Get it cleaned everytime you change the air filter--whether you have OEM air filters or after market air filters.

I replaced my belts as well, they still looked very good and could go another 20,000 miles eventhough they have 32,000 miles on them already---no cracks or ripples anywhere. i was impressed with all these vital signs.

The JWT Pop Charger or Air Filter is unbeleivably good----stores tons of dirt and yet keeps the car running great without choking it for air. I had the chance to clean the air filter and you won't believe how much dirt I cleaned out of the filter I first installed in March of 2008. I think replacing the JWT air filter every 6 months is a good idea--whether it looks great or not.

I also replaced the PCV valve as well. Next year, all I have to is replace the differential fluid, and then i will wait for another 25K - 35K miles ofr another round of tune up.

One thing is clear from all of this, I got these great results by flogging my car routinely. The VQ engine does not like to be babied. I have been saying this for a long time--this engine is most capable in response/behavior and overall healthy, when it is flogged routinely. I am yet to receive any indication that flogging it does it more harm than good. The only down side to flogging the car is that you will use up your brakes very quickly. I am already due to replace my front brakes already---10 % left on front brakes---3rd front brake sets to be installed at a cost of $50-- I beleive I installed the 2nd set in April 2008.


Modified by Jacko3 at 6:46 AM 10/27/2008

[SteveTheTech]

Sounds pretty good, what did you replace the factory plugs with?

I wish that more G owners would take care of their cars in such a mannor.

I am surprised that anyone running NA would change their plugs at 30 since most owners hesitate to replace them at 105K.

Good Job Jacko!

[Jacko3]

Dear Steve:

Yep! I used the factory spark plugs. It works great. Next for a tune up is my little Nissan--that should be an easy one in December.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Good job Jacko!

Maintaining your car in that manner will ensure years of trouble free flogging I agree with Steve, not all car owners pay such close attention to such details... my hat goes off to you, keep on floggin!

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I know... Good work Jacko

I tend to be the same way.

But I let things finish out their life.. More Green!

drive belts... When it starts to crack then i get a new one.

Spark plugs... When it starts to loose power then I get new ones.

Always good to change the oil!

DJ

[joe603]

The plugs looked good because you flog the car. Helps with cleaning

[Sentientbydesign]

Jacko,

How did they clean your throttle? I've heard some horror stories about the throttle motor going out of sync and having to be replaced so I haven't done any major cleaning (even though I know it needs it.

[Jacko3]

Nate:

My mechanic is a magician--he does things that befuddles me, and yet it works.

First he took a long scissors-like surgical instrument, grabbed a dry rag, and at some distance, sprayed the rag very lightly with some stuff from a can---possibly a cleaning fluid--make sure the spraying is occuring at some distance.

Then, he removed the air intake and z-tube, turned the ignition switch to on without starting the car, then he put the car in gear, then he depressed the accelerator pedal, and lo and behold, the flaps of the throttle body, magically opened. Then he turned the ignition back to OFF while he cleaned the inside of the throttle body.

Then with the rag, he carfully cleaned inside and around the flaps and deep inside the throttle body, without ever spraying again that stuff in the can on the rag. After this, he repeated the same process to open the flaps in order to close the flaps.

Then he used the computer stuff they have at the dealership, while the car was running, to reset the idle learning sequence once again. He made it look easy but i was not fooled one bit by his technique---I told him that only he will be doing this for the rest of the life of my car.




Modified by Jacko3 at 1:56 PM 10/27/2008

[Sentientbydesign]

I doubt your belts would have held up much longer, so don't worry. Mine were toast when I got the car with 46k.

[SteveTheTech]

That is an interesting way to go about it. I never though of that, honestly I usually remove them on some cars if they really need it. Its pretty easy and that allows you to clean everything then if you get really motivated you can pull the plenum as there is all kind of nastiness inside the lower intake. As you saw in the pics I had from the motor with <20K on it.

As for the belts the factory ones in the area I live in (mid atlantic) last ~45K under most driving conditions.I'm sure the Canadians replace them sooner as the heat expansion and very dry air will age the prematurely I have seen them last well past 80 and as low at 26 so its not exact. There not going to snap though.

[SVTCOBRA]

I doubt your belts would have held up much longer, so don't worry. Mine were toast when I got the car with 46k.

I think my 05 sedan needed them at 45K too....

My plugs looked great too at 55K (05 G35S) when I replaced them. Felt like I wasted my money. (Actually I did, cause I traded it for the 04 G35C !)

[Jacko3]

Steve:

Nice to know. These cars are made so well these days. I am impressed with them.

[Jacko3]

Nice!

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I guess I better look at my Belt... But I do have a lot more hot weather than you boys have up north!

DJ

[SteveTheTech]

D*mn you and your dry belts and warm sunshine and year round water sports.

[gwoods]

Dear Steve:

Yep! I used the factory spark plugs. It works great. Next for a tune up is my little Nissan--that should be an easy one in December.

Good choice on the plugs, 50k miles is a more reasonable time to change them but not bad. Did you put a small tiny dab of antiseize on the plug threads?? If you ever want to get them back out its a must? Right Steve?

Is your car an auto or manual? If its an auto you should really consider changing the transmission fluid!

I change my transmission fluid every 20k

[tollboothwilley]

How about Arizona summers and Utah winters....lots of expansion and contraction. I have had to adjust them every time i move between states.

[Jacko3]

Jeff:

I think he put the anti-seize. Well, if he didn't he will be the same guy to remove the sparkplugs anyways. mine is a 6mt

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

D*mn you and your dry belts and warm sunshine and year round water sports.

lol... I was thinking of winterizing the boat but I said the hell with it. I will put on a coat and take it out once a week for a nice cruise.

DJ