I am getting ready to replace the upper tensioners on my 2001 xk8 - I have the gasket set from Rock Auto and the tensioners and bolts shipped today from SNG.

I am wondering if I should replace my spark plugs at the same time... They are probably original as I bought the car two years ago with 25,000 miles on her (and still have less than 30k). Obviously from a mileage perspective I am fine but what about deterioration with age?? I obviously could look at them when I tear down for the tensioners, but I would like to order them a head of time (I will probably get the Bosch Iridiums and would prefer to order them online ahead of time)... and the car does seem to run perfectly fine - but maybe it would run better with new plugs...

SO, the big question is - should I replace the plugs based on age alone or save my money for now?? Granted we're only talking $50-75, but why spend the money if the old ones are still fine?

Any thoughts??

 

If it were me, I'd change them for new ones. Even with the low miles, the current plugs are 13 years old, and you'll be removing them anyway to get to the tensioners. It's a low-cost item, just go for it.



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My vote is to take the money that you would spend on the spark plugs and purchase a bottle of your favorite single malt beverage. With the project you have planed you will enjoy it more and consider it a reward. You might want to look hard at replacing the valve cover gaskets while you have it torn down, they will leak soon enough if you do not.
LaRue

 

[QUOTE=larueb;99060. You might want to look hard at replacing the valve cover gaskets while you have it torn down, they will leak soon enough if you do not.
LaRue[/QUOTE]
blindside already has the gasket set, per his first sentence. I also would change the plugs.

 

The plugs do not have to be removed to do the tensioners. The coils yes, the plugs no.

The original plugs are also better than most of the cheaper replacement parts unless replaced with the exact equivalent. The orginals should be NGK double plats.

At 25k, I might want to unscrew them an take a look just to break free any corrosion in the threads.

Would not touch Bosch plugs with a ten foot barge pole.

 

Agree with Plums. Depending on what climate car is in you should at least unscrew them. They are supposed to last a long time. I replaced mine and glad I did. They were very hard to break free. If you neglect this and the seize in........

 

But, it is easier to turn the crankshaft to get the exhaust cam to line up in the "best" position with the plugs out. I just did my tensioners last week, and I decided to replace the plugs while I was there.

 

++ with avoiding Bosch plugs. I've pitched so many of them in the trash because of failed PMVI emission inspections that I wouldn't even tape one to a tricycle. NGK or Nippondenso double plats .

 

I went with the Bosch Iridium plugs and so far so good... they seem fine but we'll see how they last.