Spark plugs for Nissan Murano Z51: a complete guide to selection and replacement

Proper operation of the power plant Nissan Murano second generation (Z51 body) directly depends on the quality of spark formation in the cylinders. The VQ35DE engine installed on this model is a complex unit with a high compression ratio that requires precise timing of ignition of the fuel mixture. If you notice a loss of power or increased fuel consumption, the problem often lies in worn-out elements of the ignition system.

Many owners Nissan Murano Z51 They mistakenly believe that candles are consumables that can be changed on a residual basis. In practice, ignoring maintenance regulations leads to failure of expensive ignition coils and problems with the electronic control unit. In this article, we will analyze in detail which products are suitable for your car, how to distinguish the original from a fake, and how to carry out the replacement procedure yourself without damaging fragile ceramics or threads.

Technical features of the VQ35DE engine and requirements for spark plugs

Engine VQ35DE, the heart of your SUV, has a unique design that places increased demands on ignition components. This motor operates at high speeds, which places extreme thermal and mechanical stress on the spark electrodes. Conventional nickel spark plugs, designed for simpler engines, quickly lose their properties in such conditions, causing misfires.

You need to keep in mind that the electrode gap must be strictly within factory specifications to ensure a stable spark at any cylinder pressure. The use of low-quality elements can lead to unstable idling and jerking during acceleration.

• 🔥 High combustion temperatures require the use of iridium or platinum electrodes.
• 🔧 Strict adherence to tightening torque to prevent cracks in ceramics.
• ⚡ Reliable insulation for working with high power ignition coils.

Original spark plugs and their catalog numbers

For Nissan Murano Z51 The manufacturer recommends using only original components or certified analogues from leading global brands. Original candles from Nissan undergo strict quality control and are perfectly balanced for the duty cycle of the VQ35DE engine. Their catalog number is most often found in documents and on packaging.

The main article for this body is 22401-EN20A (sometimes seen as 22401-EN00A depending on year of manufacture and market). These products are equipped with an iridium electrode, which ensures long service life and spark stability. Replacing them with cheaper alternatives may save money now, but will lead to costly repairs in the future.

• 🏷️ Original article: 22401-EN20A (recommended for all model years of Z51).
• 📅 Replacement schedule: every 100,000 km (or 60,000 km under severe conditions).
• 💎 Electrode type: Iridium for maximum durability.

Analogs from leading manufacturers

If original spark plugs are not available or are too expensive, there are proven alternatives from companies NGK, Denso and Champion. When choosing an analogue, always check the catalog numbers.

For the VQ35DE engine, spark plugs from NGK Laser Iridium series. They provide excellent ignition and are resistant to carbon deposits. Also popular are products from Denso with Twin Tip technology that improves fuel combustion. Choosing a particular brand depends on your preference and availability in the market.

• 🇯🇵 NGK (number 94199 or ILZKR7B-11) is the standard of reliability and stable operation.
• 🇯🇵 Denso (number 3444 or IKH20) - excellent self-cleaning characteristics.
• 🇺🇸 Champion (number RE10YCC) is a good budget option with iridium coating.

Symptoms of wear and troubleshooting

Understanding the signs of faulty spark plugs will help you avoid serious damage. The first signal is unstable engine operation at idle, when the tachometer needle begins to float. On Nissan Murano Z51 this is often accompanied by vibration of the entire body, especially noticeable in the cabin when stopping at a traffic light.

If you notice that the car loses traction when accelerating or there are jerks, this is a sure sign of misfire. The electronic control unit can record these errors and turn on the Check Engine light on the dashboard. In this case, it is necessary to conduct computer diagnostics to determine exactly which cylinder has the problem.

• ⚠️ Increased fuel consumption due to inefficient combustion of the mixture.
• 🌫️ Increased exhaust emissions and the unpleasant smell of unburnt gasoline.
• 🔌 Difficulty starting the engine, especially during the cold season.

Replacement procedure and required tools

Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Murano Z51 - This is a procedure that requires accuracy and the presence of a special tool. Since access to the spark plugs is difficult due to the design of the intake manifold, you will have to remove the top plastic engine cover and possibly unscrew some pipes. Do not attempt this on a hot engine to avoid burns and damage to the threads.

You will need a spark plug wrench with an extension and a universal joint, since the spark plugs are located deep in the wells. Also be sure to use a torque wrench for proper tightening. Excessive force can cause a crack in the cylinder head, which will require a major engine overhaul.

• 🔑 Candle key on 16 mm with magnetic tip.
• ⚙️ Torque wrench for tightening with torque 13-15 Nm.
• 🧹 Blowing gun for removing dust from spark plug wells.

Features and Compatibility Table

To make it easier to select the right components, a summary table of characteristics is provided below. Use this data when ordering spare parts or checking the catalog in the store. Please note that there may be slight differences in markings for different production years, but the physical parameters remain the same.

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Key size	16 mm	Standard size for VQ35DE
Thread length	26.5 mm	It is important not to confuse them with short analogues
Thread pitch	1.25 mm	Standard pitch for Japanese engines
Electrode gap	1.1 mm	Fixed gap on iridium spark plugs
Tightening torque	13-15 Nm	Without O-ring (with tapered seat)

What to do if the spark plug is stuck?

If the spark plug is stuck, do not try to unscrew it by force. Use a special puller or add a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40 or equivalent) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Try lightly tugging the spark plug up and down to break up the corrosion, then carefully remove it.

Important nuances during installation

Pay special attention to the condition of the O-ring and threads. Before installing a new spark plug, be sure to check whether there are any defects on it and whether the threads are clean. Apply a thin layer of graphite compound or copper paste to the threads to ensure ease of future removal and prevent sticking.

Never use old O-rings if they have been removed. For iridium spark plugs, a conical fit is often used without an additional ring, so the tightening torque must be strictly adjusted. Over-tightening can damage the ceramics, and under-tightening will lead to overheating and burnout of the gasket.

⚠️ Warning: Never use an impact wrench or power tool to remove or tighten spark plugs on a VQ35DE engine. This is guaranteed to damage the threads in the cylinder head or destroy the ceramic insulator.

⚠️ Attention: Before screwing in a new spark plug, blow out the spark plug well with compressed air. Dust and sand trapped in the cylinder can cause abrasive wear on the piston rings and cylinder walls, resulting in loss of compression.

Common mistakes when servicing the ignition system

Many owners make the mistake of changing only one or two spark plugs when a problem is detected. On a VQ35DE engine, all spark plugs operate under the same conditions, so they should be changed as a set. Partial replacement will lead to uneven operation of the cylinders and increased vibrations.

Another common mistake is to ignore the condition of high-voltage wires (if any) or ignition coils. On Nissan Murano Z51 Individual coils are used, which often fail due to insulation breakdown. If the coil is punctured, the new spark plug will quickly fail.

• ❌ Replacing candles one at a time instead of a set of six pieces.
• ❌ Using candles with the wrong heat number.
• ❌ Ignoring checking the ignition coils during diagnostics.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

How many spark plugs are there in a Nissan Murano Z51 engine?

The VQ35DE engine is a 6-cylinder V-twin, so it has exactly 6 spark plugs, one for each cylinder. Each spark plug is served by its own individual ignition coil.

Can spark plugs be used with a regular nickel electrode?

Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Nickel spark plugs have a significantly shorter service life (about 30-40 thousand km) and cope less well with the high temperatures of the VQ35DE engine, which can lead to rapid wear and unstable operation.

How often do you need to change spark plugs on a Murano Z51?

Official regulations for original iridium spark plugs 22401-EN20A is 100,000 km. However, when operating in city conditions with frequent traffic jams and traffic jams, it is recommended to change them every 60,000 - 80,000 km to maintain optimal engine performance.

What happens if you don't change spark plugs on time?

Long-term use of worn spark plugs leads to misfire, which can cause overheating and failure of the ignition coils. In the worst case scenario, unburned fuel will leak into the catalyst, rendering it inoperable and requiring costly replacement.