Many owners Nissan Murano they are trying to postpone a visit to the service center, believing that the service life of the candles is hundreds of thousands of kilometers. However, for the VQ35DE engine with its high compression ratio and complex ignition control system, timely replacement is not just a recommendation, but a necessity. Properly selected and installed elements will ensure stable operation of the motor in any mode.
Choosing the right spark plugs for the VQ35DE engine
Nissan Murano Z51 equipped with a VQ series motor, which has specific spark discharge requirements. Standard nickel spark plugs burn out quickly and require frequent replacement, so experienced owners often choose products with iridium or platinum coating. Such spark plugs provide a more stable spark and can last up to 100,000 km without loss of efficiency.When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the temperature range and heat rating. For the VQ35DE engine, the best option is spark plugs marked P24P or their analogues from trusted brands. Using non-standard spark plugs with incorrect gap or thread length may result in mechanical damage to the combustion chamber or piston.
- 🔥 Nissan OEM #22401-6JF0A is the factory iridium standard for maximum reliability.
- ⚡ NGK IFR6T11 is a direct analogue, popular due to its excellent price-quality ratio.
- 💎 Denso SK20R11 is an alternative with high wear resistance and stable spark.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before starting work, you will need to prepare a set of tools, since access to the spark plugs is limited Nissan Murano complicated by the design of the engine. The main difficulty is that the rear spark plugs are located in deep wells, which are almost impossible to reach without special extensions.
You will definitely need a spark plug wrench with a universal joint and an extension, as well as a set of sockets for 10 mm for removing decorative covers and ignition coils. Don't forget a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clear any dust from the area around the spark plugs before unscrewing.
☑️ Replacement tools
Make sure the engine is completely cool. Working with a hot engine can cause burns and also cause the aluminum cylinder head to expand, making it difficult to unscrew the spark plugs and increasing the risk of stripping the threads during dismantling.
Step-by-step procedure for dismantling and installation
Start by opening the hood and removing the plastic decorative engine cover, which is secured with several clips. Carefully unfasten the clips and lift the cover, setting it aside to gain access to the ignition coils. Next, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental short circuit.
Each ignition coil is secured with one bolt on 10 mm. Unscrew the fasteners, disconnect the electrical connector and carefully remove the coil. Please note that the coils may stick to the spark plugs, so you need to pull them out smoothly, avoiding sudden jerks.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the reels, be extremely careful with the plastic housing. Cracks in the housing can lead to a spark passing to ground and subsequent uneven operation of the engine.
After removing the coils, connect the spark plug wrench with an extension cord. If you are replacing rear spark plugs, use a special extension with a magnet or rubber insert to hold the spark plug while removing it. Unscrew the spark plugs counterclockwise without applying excessive force.
What to do if the spark plug does not unscrew?
If the candle is stuck, do not try to tear it off with a jerk. Apply a generous amount of penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench to the threads and wait 15-20 minutes. Try turning the spark plug slightly in both directions to break up the carbon layer.
Before installing new spark plugs, be sure to check the gap between the electrodes. Although most iridium spark plugs come with a factory gap, it doesn't hurt to double check. Install a new spark plug into the well, carefully tighten it with your hands until it stops, and then tighten it with a spark plug wrench.
Critical errors during replacement
One of the most common mistakes is re-tightening the spark plugs. The VQ35DE engine has an aluminum cylinder head, and excessive torque can cause stripped threads, which will require replacing the entire head or installing repair inserts.
- ❌ Lack of lubrication on threads: It is recommended to apply a thin layer of graphite grease or copper paste to the threaded part of the spark plug to prevent sticking in the future.
- ❌ Using the old O-ring: Always install a new ring or use spark plugs with a seal already installed.
- ❌ Debris falling into the cylinder: Before unscrewing the spark plugs, blow out the wells with compressed air to prevent dust and dirt from entering the combustion chamber.
Another critical mistake is mixing up the wires or ignition coils. Although on Nissan Murano Z51 The coils are individually priced; when removing them, it is important not to confuse the installation order if you do not use the markings.
To simplify the process, mark the coils with numbers 1-6 with a marker before removing them so as not to mix them up when reassembling them, especially if they are visually identical.
Specifics of working with rear cylinders
Rear spark plugs Nissan Murano located in close proximity to the body, and access to them is severely limited. Often, replacing them requires removing part of the intake manifold or using a specialized flexible extension.
- All 6 candles
- Front 4 only
- Rear 2 only
- Never changed
When working on the rear cylinders, it is important to ensure that the wrench does not touch adjacent tubes or wires. Use the universal joint to change the angle of approach to the spark plug. This will prevent damage to adjacent cooling or intake system components.
Diagnostics after installation
After completing the work and assembling the engine, you need to start the engine and check its operation at idle speed. The engine should run smoothly, without vibrations or misfires. If a light comes on on the dashboard Check Engine, you may not have fully connected the ignition coil connector.
The correct tightening torque for spark plugs is the key to long-lasting threads and the absence of misfires in the future.
If the engine is unstable, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics with a scanner. Error codes will help determine which cylinder the problem is on. Sometimes it is necessary to reset the ECU adaptations so that the computer reconfigures the mixture formation for new spark plugs.
| Parameter | Value for VQ35DE |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Iridium |
| Tightening torque | 13-15 Nm |
| Resource (recommended) | 60,000 - 100,000 km |
| Key size | 16 mm (5/8") |
Maintenance periods and replacement intervals
Manufacturer Nissan recommends changing spark plugs every 60,000 km. However, if you operate the car in difficult conditions (city traffic, frequent short trips, fuel quality), this interval should be reduced to 40,000 km.
Regularly checking the condition of the spark plugs during scheduled maintenance allows you to identify problems with the ignition system at an early stage. By the appearance of carbon deposits, you can determine whether the mixture is rich or lean, whether there are problems with the oil rings or the crankcase ventilation system.
- 🔧 White soot: Indicates a lean mixture or engine overheating.
- 🌑 Black soot: Indicates a rich mixture or problems with the fuel system.
- 🛢️ Oil deposits: This indicates wear on the valve stem seals or rings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular nickel spark plugs on the Murano Z51?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Nickel plugs require replacement every 30,000 km, which increases maintenance costs and the risk of damage to the coils due to misfires.
What to do if the ignition coil cannot be removed?
Don't use brute force. Use a special coil puller or gently rock it from side to side, after treating the joint with penetrating lubricant. If it does not budge, the intake manifold may need to be removed.
Do I need to change all 6 spark plugs at once?
Yes, it is recommended to change the entire set. Partial replacement can lead to uneven engine operation and increased wear of old spark plugs due to an imbalance in the ignition system.
How often should you check the gap on new spark plugs?
On modern iridium spark plugs, the gap is often not adjustable and is considered a factory setting. However, before installation it is always useful to check it with a probe to exclude defects.
Why does the engine run unstable after replacing spark plugs?
This may be due to the fact that the ECU has not yet adapted to the new spark plugs. Usually after 100-200 km the work stabilizes. If the problem does not go away, check the tightness of the coil connections and the absence of errors with a scanner.