I have an 08 with only 23,000 miles.....so it was built 6.5 years ago. Owner's manual says to replace the spark plugs after 100,000 miles or 5 years........anyone think it's real important at this point with only 23k miles?

 

NO
Age won't hurt them as far as I know, they should do the 100K

 

The manual was written by Chrysler and they want to replace as many parts on your car as they can as soon as they can.
Their motto is 'replace it even when it's not broken if you can get away with it'.

 

I've already got the proper brake fluid and coolant .....I'll do those this summer........plugs .....maybe wait a couple of years.....

Thanks for the input.

At the rate I'm driving it.....should still only have about 75,000 on it when my granddaughter hits 16......maybe give it to her?

 

The only thing that worries me about waiting too many years to change plugs is that they seize up. I have similar issues: a pair of 2005s with 46k and 24k.

 

She'll be 3 in October......loves to sit in the XF.

 

The spark plug threads have a special plating on the threads to prevent seizing up over time. Spark plug makers are aware of the possibility of dis similar metals causing problems so they have added anti seize plating to the threads.
Do NOT put anti-seize on the threads, as you may over tighten them and shear the thread portion off.

From an NKG bulletin.
For spark plugs with special metal plating simply do not use anti-seize on initial Installation; All NGK Spark Plugs are manufactured with a special trivalent Zinc-chromate shell plating that is designed to prevent both corrosion and seizure to the cylinder head; Thus eliminating the need for any thread compounds or lubricants.

Additional Information
NGK recommends only using spark plugs with metal plating on all aluminum head applications to prevent damage to the head and plug. Metal shell plating acts as a “lubricant” which breaks away from the main body of the spark plug during removal, preventing damage to the spark plug and or threads in the cylinder head.

See the full NKG PDF below.

 

So do you think the OEM plugs have this plating?

 

Yes ............

 

Plugs are next on deck for BB after I get the EGR situation fixed. Sooooo I do know there are other threads that discuss different plugs, but any solid recommendations on a plug for crossfires? I drive her hard but not racing.

 

Wow your car looks really great in the silver color. Don't see many in silver. Congrats

 

Unless those plugs have seen many miles I'd save my money and get a case of good beer or a bottle of good scotch.
Todays plugs are not like the plugs of the 50's and 60's.

 

I agree with the feedback received from others in this thread. Technological improvements in spark plugs the past 10 years or so are why OEM's are now recommending 100k tune-ups. Solid-state electronics along with platinum plugs are contributing factors to the 100k recommended tune-up intervals. The fact that Chrysler augments this 100k recommendation with the 5-yr interval is that is the timeframe most consumers would be approaching 100k on the car.

And my 2007 has just over 15K after 7 years and still yields performance results (e.g., gas mileage) like it was new. I've seen absolutely no drop-off that could be contributed to poor spark performance. (MPG results)

Later,

 

The plugs in my Wifes 07 Tribeca are original, with 111k on em. Still runs fine. I hear they are a royal pain to change.

 

The biggest thing is there are 12 of the little suckers and if they haven't been touched, the boots can be troublesome. The first time I did it, it took me 1 1/2 hours, the second time it was 45 minutes. As always, having the right tools is a big help.

 

As I have stated in other posts, it seems stupid, but I found that if you simply remove the valve covers, the spark plug change is very easy with the added benefit of keeping all the skin on your hands. They have a rubber gasket that is reusable.
PLUS ! you get to see some of the pretty German engineering :

 

great pics where did you ever find those eng covers ???? looks good !!!!

 

If you are referring to this :




Then it is a C320 cover, almost any junk yard will have them, or look on eBay.
The valve covers are stock units painted with black crinkle paint by maxcichon.

 

Yes, it is like a fine jeweled watch, also, by the valve layout, this would be a "HEMI", but Chrysler has the patent on using the "HEMI" label.

 

There seems to be two schools of thought regarding maintenance, and spark plugs in particular. Some believe that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." They plan to put 100,000 or more miles on the car before even considering a spark plug change. They would rather drive it than get their hands dirty. There's nothing wrong with that. They’re Crossfire drivers rather than mechanics, which is fine. The car appeals to all kinds of people. Then there are others, like myself who can't keep their hands off the car, who see it as a fascinating piece of kinetic sculpture. I see my Crossfire as a beautiful mechanical toy to be played with, probably because I never grew up (…the price of their toys). For me, it's reassuring to know the condition of every component in the car. That’s why I check tire pressure twice a month, keep the washer fluid topped up, check and change oil regularly, replace the spark plugs every 5 years whether they need it or not, conduct an under-car inspection once a year, and drain and replace the coolant and brake fluid every 24 months. In short, I enjoy working on my car whether it needs it or not. An added benefit is that this obsessive maintenance reduces that chances of getting stranded at the side of the road. The down side is that it costs time and money. My wife thinks I’m nuts. But then I remind her that her mechanically-challenged brother seems to call for roadside assistance on a monthly basis. In 50 years of driving, I’ve only been stranded once; when my 1968 BMW 2002 coasted to a stop in Ann Arbor on a foggy morning due to a wet distributor. I dried it off and continued on my way. That wasn’t my fault.