Owners Nissan Murano Z51 (2003–2007) are often faced with the question: which spark plugs are best to install so that the engine VQ35DE worked stably? Not only acceleration dynamics, but also fuel consumption, smooth idling, and in advanced cases, even the risk of damage to the ignition coils depend on the condition of these parts. In this article, we will look at how to select spark plugs by catalog numbers, when to change them, and why cheap analogues can result in expensive repairs.

Feature Murano Z51 - sensitivity to spark quality. Incorrectly selected spark plugs lead to misfires and errors. P0300-P0306 and even detonation. We analyzed the original articles, the best analogues from NGK, Denso And Bosch, and also collected step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors. If you notice that the engine is “troubling” or fuel consumption has increased by 10–15%, this article will help you diagnose the problem and fix it without contacting a service center.

Original spark plugs for Murano Z51: articles and characteristics

The manufacturer recommends for Nissan Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE (3.5 l) candles with article number 22401-9M000 or 22401-9M005. These are iridium spark plugs from NGK with heat number 6 and gap 1.1 mm. They provide a stable spark under high loads and are designed to last up to 100,000 km (subject to quality fuel).

Important: original candles are supplied in original packaging Nissan with a hologram, but often these are repackaged products NGK or Denso. The candles themselves must have the manufacturer's logo and markings IFR6G11 (for NGK) or SK20R11 (for Denso). Counterfeits usually have unclear engraving and lower quality electrode metal.

  • 🔧 Original article: 22401-9M000 (set of 6 pcs.)
  • 🔥 NGK analogue: IFR6G11 (iridium, gap 1.1 mm)
  • ⚡ Denso analogue: SK20R11 (platinum, interchangeable)
  • ⚠️ Heat number: 6 (candles with the number 5 or 7 are not suitable!)

Critical error: using spark plugs with a gap of more than 1.3 mm leads to misfire at high speeds and damage to the coils. Check the gap with a feeler gauge before installation!

Signs of spark plug wear: when replacement is required

The manufacturer recommends replacing spark plugs with Murano Z51 every 90–100 thousand km, but in practice this interval is reduced to 60–70 thousand km when driving on low-quality fuel or frequent short trips. The following symptoms indicate the need for replacement:

  • 🚗 Unstable idle (engine “tweaks”)
  • ⛽ Increased fuel consumption (10–20% above normal)
  • ⚡ Misfires (errors P0300-P0306 in OBD-II)
  • 💨 Difficult launch (especially in cold weather)
  • 🔥 Power Loss (dull response to gas pedal)

If you ignore these signs, wear of the spark plugs leads to overload of ignition coils (their cost starts from 5,000 ₽ per piece) and the risk of detonation, which destroys the pistons. For example, if the central electrode breaks, a fragment can damage the cylinder, which will require major repairs.

⚠️ Attention: If oil deposits or gasoline are found on the spark plugs, the problem is not with them, but with malfunction of valve stem seals or injection system. Replacing the spark plugs in this case will give a temporary effect.
📊 What spark plugs do you use in Murano Z51?
  • Original Nissan
  • NGK IFR6G11
  • Denso SK20R11
  • Bosch or other analogues
  • I don't know which ones are worth

Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs on a Murano Z51

To replace spark plugs Murano Z51 you will need:

  • 🔧 Socket wrench on 10 mm (for removing coils)
  • 🔧 Candle key 16 mm with extension
  • 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (to get candles out of wells)
  • 🧴 Dielectric grease (for coil contacts)
  • 📏 Feeler gauge for checking the gap

Work order:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit).
  2. Remove the plastic engine cover (mounts on the sides).
  3. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors (press the lock and pull up).
  4. Unscrew the coil mounting bolts (1 bolt for each) and remove the coils.
  5. Use a spark plug wrench to unscrew the old spark plugs. Attention: If the spark plug is stuck, do not apply force - treat the thread with WD-40 and wait 10 minutes.
  6. Check the gap on new spark plugs (should be 1.0–1.1 mm).
  7. Install new spark plugs, tightening them firmly 20–25 Nm (overtightening leads to damage to the threads in the block head!).
  8. Apply dielectric grease to the coil contacts and reinstall them.

☑️ Preparing to replace spark plugs

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: If, when unscrewing the spark plug, the electrode breaks and part of it remains in the cylinder - do not try to remove it with a magnet. Contact service immediately: the cylinder head will need to be removed.

The best analogues of original candles: what to choose

Original candles Nissan cost from 2 500 ₽ per set, but they can be replaced with high-quality analogues with similar characteristics. The main thing is to comply heat number 6 and electrode material (iridium or platinum). Below are proven options:

Manufacturer Article Type Gap (mm) Service life (thousand km) Price per piece (₽)
NGK IFR6G11 Iridium 1.1 100 800–900
Denso SK20R11 Platinum 1.1 90 750–850
Bosch FR7DPX Iridium 1.0 80 600–700
Champion OE201/T10 Platinum 1.1 70 500–600

Among the budget options (300–400 ₽/piece) there are often fakes. For example, candles Bosch FR7DPX They are often counterfeited by replacing the iridium tip with ordinary metal. Check the packaging for the presence of a hologram and buy only from authorized dealers.

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Before purchasing spark plugs, check their authenticity: original NGK and Denso have a laser engraved logo on the insulator, and the threads must be perfectly smooth without burrs.

Typical mistakes when replacing spark plugs and their consequences

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to serious damage. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Re-upholstery of candles → thread failure in the block head (repair will cost 15 000–20 000 ₽).
  • 🧲 Using a non-magnetic key → the candle falls into the well and has to be removed with a mirror.
  • ⚡ Failure to maintain clearance → misfires and errors P0300.
  • 💧 Dirt getting into wells → abrasive wear of cylinder walls.
  • 🔥 Installing spark plugs with the wrong heat rating → detonation and burnout of pistons.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is using copper candles instead of iridium. Copper electrodes burn out quickly, and their low thermal conductivity leads to overheating of the combustion chamber. As a result, the exhaust valve may burst (repair costs range from 50 000 ₽).

What to do if a candle breaks off in a well?

If the electrode remains in the cylinder, do not try to remove it yourself! Removal of the cylinder head is required. The service uses a special extractor for this, but if it fails, the cylinder head will need to be replaced (from RUB 80,000).

How to extend the life of your spark plugs

Candles on Murano Z51 can last longer than stated if you follow simple rules:

  • ⛽ Fuel with fuel with an octane rating of at least AI-95 (on AI-92 candles become covered with soot 2 times faster).
  • 🚗 Avoid short trips (the engine does not have time to warm up and condensation forms on the spark plugs).
  • 🔧 Clean spark plugs every 30,000 km (ultrasonic or sandblasting machine).
  • ⚡ Check high voltage wires (insulation breakdown shortens the life of the spark plugs).

Fun fact: if you use fuel system cleaning additives (For example, Liqui Moly Injection Reiniger), carbon deposits on candles form more slowly. However, you should not abuse them - aggressive compounds can damage the lambda probes.

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Regular diagnostics of spark plugs (every 20,000 km) allows you to identify problems at an early stage: black carbon deposits indicate a rich mixture, white carbon deposits indicate a poor mixture, and oil on the threads indicates wear on the valve stem seals.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Murano Z51 spark plugs

Is it possible to use platinum spark plugs instead of iridium spark plugs?

Yes, platinum candles (eg Denso SK20R11) are fully compatible with Murano Z51. They are slightly less durable (lifespan ~90,000 km versus 100,000 km for iridium), but are 10–15% cheaper. The main thing is to keep the gap 1.1 mm.

What happens if you don’t change spark plugs for more than 100,000 km?

When the spark plugs are worn critically, the following occurs:

  • Misfires leading to catalyst overheating (replacement will cost 30 000–50 000 ₽).
  • Damage to the ignition coils (their service life is reduced by 2–3 times).
  • Increased fuel consumption by 15–20%.

In advanced cases, detonation is possible, which destroys the pistons.

How to check spark plugs without removing them from the engine?

Remove the ignition coil from the suspicious cylinder (where misfires are heard) and insert a working spark plug into it. Place the spark plug on the engine ground and turn it with the starter. If the spark is weak or absent, the problem is in the spark plug or coil. Attention: Hold onto the insulated part of the spark plug to avoid electric shock!

Which spark plugs are best for gas (LPG)?

When using HBO 4th generation on Murano Z51 candles with gap 0.7–0.8 mm (For example, NGK IFR6G11 with a trimmed gap). Gas burns slower than gasoline, so the standard gap 1.1 mm may cause omissions. It is also worth reducing the ignition timing by 2–3° (adjustable via a diagnostic scanner).

Why do new spark plugs quickly become covered with soot?

Reasons:

  • Malfunction lambda probe (shows incorrect ECU data).
  • Air leak through intake manifold or gasket.
  • Wear oil scraper rings (oil enters the combustion chamber).
  • Low quality fuel (lower octane number AI-95).

Diagnose the system using a scanner (for example, Launch X431) - errors P0171 (lean mixture) or P0172 (rich mixture) will indicate a problem.