We like after market parts as much as anyone, but this comment from Ray just goes to show that sometimes, after market parts just aren’t that good for your truck.

Warning To All Tundra Owners!!!!

Last December, I got an e-mail from a friend regarding a new spark plug (Pulstar Pulse Plugs) that was supposed to increase gas millage and give more horsepower. I checked the website and started reading about how great the plug was – most of the comments were good, while a few said that they couldn’t tell a difference. However, none of the comments were bad. So, out of curiosity, I decided to buy these plugs.

Installation was about 2hrs, including checking for damage, fit, and the plug gap. I was very disappointed with my test drive – I couldn’t feel any horsepower gain but the engine ran as quoted so I decided to leave them in my truck and when I got a chance I’d put back the original plugs. That was Dec. 18 2007.

Thursday Jan. 31, 2008, on my way to work, I was driving around 72mph to 75mph going up hill and my CHECK ENGINE light came on, the truck lost power, but it did not completely die. I pulled over to the side of the freeway but couldn’t find anything wrong from the outside…it felt like I was driving with all 4 tires flat and the emergency brake on. I turned off my truck and re-started, the check engine light cleared and it drove normal (like nothing was wrong). I figured if it happens again, I’ll take it to the dealer.

Monday 2/04/08 – the same thing happens again and practically on same spot! ”weird.” After I cleared the CHECK engine warning, I went straight to closest dealer and dropped it off. The dealer called me later that day stating that they couldn’t find anything wrong with the truck but that the error code had something to do with off-roading at 3-5mph. I told them that I was on the freeway driving around 72-75mph. They game me back the truck and I was told to bring it back if it happens again. Got gas right after I left the dealer and headed for home. Not even 4 miles from the gas station, the same issue came back and then some! CHECK engine, RSCA, TRAC warning lights were all flashing and the computer activated the 4LO automatically! I couldn’t take it off 4LO, so I drove my truck back to the dealer at 20mph…dealer called me back the next day, stating that they had found the cause.

It was the after market plugs that I installed! The electrodes on on one plug were completely missing and the rest were questionable. For peace of mind, I asked the dealer to scope the heads and cylinders to make sure no damage occurred and that the missing electrodes did not fall inside.

Buyer beware – my Pulstar Pulse Plug story.

Ray

Ray, thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention! While it’s possible that the plugs you received were defective somehow, it’s also possible that Pulstar makes a bad spark plug. Since we know nothing about Pulstar, we’re not going to make a recommendation on way or another, other than to say be careful when you’re putting after market parts on your truck (especially in your engine).

BTW, while we’re on the subject, beware of after market performance chips too…they can be a great way to add power to your truck, but we’ve seen them melt transmissions, turbos, and destroy engines when they’re not calibrated properly. Unless you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer and willing to take a bit of a risk, limit your engine accessories to Toyota and TRD parts, with the exception of air intakes and exhaust kits (those are both pretty hard to mess up design wise).

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