Spark Plug Change 911 Carrera 3.2

[davidharrow]

Do the "˜professionals' use a power tool to remove the spark plugs ?

Trying to change my plugs I found the drivers (right hand) side easy to get at when the air filter and cover were removed. The plugs were very tight but with room to move I could just about get them out. Putting the new ones in was easy. They were in a very sad state and looked like they had not been changed for ages.

When it came to the left hand bank I just could not get the leverage on the Allen key on the furthest plug and there is not the room to turn on the front 2 ! So I have so far only managed to replace 3 plugs !

Do the professionals use an air tool, or something else to turn the plug spanner without having to physically move the wrench backwards and forwards, or do I have to strip loads out of the way to get room to move ?

 

[John_Ward]

They don't use power tools - just the correct tools, which include a very nifty little socket wrench and lots of experience. The key appears to be the ability to work by feel!
I only know this because I watched Bob Watson change the plugs on my 911 Turbo, and even then it took over half an hour. When the most difficult plug finally came out it was clear that it had not been changed anywhere near as recently as the others; someone else had given up on a prior attempt.
I wish you luck....

 

[Richard Savage]

David

it's worth putting a little PBC grease on those sparking plug threads, when they're fitted, they'll come out at lot easier next time!

R.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Use power tools on ally heads ? You kidding right ? Take your time, buy lots and lots of similair but different tools. They will be different lengths, get some wobbly bar extensions. Use a torque wrench to torque them up afterwards. I wouldn't use any antiseize/grease etc on them. You dont want them coming loose or affecting the electrical connection (earthing).

 

[Guest]

Check your toolkit. The special tool should be in there.!!!

Cheers

Andy

 

[Jonathan Collins]

The tool in the toolroll is what I used to use on previous cars.Guess what is missing out of the toolroll of my current car (anyone got a spare?), I have the socket and various extensions but always had more success with the spring loaded thing supplied with the car.

 

[Richard Savage]

ORIGINAL: nathan 1981 930 G50

I wouldn't use any antiseize/grease etc on them. You dont want them coming loose or affecting the electrical connection (earthing).

[i[David / Nathan

I've been using PBC, for more years than I care to remember, when fitting Sparking Plugs ( Heater Plugs and ................. many other components. ) It certainly wont result in them comming 'loose' or effect electrical conductivity, but will assist in ease of removal. The next time!

Most individuals ( Amateurs [] ) totally over-torqe sparking plugs when fitting, which is probably why they become so difficult to remove. A 10 mm plug should be typically torqued to 8 - 10 lb ft only. ( Many torque wrenches don't go down to this figure! ) It should be possible to loosen a spark plug with the 'minimum of effort', and certainly with the tool provided!

Having said that, I accept that in some circustances, you are gona need some ............ grunt!

R.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

It's great to hear your opinion if it's based on years of experience, thankyou.
I was advised by a 911 turbo specialist though (from the USA) to fit them dry.

I have a short 3/8" torque wrench approx 14". This is handy for jobs like this working with ally.

Of course I learnt the hard way, getting by with the 2foot torque wrench when I overtightened a detent plug in my 915 transmission... next time I saw a short 3/8" torque wrench I bought it, but it was too late.

Guys, as I said buy lots of tools, different tools to make the job easier and avoid mistakes. This is the moral of my story...

 

[Richard Savage]

ORIGINAL: nathan 1981 930 G50

It's great to hear your opinion if it's based on years of experience .............

Nathan

however, you can pretty much guarantee that someone around here will contradict ................. [8|]

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Yeah, it seems so. But it's great to get an opinion from someone who has years of experience.

I personally see no need for any anti seize compound, but if it makes someone happy when they do theirs then so be it.

 

[Guest]

spark plug change is a pain,you have to strip loads out of way.
The french website;
www.911carrera3L2.net
gives full account and pictures of service on page titled;
REVISION DES 20000KM
Snap-on tools sell a handy 3/8 flex ratchet ,which is good for tight areas [use to loosen only]
regards Angus