Spark Plug Thread - Help!

[Helmsy]

I decided to install new spark plugs on the weekend as I have installed and MSD ignition and I wanted to try a different heat range anyway.

Anyhoo I cannot for the life of me get #4 to screw in more than a few turns. I have tried everything and don't want to force it as I have heard of stripped threads when forcing the spark plugs.

Anyone have any tips or tricks to get the damn things in properly?

[A930Rocket]

Sounds like it might be cross threaded even though you only got it in there a few turns. Do you have a spark plug chaser?

The other thought is that it's just not lined up right. Sometimes I have a b*tch of a time getting a spark plug in. Are you using the factory spark plug tool?

[mark houghton]

Silly but obvious question: Did the aluminum crush washer perhaps slip down cross-wise on the plug threads, keeping you from screwing it in all the way? The plugs are indeed a $itch to install sometimes. You gotta angle them about 10 degrees toward the front of the car (or is it the rear..,..I think it's the front....hell, can't remember....too old I guess).

[Ken911]

make sure the thread on the plug isnt rolled or dinged that will cause the same problem.

[lin7310948]

i had the same problem on my 930 but was afraid to use a standard thread chaser. instead i bought one that chases the threads from the bottom of the threaded hole to the top. a couple of very careful attempts and all was well. the tool inserts into the opening and then has an expandable feature ro engage the presumably better threads at the bottom. i think that i paid 60 to 70 dollars for the tool and i hope that this is a one time use!

[copbait73]

Just a tip from an old air-cooled fanatic, first VW then Porsche.

After you fix that thread find a straight section of rubber hose that will snuggly fit the ceramic section of the plug then always screw your plugs in with this. You can better adjust for the correct angle and feel the plug running down in the threads. If you have it wrong the snug fit will not allow you to exert enough force to x-thread the plug. Follow-up with your socket wrench, only crushing the washer.

I never use a torque wrench on plugs.

[Helmsy]

Thanks heaps guys.

I believe that it must be cross threaded because I have tried it a million times to get it to go in but it just wont.

What chaser do you guys recommend? What size is the plug? I like the idea of one that goes from the inside out and not leaving any metal in the cylinders.

Thanks copbait for the tip about the rubber hose. Whatever makes it easier to get those damn plugs in.

[lin7310948]

i bought one as shown on the web page of total performance parts in gilmore nebraska. it is listed for $51.99. i bought mine at a local tool supply store.

[Helmsy]

Originally Posted by lin7310948

i bought one as shown on the web page of total performance parts in gilmore nebraska. it is listed for $51.99. i bought mine at a local tool supply store.

What size is the plug? 14mm?

Also those tools look too long. Can you still get them in the right place to chase the thread?

[lin7310948]

i was able to solve my problem spark plug hole with one of these tools. mine is the longer one. you will need the length to reach down into the spark plug recess. i also raised the piston in the cylinder to keep the tool from dropping into the cylinder too far. just be very slow in the approach and make certain that you have engaged the tool into as many of the bottom threads as possible. i started with a loose fit and slowly expanded the tool to ensure positive thread engagement. just make certain that you are correctly engaged with the tool. if the engine is out this is not such a problem, but if the engine is in place it can be very tricky. i am not sure of the size plug but know someone will add to this that knows.

[copbait73]

Ben:

I'm following this read. Really there is nothing wrong with you taking your car to a shop that knows Porsches and have them fix this. I recommend it.

Sometimes we let this macho Porsche manliness thing override common sense.