How to not cross threat spark plugs

[BassettBritts]

I am working on getting an 83 SC running again. I've had it a little over a week. I managed to remove the spark plugs yesterday. I must say I'm very concerned about trying to properly align the new plugs without cross threading as it is basically a blind by feel job. I need the advice of experience please.

[JSV798]

If you have the correct tool it should be no problem. Here's the correct tool that I bought over 40 years ago



It needs a 10mm allen key. I don't overtighten.

[yelcab1]

stick the back of the new plug on to a 4 inch or 5 inch rubber hose. Use that to blindly position the plug into the hole and thread it by hand. The hose is not strong enough to cross thread the metal head. Once it gets going, the rubber hose will pull out and you can further tighten with a flexible plug socket and extension.

[faapgar]

Open the front trunk and use the factory tool from your tool kit.Spray a little WD-40 on the rubber insert in the tool that holds the ceramic body of the spark plug.Add a little anti-sieze about 3 threads from the tip to aid in removal at a later date.Ciao Fred

[proporsche]

the one above tool is for very early 911 not wrong thou.But it's easier with the later if you have one plus 10mm Allen tool...

or this set up i have been using since 1980`s

[proporsche]

herehttp://img.pccreation.net/photos/202011011605396311.JPG

[Quickstep192]

Originally Posted by JSV798

If you have the correct tool it should be no problem. Here's the correct tool that I bought over 40 years ago



It needs a 10mm allen key. I don't overtighten.

I use the same tool. Is there a replacement for the rubber insert? After a mere 47 years, it’s gotten a little stiff.

[sugarwood]

All I will add is that I can appreciate your fear of these blind spark plugs.
I have never owned a car where you can't even SEE the spark plug.
I never changed mine out of fear of never getting the spark plug back in.

Just take it slow and treat it like any bolt
Never force it, and there should be little resistance.

Some ambiguous debate on ideal spark plug tool is in here
#6 Spark Plug. Then This Happened

[walt]

I always start to turn CCW until I feel both thread starts are aligned and then use 2 fingers to tighten for at least 2 or 3 full turns. Never had a problem with the standard Porsche tool.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

stick the back of the new plug on to a 4 inch or 5 inch rubber hose. Use that to blindly position the plug into the hole and thread it by hand. The hose is not strong enough to cross thread the metal head. Once it gets going, the rubber hose will pull out and you can further tighten with a flexible plug socket and extension.

Yes, this works the best.

[Jack Stands]

The knurled knob on the spark plug tool is there to facilitate hand tightening the plugs. Not so easy to cross thread with the proper tool.

[Locker537]

A piece of hose is cheaper, but this little tool is great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OCIX9E

You use them in the same described as above. Attach the hose to the plug, thread the plug in by hand, remove hose and tighten to spec.

I use a magnetic spark plug socket with a built in 6" extension. Both Gearwrench and Astro make them very affordably.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XNENAE

[donbecker1234]

Use either just a bit of hose or a bit of hose in the socket with an extension. If you are worried about cross threading then start them by hand. You won’t be able to mess them up starting them by hand.

[smadsen]

I don't think it matters what tool you use, just never force it. The plug should pretty much go right in the hole. Get a couple threads going & finish up with a ratchet & then torque wrench.

I use the factory socket or a Sears/Craftsman with a short extension. I find the rubber hose method to be too flippy/floppy. Also don't "bonk" the electrode on the bottom of the approach tube and close the plug gap. Like I said, "don't force it!"

[mnez]

Originally Posted by walt

I always start to turn CCW until I feel both thread starts are aligned and then use 2 fingers to tighten for at least 2 or 3 full turns. Never had a problem with the standard Porsche tool.

What he said. You'll hear/feel a "click" as the threads line up, then hand tighten as others have said. If you need any force, it's wrong.

[Paulporsche]

One more thing: I find that if I approach each bank of plugs from the side, rather than the back, of the car, it helps greatly in lining up the path of the plug into its correct position.

[gtc]

I have the gearwrench spark plug tool. Works great. I use it and a flex-head ratchet.
I especially like the magnet that is epoxied in to the socket... if you've ever had the rubber donut come out of a traditional spark plug socket you'll understand.

I think this combo is a bit faster/easier than the Porsche tool.

Originally Posted by Locker537

A piece of hose is cheaper, but this little tool is great.
...
I use a magnetic spark plug socket with a built in 6" extension. Both Gearwrench and Astro make them very affordably.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XNENAE