Spark Plug Replacement
 

I'm working on my '74 911 and was in the process of changing plugs. When I got to the driver's side and tried to change the plug for the #1 piston, my socket wrench got stuck deep in the hole for the plug, howeever, it was not seated on the plug, so I couldn't loosen the plug and, thus, pushing the socket out as the plug loosened. After many hours of experimentation trying to get the socket out, I decided there was only one thing to do, start the engine and let the engine block heat up and expand so that it's grip on the socket would loosen. This actually worked like a charm, but I am now terrified to go back at this plug.
Does anybody have any suggestions for a plan of attack or a special socket to use?

Use the factory plug wrench. It is the best tool for this job.

I use a Sears Craftsman ratchet extension with a locking end so I won't leave a socket in there. The extension has a little black switch you slide to get the socket to unlock.

To thread the plugs in by hand I use the handy spark plug tool amazingly left in the original tool kit. It's the tool with the big spring around it.

Good luck,

Bob Sauerteig

I had the same problem, to get the socket out I managed to first locate it on the spark plug using an extension bar, then slowly rotated and pulled the bar out. By rotating the bar it is less likely the pull out of the socket. I had to turn the bar with a pair of grips to get it to budge but it worked first time and took about 1 minute.

Once I got the socket out I put it in a lathe and took 1mm off the outside of the socket, now slips in and out without and problems.

Good luck!

could someone post a pic of the factory tool?

I take a piece to masking tape and wrap it around the square end of the extension and then jam that into the spark plug socket. Keeps both piece together until you decide to take them apart. I also use a spark plug socket with a U join built in.

I just did my plugs this am (listen to the NO Platinum recomendations); the factory tool is truly the ticket, especially when combined with an allen socket so that you can use a ratchet. Its obvious which tool it is-it a spark plug socket on a flexible extention shaft surrounded by a spring so it doesn't flop around on insertion. It also has a knurled knob for hand starting/loosening. You can buy universals surrounded by a spring as well, truely useful if you don't have the factory tool.

Sorry, I don't have a pic to post, but just do a search on E-bay for "Porsche 911 tool kit" and you'll certainly find a picture of the kit. The tool your interested in looks like a long socket with a spring around the upper portion.

Jerry M
'78 SC