First time spark plug change
 

I just finished my first spark plug change…seems to have gone well. I also changed the wires and distributor cap and rotor. I was a little discouraged at first as the plugs on the right side are a pain to get out…should have started on the left side. I did not have the Porsche tool but used a swivel socket as outlined in the 101 Book. I think next time I will buy the tool and give it a try.

Below is a picture of the plugs…not sure if anyone can give me any feedback on the condition. The car ran great beforehand but I’m not sure how long they were in the car…they have at least 18,000 miles on them. The car currently has 102,000 miles.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1073772771.jpg

V/r
Wayne C.
83 SC SmileWavy

Also, one other question. The old plug wires (original) had an extra wire coming from the distributor and was grounded next to the coil The new wires, Magnecor, did not require...how come? TIA SmileWavy

Wayne C.
83 SC

Pardon the hijack but what is "the tool" you use to get the plugs out?

Wayne,

What plugs are they? They look a little white, could be fine or could be running too hot (incorrect plugs), and/or too lean. Just my two cents (CDN) as far as original wires if you are talking about the braided ones, these had ground wires on them.

13/16 swivel spark plug socket, it has a rubber inset to hold the plug. Do not use just a standard 13/16 socket as the plug will fall out and it's a pain to get the spark plug out. The tool is $10 at Sears. You will also need a 3" extension. However, as noted, I'd try the Porsche tool referred to in other posts...others make it sound much easier.

Wayne C.
83 SC

Thanks Bob. The old plugs are the same as the new ones Pelican sent me, Bosch Super. The grounds surprised me...just have never seen that before on any of my other cars.

v/r
Wayne C.

The ground straps were added by Porsche because they thought that it would prevent air boxes from cracking. At least that's what I have heard. Since the plug wires don't cause intake backfires, and don't cause the air box to crack, you don't need plug wires with ground straps. I also have magnecor wires and am happy with them. See below :)

http://www.pelicanparts.com/pmpre/im...10-03__100.JPG

Spark plug tool from Porsche tool kit.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1073778310.jpg

That Porsche plug wrench makes the job extremely easy. What a simple, well-designed tool!

Sorry to borrow the thread, but speaking about tools, what is the tool that looks sort of like a big eye-bolt?

I believe it is a tow hook. There's a place to insert it in the front bumper. Someone will have a picture to demonstrate soon no doubt.

Actually its for the rear bumper. The front has a tow hook under the pan, but for the rear, on the left side bumper there is a plug, you remove the plug and insert the tow hook.

The Porsche tool is great, but I prefer a 3/8" air rachet, it spins the plug out quickly and you can set it so that it will stop once it hit a pre-determine torque while spinning the plugs in.

Good to know that, will look for the plug, never noticed one. Thanks.

Did you back date the heater or did the Euro cars come with the non blower system?

Ya they look a little whitish, too hot a plug or too lean of fuel mixture. Wayne, if possible get the original plug tool and check them out after a thousand or two, that tool really makes removal easy.

Rick

Thanks Rick...that's a good suggestion, I'll make sure to do that. Also, took a look at your Pelican page...nice car. I live on 15th hole at Eagle Crest (San Pasqual)...if you ever play and need a fourth lt me know.

I was wondering the same thing...looks much cleaner.

v/r
Wayne C.

The heater was backdated by the PO. I have since replaced the blower motor, but left the right side backdated. I like the clean look of the bay in that pic, but wanted a little heat while sitting at a stop light. With only the left side hooked up to the blower, you don't have the ugly hose going over the top of the fan schroud. I felt that was a good compromise. I need to get a new picture of my new "half backdated" look, but it's just too damn cold out.

Definitely try to get the Porsche spark plug tool. Its perfect for the job. WIth this thing you can whip all 6 plugs out & out new ones in in ~15mins.

CDiercks,

Your going to like the Porsche spark plug tool, it makes what you just did so much easier you won't believe it. You'll be changing plugs every week.

Your plugs do look just a little whitish but not bad.

I'm interested in backdating the heat on my 79sc, would you be willing to sell
the left side heat duct that your no longer using?

Gerard

they look fine, just dont leave 'em so long between changes. 10-12k miles is enough for plugs.