Spark Plug....arrrghhh!!!

[jwmc1]

Has anyone had the same feeling of wanting to kill themselves while changing their plugs on an older 911 (1980). Are there some tricks I don't know about?

[rlane]

John...YES!
The first time was painful. I presume your SC still has AC in place..and possibly air pump? (If air pump..get rid of it! IF A/C unbolt from support bracket and hang over side of fender with a towel under it..do not unhook hoses!...this will save you many scrapped knuckles. You may also want to remove the 3-4" ventilation hoses on the left side.
Then use the spark plug wrench from the cars tool set. I realize it is not chromed and pretty but you will find that it works as well as any tool on the market short of the Hazlet special tool. I found that a short Craftsman 3/8 w/flexible head and a 6" extension will get the job done. The tool set spark plug wrench is normally turned by an allen wrench.?10mm...at least on my 78SC.
It will get much easier each time you do it, takes maybe a half hour now on my 78...much less on my 73 w/carbs..ther is a wide open view of each spark plug in that engine bay.
Good luck...have a brew!

[jwmc1]

I unfortunately do not have the tool set...I boughtthe car without one...I am looking for one...any suggestions?

[jwmc1]

Also, I had a devil of a time with the plug nearest to the rear on the driver's side, I can't seem to get the socket into to tighten the plug...

[araine901]

I use a snap on scoket with a snap on 3" enxtension, I put the two pieces together and use that to install the plug. When loosening or tightening I only insert the snap on 3/8 driver up to the check ball. WHen all three are snaped together they wont make the turn in and out of the valve cover. So with it partialy inserted I dont end up with bloody knuckles trying to get them apart in the engine compartment. This gives me no problems. I have used the same method for 2.0-3.2

[qikcpa]

Just did the same a couple of days ago. Not a mechanic by any stretch. I did my plugs along with a valve adjustment/check. Pulling the intake valve covers is 6 nuts on each side. it gives you a good bit more clearance to get to the plugs. I used an el cheapo speak plug wrench. It looks like a T with a double swivel and a spark plug socket on the end (a single unit). cost about $6 at advance or wherever i got it. Be careful on the reinstall not to crossthread the plugs...ouch. Ill try to post a pic of the tool as well as the install tool I use. One of my clients showed me a trick on the install tool. its a piece of vac. hose about 5" long which you stick on the end of the plug. Works like a charm and prevents crossthreading. Total time excluding valve check 45 minutes.

[jwmc1]

Mission accomplished! thanks to all...

[klaucke]

If you use a 13/16" spark plug specific socket [with the rubber "doughnut" inside to hold the plug] along with a 3" extension, and then a swivel joint and a rachet, they are easy. Of course, my 74 has neither an AC compressor or an air pump.

[toolman]

I could not fit a spark plug socket in the back hole on the drivers side. I ended up using a regular 13/16 thin wall socket and it worked great.

[JRISER]

Buy a Beetle!

[masraum]

Make sure you get one of the stock tools from the toolkit. It made everything very easy on my '88, but an SC may or may not be as easy.

[no substitute]

You need an assortment:

John Walker photo, if he doesn't mind my using it.

[jwmc1]

Mine was the driver's side by the back end...what a pain in the butt! Running better though, I guess it was worth it.

[qikcpa]

Heres the tools i used. no problems with valve covers off.

[pwd72s]

The problem, it seems, is as universal as the guys who have differing solutions.

http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2120