Help w/spark plug removal...

I am trying to replace the spark plugs on my newly aquired 87 carrera and need help. I got to the left bank w/no problems, but how do you get to the right bank? There is no room to work in there. Do you need to remove the ac compressor or the air filter and box? I know how to remove the ac compressor but how do you remove the air box?

Thanks for all the help. I have bentley but the manual is a bit vague on many specifics that non-gear heads like myself would not otherwise figure out!

Thanks,
michael

Un-mount the a/c compressor and move it out of the way. This should give you enough room to work.

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Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

I had to remove the long hose going over the fan......but that was it. you shouldnt have to do anything with the a/c compressor (even with the bulky York model)

Be sure to use the spark plug tool that comes in the factory tool kit. Others will work, but that one makes it as easy as possible, its designed to be just the right length with just the right amount of swivel.

I'd remove as little as possible. You should not have to remove the AC compressor, I think (you do have to remove it to adjust the valves, but not just to get to the plugs).

If you don't have a factory tool kit, what size socket do you use onthe plugs?

Paul

I bought a 13/16th's to go w/the bosch plugs which works, but later realized I had the factory spark plug tool which makes the job immensely easier.

The factory tool kit is great cause it has almost every size spanner, allen or socket you need to perform minor work on the engine.

Michael

Go on E-Bay and find a tool kit for your new baby.. Maybe you'll never need it, except for the plug wrench, but it would be nice to have if you need to change a fan belt on your way to Las Vegas.
Mrdi

I have an 87 also. You don't need to move the compressor. Just remove the air box half that contains the filter. On the left side of the engine remove the black plastic tube by loosening the clamp on one end and on the other remove the two 10mm bolts holding it to the fan shroud. That should leave enough room to work.

Originally posted by michaelw:
I am trying to replace the spark plugs on my newly aquired 87 carrera and need help. I got to the left bank w/no problems, but how do you get to the right bank? There is no room to work in there. Do you need to remove the ac compressor or the air filter and box? I know how to remove the ac compressor but how do you remove the air box?

Thanks for all the help. I have bentley but the manual is a bit vague on many specifics that non-gear heads like myself would not otherwise figure out!

Thanks,
michael

[This message has been edited by movin (edited 04-23-2001).]

Originally posted by Mrdi:
Go on E-Bay and find a tool kit for your new baby.. Maybe you'll never need it, except for the plug wrench, but it would be nice to have if you need to change a fan belt on your way to Las Vegas.
Mrdi

You have to remove the air compressor belt in order to put a new fan belt on. I'm pretty sure you couldn't remove the air compressor with the tools in the standard toolkit.

Lose a fan belt, call a tow truck.


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1988 black on black Coupe
http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=0&userid=339

Call a tow truck?
Nah, in a pinch, just cut the AC belt and roll the windows down!

To get to the passenger side plugs you will need to remove the outside 1/2 of the air filter box (the 1/2 with the air intake snorkle). It's easy if you have small arms. It's also something you'll be doing a lot:-)
There are 4 clamps. 2 on the front, that you can't see, and 2 on the rear, that you can see. Take a look at the rear clamps to get a look at how the others come undone. The clamps are in the same spot front and rear.
To release the bottom front clamp you'll need to squeeze your right arm between the oil filter and the A/C hoses. Reach all the way to the front of the air filter box and you should be able to feel the clamp (your elbow will most likely be very incomfortable now). One finger is all it takes to flip the little "Lever" and release the catch.
To release the top front clamp, slide your hand over the top of the filter box (between it and the sound pad), you should be able to find the clamp and realese it. The same way as the last one.
The rear clamps are easy because you can see them.
Then just carefully manuever the filter and the 1/2 airbox out of the engine compartment.
Nothing beats the Porsche supplied spark plug removal tool.
Remember not to over tighten the plugs. There's a debate over using anti-seize on the threads. I don't use it, and have not had any problems.
Also make sure the round rubber gaskets near the end of the plug wires are in placed correctly on their appropriate valve cover openings (this aids in cooling).
Good luck. If you have any more '87 specific questions feel free to mail me on, or off list. I'm slowly becoming quite informed.


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Dan Tolley
1987 911 Coupe
http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=0&userid=294

Dan,

Great explanation on removing the airbox. The real trick, though, is putting it back on... especially for those of us with "mega-morph" arms! (No, no... no Bowflex look here; just fat arms filled with cholesterol!)

Next question: torque. Bentley's says 30 Nm or 22 ft-lb, but I couldn't get a torque wrench anywhere near there to measure. So, I ball-parked it trying not to overtorque. Very Scary stuff since I don't use a torque wrench too much and don't know what 30 Nm feels like. Any suggestions out there?

I very much agree that the factory spark plug tool is the cat's meow. As far as torque goes, I also do not use a torque wrench to tighten spark plugs, though I own three, actually four of them.

Spark plugs have a crush washer at the base. The factory tool, againl, is best for this job because it has be thimb wheel for getting it started and screwing it, and then a simple allen wrench fits onto the end for final torquing. The allen wrench is not long enough to overtorque them, unless you're Superman.

Anyway, you can feel the spark plug hit bottom. then you put the allen tool on and then you can feel the crush washer crushing. When the crush washer finishes crushing, you are at the proper tightness, 20 lb-ft.

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'83 SC