KurtB….you weren’t the only one up late last night!

[schubee]

I decided to conduct my first oil and spark plug change last night. However, I didn’t expect to be up past midnight. The oil change went smoothly but the spark plug is another story. Is there some secret on a speedy spark plug change? Is there a SST needed for this maintenance? Or just a lot a patience, beer, and small hands! Anyway, after 3 hours of knuckle bleeding, cussing, throwing wrench, beer drinking, etc..., I successfully R&R my plugs! Man, what a job. Well, all the plugs have normal wear except for the #5 plug. It had a small amount of oil residue on ‘em. (I’ll post a picture after lunch) Should I be concerned? It only has 4k miles after a complete rebuild. What to do...?

My next task is a valve adjustment with my oil change in 3K miles. I’ll have my laptop in the garage now knowing that I’ll have some support at 12 midnight. I know I’ll need it!

John
'81SC Targa

[Rot 911]

One nice thing about an older Porsche with no AC or smog equipment, I can change my plugs in about 10 minutes.

Kurt V
72 911E

[Leland Pate]

My car has no A/C and I can swap plugs in about 20 minutes.
I was lucky to have the factory tool kit in my smugglers trunk (found it 6 months after I bought the car).
#3 always seems to give me the most grief for some reason.

What technique do you guys use to gap plugs?

I never knew it was nessecary so when I am ready to put plugs back in this biatch I'll gap 'em appropriately.

[Early_S_Man]

Guys,

The Champion and AC-Delco gauges with the tapered-ramp work just fine for checking or changing the gap. Indestructible, too!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

[old_skul]

That's what I used, Warren. I think it was a buck at the parts store.

And as far are R&R on the plugs - I used my toolkit tools. They are ingeniusly designed for just that task.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

[rfix'n]

I used the factory tool as well, I can see where it would be tough without it. If you have a/c you really should move it to the side, its tricky to move but increases the access.

Good luck.

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Rob Fix
'78 SC Targa

[Wayne 962]

Sears/Craftsman makes a great swivel-foot spark plug tool, which is essential for saving time when replacing the plugs...

-Wayne

[schubee]

I live in So Cal so I have to leave my smog ***** on.
I guess I'm an idiot for not checking my tool bag......duh!
Anyways, here's a picture of my #5 plug: (sorry, camera sucks at close range)



Am I running too rich?.......or lean? I'm fortunate to work across the street from ANDIAL and they'll adjust my fuel/air and timing for $65. I think I might have this done. Unless it's something else. Thanks for your comments.

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John
'81SC Targa

[This message has been edited by schubee (edited 06-21-2001).]

[Doug Zielke]

John,
Plug reading is a mixture of art and science.
To get a true idea of what your plugs can tell you, you have to steadily run the engine for several miles in the rpm range you want to check. Then you need to cut the ignition (no idle), take the car out of gear, coast to a stop, and remove the plugs and "read" them.
Also, the plugs should not be brand new, nor very old when you perform a test.

These days, the use of unleaded fuels may give spark plugs colors that can confuse the reading. The picture-charts of spark plug readings you sometimes see in certain manuals, may be inaccurate due to gasoline formulation. Of course, oil-soaked plugs will show up at almost any rpm, and usually spell trouble.

When I was racing motorcycles, I knew a tuner who was very adept at plug reading. I remember him using a lighted, hand-held magnifier. He was looking, not only at the nose, but also deep into the shell.


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'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website