Making a simple job hard - fun with spark plugs

[Loomis]

OK, so I couldn't wait to get started installing the tune-up items from our host's kit on my newly acquired '86 Carrera. Aside from its stunning good Prussian Blue looks, one of the reasons I bought the car is so that I could work on it with my boys. So far, the 8-yr old isn't too interested, but the 11-yr old is so excited that I bought him Mechanix gloves for his birthday.

Anyway...changed fuel filter - no problem, no explosions.

Cap and distributor - shoulda removed the heater tube and it would have been a lot easier. Next time will be a piece of cake.

Spark plugs - Let's see...it took a lot of tries to find the right combination of extensions and swivels to reach the #3 plug. It came out fine, but I used a long extension putting in the new one, and I could NOT pull it back out! Not enough room between the engine bay and valve cover, and I couldn't get it back over the spark plug. Lots of fishing around and fiddling, but I simply could not get it out.

I finally removed the valve cover (still stuck in the engine with an extension sticking out of it) and, after many tries, was just able to get my fingers in and disconnect the socket from the extension. What a pain. Only then did I read the forums and discover the genuine Porsche flexi spark plug puller in the tool kit. OK.

Plug #2 - No problem.

Plus #1 - Hit something electrical on re-install and had lots of fireworks. Destroyed the plug. Anybody know what I could have hit down by #1?

Disconnected the negative battery terminal and proceeded. Plugs looked good so I didn't have the huevos to do Nos. 4-6 way deep on the right side. Maybe after I pull the A/C unit.

Oil change - A monkey must have put the engine plug in, as it took a LOT of persuading to remove. Pulled a couple of hairline threads with it. Uh oh. Poured 8.75 qts. of VR1 20-50 into the proper hole, and .25 qts on the ground due to inattention.

It feels good working on cars again - sorta. I learned in my youth as it was a necessity. Now it's a choice. Just don't want to screw anything up.

Next up - clutch adjust and shifter bushings. The car has 151K miles on it. The transmission is completely caked in oil, so I fear a leak.

Hope to be a regular here.

- Tom

[JJ 911SC]

[QUOTE=Loomis;5392421]... Next up - clutch adjust and shifter bushings... QUOTE]

Tom

That is also on my list which I probably never catch-up.

Here is you break... We need to see pics of your ride and get a story, since you are on your second post it's a forgettable offense

Welcome to the club.

J.J.

[Jerome74911S]

Welcome, Tom, and I enjoy your writing style - funny, fresh, and self-effacing. I can picture myself in your shoes, making sparks and inventing cures, but one hopes for no major explosions, although minor ones are allowed.

Best of luck, and I look forward to your future missives.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Jerome74911S

Welcome, Tom, and I enjoy your writing style - funny, fresh, and self-effacing...

Jerome is right on... Catchy subject is the key to have your thread read. Very helpfull when we need help.

That is why I looked; Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back.

[Loomis]

[QUOTE=JJ 911SC;5392439]

Originally Posted by Loomis

... Next up - clutch adjust and shifter bushings... QUOTE]

We need to see pics of your ride and get a story, since you are on your second post it's a forgettable offense


J.J.

Thanks! Here ya go. I bought the car from a dealer in Orange County, CA and drove it 500 miles to NorCal. Took a little detour through Malibu on the way home.

For 150K miles, it's in pretty good shape. I plan to update the suspension and brakes, but I hope the motor's good for a few more years. It had some top-end work done not too long ago, but that didn't include a valve job. The transmission's a little tired, but I baby it and will be replacing the bushings and fluid.

I'd really like to learn as much as I can and be able to gradually upgrade the car and keep it on the road for another 24 years or more. It's such a classic shape and they really don't build them like that anymore.

[dicklague]

did you enjoy Malibu? Good roads in the mountains behind.

[tig]

Loomis, great looking car! Kudos on diving in with your kids. Some of the best bonding time I have with my 14 yr old son is while wrenching. He gets bored quick, but when I've got him it's a blast!

[nineball]

pick up wayne's book (101 projects) and a bentley manual. between those 2 you should be able to do most of the items you want to (and even those you don't yet know you want to). for the rest of them i can almost guarantee that there is a thread by someone asking the same question, with answers too!

[LakeCleElum]

Great looking car considering the mileage. You're a star for involving your sons. Will pay big dividends long after they have left the nest.....

After Malibu, I hope you had time for Hwy 1 up thru Big Sur and beyond ?????????????

[Walt Fricke]

Ok, guys. Now that you have flattered him, how about trying an answer to his question? How could he create a short which destroyed a new spark plug? He gives a good account (though not quite as good as he will when he realizes a nice picture is awfully helpful).

There is absolutely nothing I can think of down in that black deep dark #1 spark plug hole area which is electrical.

However, on the left rear of the engine compartment is a small fuse box. It has an always hot wire on it, I think. Battery to starter, starter to alternator, alternator to that fuse box? Via a relay it powers the engine mounted heater blower, as I recall. And it reaches the fuse box unfused.

So if the cover of that fuse box were off (or missing), I could see a wrench handle hitting something hot there, causing a spark toward the other end of the wrench.

A dead short to the side electrode might damage it? Side electrode likely to be poked into the head at that point? Always something new comes along.

Walt

[Loomis]

Yes indeed, Wayne's book and the Bentley manual were in hand before purchase! Malibu was just too fun. I even stopped for lunch at one of those cliffside joints where all of the fab people dine. Then over Kanaan Road and a backtrack to I-5.

Big Sur will have to wait until I get the car sorted out - new suspension and brakes for starters. Plus being new to me, every noise made me freak that the engine was going to blow.

Walt - Thanks for the info. I'll take a look and shoot a picture as soon as I can pry the keys out of my wife's hands. Yes, some chicks drive stick and she's actually a good driver! The car is MIA at the moment, along with wifey and daughter.

Kinda bugs me that something is waiting to zap me and (more importantly) potentially cause damage down by the #1 plug.

[Blue Puma]

You will not have to remove the air conditioning to get to the plugs on the right side. Just unsnap the air filter box and take it all the way out. Note: There are 4 flip-snaps, two on the front, two on the back, and it wiggle-pulls out. If it doesn't come easily, you haven't gotten the snaps. You'll have plenty of room then, even with the AC in place.

Just did this job 2 days ago. Best suggestion I saw was this:
retrieving spark plug socket

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Loomis

... Plus being new to me, every noise made me freak that the engine was going to blow...

... I still have that problem but it getting better.

You might want to had your location below your register user box, an an Avatar which could be a pic of your car.