Just a hint for any noobies!
 

I decided to change my spark plugs today. I was a bit nervous, as I had searched through all of the discussions of what tool(s) to use, and saw quite a bit of disagreement.

I was able to change all 6 plugs in under 30 minutes using this combo...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1366761537.jpg

A simple 13/16 spark plug socket, a knuckle, and a short extension.

A thought to keep in mind, though, is the fact that I have backdated heat, which made the job easier.

Just a tip for anybody afraid to tackle this!


BTW...my 911 seems to like the NGKs I threw in there... :)

Just to add to that tip... I put some electrical tape on the joint to firm it up a bit to help locate the socket onto the plug (removal) and locate the new plug (install) into the threads.

another tip is to take that assembly to a welder and zap it together so it doesn't find a dark hole when your doing #6 at night in the rain

James, I'm glad you said that about welding. I have often thought that the best thing to do was to make a good tool permanent just for doing the plugs on a 911.

Hi all,

The best tool I have found for replacing the plugs is the factory tool found in your tool kit!!

Just a thought! ;)

For sure. If you have to buy a tool to do the plugs, buy the factory tool if you can. It really is quite awesome.

"The best tool I have found for replacing the plugs is the factory tool found in your tool kit!!"

I agree.

+1

I know this is ideal, but I am just trying to show a budget conscious way of doing a spark plug service if one does not have the factory tool.

I can't imagine the factory tool making the process any easier. The set-up I used was an absolute breeze :)

your right, there wrong, i use the exact same thing, love it. I also use a snap-on flex head ratchet, perfect!!

Also try to make sure that the hold on the plug in the socket is looser that the other joints in the Assembly of tools, so it will come out first rather than cause the socket to come adrift from the rest of the tool.

Cheers Richard

I had the problem. After a little bit of super glue, I now have my own permanent Porsche 911 SC Spark Plug Remover.

I didn't need that 4" extension anyway...

Same way I do it, but I have one dedicated with duct tape keeping it attached just in case.

agree with others about the factory tool. I have a couple, they are always perfect

if you must use a extension, use a 3" locking extension, I wouldn't bother with the swivel

They make spark plug sockets with swivel extensions already integrated on them.

Almost like someone somewhere might have come across a similar problem before :p

Oh, some come with a 6 inch extension as well, and some are magnetic instead of having the rubber insert.

So you think that this $15 tool will be able to maneuver in the engine compartment?
The car I'm buying doesn't have the tool kit.

Buy Gear Wrench 13/16" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket 80547 at Advance Auto Parts

There's a guy in the classifieds selling a bunch of loose tool kit tools. Has several of the spark plug wrenches.

Yes, looks good. I have been told that I need a 4" extension.

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

My custom tool... the extension kept pulling off my plug socket (leaving it in the engine) so I decided they needed to be joined permanently. It's about a 3-4" extension. Works beautifully and doesn't require any special pieces.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1378949264.jpg

The plug wrench was missing from my tool kit. I've been using the Gearwrench tool and i'm very happy with it - the right amount of grip on the plug and the right amount of stiffness in the swivel.

I did see Bruce's ad today, I ordered one from him to complete my tool kit. Neve know when you need one away from home.

When I grabbed the factory tool for the first time I thought it looked too big, too long and kind of crude. However, I quickly found that it is really a great tool for removing the plugs.

For years I have used the same setup except instead of the swivel I use an added stubbie extension. Maybe 1 1/2 that matches the swivel length.

When I pull it out of the hole I have to pull the stubbie off to clear the engine sheet metal. With the swivel, I can see where you can just pull the wrench up to clear the sheet metal and no extra work is needed.

Thanks for the tip George!

Sounds good to me.I will make one as I am one of those blokes that bought a car WITHOUT a tool kit.Michael.

LOL I never even thought to check my tool kit.... which is complete and lying right next to my toolbox!

The tool kit is very good, you can do many jobs without any additional tools. I removed the fan assay and alternator using only the tools that came with the car.

Snap-Off makes some nice locking items that obviate the need for duct tape, welding, etc. etc.

wow, great idea! not just for spark plugs, but elsewhere the floppy swivel has caused me heartburn. best nugget in this thread for this noob....

Well I just came home from a car show and picked up a 3 inch extension, a swivel and a spark plug socket for a buck each. I will now have a welded up permanent tool in my tool chest for 3 bucks.
I have the factory tool but this is way easier than breaking out the facttory tool kit. That is neatly bundled up in the front of the car.

There's an Advance Auto Parts near me. I'm going to get one of those tools and forget about cobbled together arrangements, even if they do work. That tool is elegant. I have done plenty cussing with my poor DIY efforts, and this looks as if it will clean up my act.

Also, I've never even seen the factory tool, never mine own one.

Another vote for the factory tool.

I like it so much, I bought an extra, so I don't have to open the trunk and dig around.

Who here has actually changed the plugs more than once ?

My factory spark plug doesn't fit my aftermarket plugs. Joys of having super duper Turbo plugs. And that cursed inter cooler needs to come out and... All afternoon job for me I suspect.

Huh? I replace them every two years religiously.. And I only drive summers..

Every year at valve adjust time.

Well i just scored a major bonus ... the used extension and swivel i bought must have been outside for a while so the tiny ball and spring were completely seized.. had to hammer the bastard thing together .... no welder needed :D

This is what I use. Snap-on 13/16th's swivel spark plug tool. It has a magnetic insert that holds the plug so that you dont get it stuck on the plug down in the valve cover.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1379969610.jpg

Is this necessary? Plugs go 100k miles on modern cars.
Is this b/c of the modern plugs, or b/c of the modern ignition systems?

both - also, modern fuel mgmt systems

Have a very similar setup with electrical tape and it works flawlessly on 4 cyls.... #1 and #6 are darn-near impossible. I still can't get to #6.... :(

Weird. Do you have a pic of your set up? I have no issues with any plugs using my combo.