Can't Remove Cyl #1 Sparkplug 87 Carrera

[galyons]

I am replacing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor on my 3.2L 87 Carrera. R&R'd all plugs but #1, which I thought would be the easiest. (closest to distro, easiest to access), but...

I cannot get a purchase on the plug hex. The spark plug socket doesn't seem to go all the way down as it did on the other 5 plugs.

I looked with flashlight and mirror and cannot see anything obstructing. Quite frustrating!!

Never had this issue before, (changed plugs in 911E, SC, 912E, 356, 914) . This is my first go on my 3.2 Carrera. Is there something different about #1? A special trick? I tried different angles, jiggle on and other "Gi'me a break!" actions, but nada!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Big drive next week, plus a smog check prior...so why is this plug stumping me?

Cheers,
Geary

[billybek]

Try the spark plug tool in the factory tool kit?

You could also sacrifice a plug socket and grind down the outside to thin it out for more space.

[galyons]

Thanks Bill! I will get a sacrificial socket. My original tool kit is in storage....somewhere?

So, there is simply less clearance around the plug on cylinder #1?

Cheers,
Geary

[boyt911sc]

Geary,

I had similar problem a year ago removing a spark plug from a 3.0 liter SC. All the other 5 spark plugs came out easily except for this particular one. I've spent hours trying to find a way to get this problematic spark plug until I decided to grind a 13/16" spark plug socket. And this was cylinder #1 too. If I have known and seen the washer, I could pick it up with a magnet.



But before you grind a good socket, check if you have a stray object like a cylinder head washer caught in between the cooling fins!!!!! That's what I found out later. The washer was stuck in there and preventing the spark plug socket to properly line up and slide into the spark plug's hex. You might have similar impediment. Keep us posted.

Tony

[galyons]

Thanks Tony!

I looked inside the chamber with flashlight and mirror. Also fished around with a couple of shop flex magnets. Nothing extraneous to be seen or found. But I will look again tomorrow. Long day starting with switching back in the cat for smog.

I will look again tomorrow when I am fresh.

Cheers,
Geary

[galyons]

Success! Dug out my tool kit and used the spark plug tool. The plug was bit stiff to remove, (torque required versus the other 5 plugs). New Magnecore wires, cap and rotor, cat back in...bring on the smog test!!

Thanks to all who responded!

Cheers,
Geary

[Nick Triesch]

Geary, before you get your car smogged be sure to drive the heck out of it. Get it really hot. It will pass California a lot easier. Mine sure did. Also, go to a shop and pay more for a pre test just to see where you are at. Then when it passes, have them do the regular test. That way it will keep your smog record clean and you can fix what is wrong. Nick

[galyons]

Saturday morning....drove like crazy, nice hot temp, cat cooking....Smog test measurements all super!



Notice the F'in FAIL? Tech looks under the RR wheel well and sees the charcoal canister, reaches up a tugs the large hose, hits the small hose and it breaks off.... FAIL!!!!

Mad dash to Parts Heaven in s#!tty traffic, they were kind enough to wait for me until 35 minutes after closing. $24 new hoses. Installed today, back to SMOG tomorrow!!!

Cheers,
Geary

[galyons]

Passed the EVAP and new smog test....good to go! I had to make a mounting adapter for the small hose to the charcoal canister. Looks like the factory just heated and stretched the hose to get on the nipple. Looks good and ,most importantly passed!

Cheers,
Geary