1977 911S Spark plug gapping question, and how do I change my spark plugs?

1977 Porsche 911S. Can I remove and replace all the spark plugs from the top of the engine compartment or do I need to get under the car for any of them? Also, will a standard 13/16" spark plug socket work? And do you know the required gap for my plugs? This will be my first time attempting this :nervous: Thanks!

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[Casey at Pelican Parts]

You can do the job from the top, and the new plugs should be pre gapped when you buy them. A personal recommendation I have is the NGK BR7EIX, these have been known to clear up some running issues on cars I have worked on in the past. You will definitely need a 13/16" Spark plug wrench.

- Casey

[don gilbert]

and a magnet on a stick.

[RedCoupe]

+1 on the NGK plugs. I have two different spark plug sockets that I use for 911 plug changes. One has a longer, tighter fitting rubber insert to grip the plugs than the other. I use that socket that grips the plugs tightly to remove the plugs so there's no possibility that the plugs will fall out of the socket on the way out. When I install the plugs, I use a socket that doesn't have quite as tight a grip so once the plugs are tightened, the socket slips off of the plugs and stays on the extension when I pull it out. It's kind of a long way in there, so it's a bit of a hassle if the socket sticks to the spark plug instead of pulling out with the ratchet and extension. There are also extensions that lock onto the socket preventing the socket from staying with the spark plug, but I have accumulated several different spark plugs sockets and found using the two different types of sockets work just fine for me.

[fred cook]

You will probably find that the #6 plug is the hardest to change. If your car's tool kit has the plug socket that would probably be the best choice for at least the #6 plug. At some point, you will also need to check the valve adjustments. I usually do that once a year while changing the oil. If a rocker gets too tight it can cause a valve to burn which will require a top end teardown.