while we are asking about tools...(wrench ?)

[joehahn]

I was changing plugs a few weeks ago with the standard plug socket that has rubber boot in it. Those that follow my automechanical skills will have the usual chuckle out of this. Several times one of the 2 extensions I was using on ratchet would come apart leaving the socket/plug/extension in the cavernous hole.

At one point I thought the engine had swallowed a plug as I pulled out my socket and extensions and it was gone! Couldn't feel it with finger either. I finally found it using this pare of surgical grabbers that a surgeon buddy gave me! Changing plugs took me literally an hour and a half if not longer.

I was perusing one of the catalogs that advertised a "spark plug wrench" for like $30 some bucks. Is that what you guys use? Why is it like $35 bucks in tweeks and the same one at Autozone is $8?

Also, they have these "locking" extensions that really would have been good for me. Any thoughts? Kind of a mundane topic but I need another tool (like a hole in the head)

Joe 68L 2 liter

[pbs911]

Never fails to happen to me on at least one of the plugs. My solution is to use masking tape to the joint between the socket and extension. Haven't lost one since. A littel cheaper than a new purported "locking" wrench.

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Paul
78SC Targa

[FrdzRed]

Sears has a set of 3/8 locking extensions that I use. Works great and won't fall of your ratchet.

[joehahn]

YES! It's not just me! Question then becomes...where do the plugs, etc. go? In an absolute emergency do you just remove upper valve cover?

[Rufblackbird]

For best results, use a 4" extension. The 3" is too short, and the 6" is too long. With the 4" extension you will not need 2 extensions for the job. Oh..and make sure the rubber boot isn't aged or cracked to prevent it from holding on to the plug.

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Jeff
1976 911S Coupe

[jabb]

I use the tool that came with the Factory tool kit. It works great.

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• Joe A.
• 84 911 Targa
• 75 914/6 3.0

[Clark Griswald]

Use the spark plug socket that is in your 911 Tool kit. It is purpose made for the job and works great.

The top is even knurled so that you can spin in with your fingers when you have the plug loose.

I have never used anything but this to change porsche plugs.

[Superman]

My long-time-favorite padded spark plug socket is too big, besides falling off the extension. It is okay for every hole except #6. I found out the hard way that it can go in, and it can unscrew the spark plug, but it cannot squeeze around the corner with the spark plug in it!

So, I tried using the factory tool. and I gotta say, those Germans have true genius. Not only does it fit properly, and center itself, but it also has the gnurled disk on the end for hand-spinning. Knowing what I know now, I would not use a standard socket no matter how expensive it is. The factory tool kicks butt.

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'83 SC

[Early_S_Man]

That factory Klein '21' spark plug wrench is by far the best tool for the job, and, along with the fan pulley spanner ... the only tools of any real value in the factory bag! The standard 10 mm Allen wrench makes it virtually impossible to overtorque the plugs, and the fit of the Klein tool to medium/small hands is perfect for working in blind spots, like on #4 behind an A/C compressor! I think my best time for gapping and changing plugs was around 16 minutes or so on a hot engine!!!

It is really a shame that the factory switched to that Hazet abomination for later cars!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[Argo]

I've got a quick tool question - I'm going to buy myself a decent torque wrench; which one is handier for an 88, the short handle or the long handle?

[pwd72s]

And Jeff? (Rufblackbird?) WHO Makes a 4" extension? Certainly NOT Sears...


[This message has been edited by pwd72s (edited 10-02-2001).]

[psychotron]

i use a 3" extension duck taped to the socket and a universal joint on the top. works like a champ.

[Rufblackbird]

Paul, nope, not Sears! You should know...Snap On! Still gotta thank you for mine. I just bought a factory spark plug wrench a while ago but haven't had the chance to use it, though it looks like it's the perfect tool for the job. But if no factory wrench, 4" extension works better than two extensions together.

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Jeff
1976 911S Coupe

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Argo:
I've got a quick tool question - I'm going to buy myself a decent torque wrench; which one is handier for an 88, the short handle or the long handle?

ARGO..I use Snap On model TQFR 50A. 17in. long, flex head, 50lb. max, adjustable in lb in. I think it's a class act. I use a larger unit for lug nuts. TQFR 50A fits great for torqueing heads, intake manifold, etc.

[Eric Coffey]

Torque wrenches:

the Snap-on QCR250 (1/2 drive, 50 to 250 ft-lb.) and the QC2FR75 (3/8 drive, 5 to 75 ft-lb.) click type torque wrenches are the way to go, and cover a wide torque range.

-Eric

[Argo]

Once again, thanks for the info. RONIN - btw, I called the local porsche service rep and he said the fogging oil would definitely crap up the o2 sensor. He also thought that if it were only going to be laid up for a few months that extra oil in the cylinders wouldn't be necessary.

Argo
88 Targa

[89911]

Tool tip. Buy a allen head socket that fits your Porsche spark plug tool and then you can use your ratchet. Much easier and quicker then using the factory hex tool. And the other post are right, the factory tool is the best.

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8 9 9 1 1, The last of the line.

[John Brandt]

If the masking tape fails to hold your extenders together, used on of those telesoping magnetic sticks to pull the socket out of there