replacing spark plugs
 

My question is how difficult is it to replace spark plugs on a 2000 996. Everything else is pretty cut and dry. Is it a DIY, or is it better to take to someone. It looks pretty cramped in there. thanks

I would have someone ride shot-gun if you haven't done it before, just for safety's sake.

I wouldn't call it a difficult job but you could use the helpful tips if you get stuck. The first time around you should expect a 4-6 hours on this job. Once you have the hang of it you can do it in around 4....


Jake,

DIY - you will need a jack, some jack stands, a 5/8ths spark plug socket on a 3 inch extension, a 10mm wrench and fairly flexible arms. :D

Small hands and fingers would also help... :p

reply
 

thanks for your replys. 4 hours seems lile a long time to replace 6 spark plugs. Is there something I'm overlooking.

Re: reply
 

Nope, just look at the area you're woking on ......

You'll see what I mean.... The record here is 2-hours, but I estimate the 4 for those who are not HighSpeed.....

Jake

45 minutes here....:D

Of course, I did do this for a living....

So do I have to take off the wheels , drop the engine? Whats the best procedure for this to make it 6 hours instead of a whole weekend?

I bought everything I need for my 60k maintenance from this site, now I need to install it.

...also, the spark plugs have 4 points on them, I am guessing they are pre gapped?

- Slobo

Yes, they are pre gapped.

Lord no, you do not need to drop the engine. Just get the back of the car on stands.

I'm 1/2 way in a 2002 and about 1 1/2 hours in 100 degree heat. Damn tight spots. I've had to use torx sockets, 1/4 drive and my 1/2 drive w/a 3/8 adaptor for the extra reach.

Would you guys re-install the heat/weather shield?

The pass side rearest plus is a complete PITA. Next time I'm pulling the mufflers and I would strongly reccommend that to anyone wanting to do this.

2 hours here but i have Fabspeed muffler by-pass pipes.

I would also recommend replacing the spark plug connectors and inspect the coils for cracks. If you have oil leaking, then also replace the spark plug tubes

if you think the spk plugs are a pain in the butt, wait till you change the fuel filter, they couldnt think of a more stupid place to put it .......

Stupid. My car doesn't even have a replacable filter!

Filter
 

On the 2001 911 3.4 I converted to all electric, the filter was on the bottom of the car, under the plastic panels in the center of the car, under the water pipes that go from the radiators to the engine, I had to remove the pipes, all of them, to get to it to remove it. since it wasn't using any gas or water it was senseless to keep them in place ..

Anyone else think that pulling the mufflers is the way to go? Also, I've received mixed responces on whether or not to leave the guards in place due to the heat concern for the coils. What are the opinions here?

I just replaced my spark plugs (at 40K miles) and found it a much easier job after the mufflers were removed. I doubt if I could have completed the job on all cylinders with them in place.

I think it would be a big mistake to not replace the heat guards over the coilpacks. There must be a significant amount of heat radiated from the exhaust system onto this area and there are many reports of coils that have failed and found to be cracked, even when the heat guards were in place. There is little doubt in my mind that heat on these coilpacks is a very bad thing.

The issue is radiant heat vs airflow. There are 2 camps on this. TPC and EBS representatives are 2 of the groups who have given me the idea to pull them. ITO the hold more heat than they keep away. I reinstalled but this discussion seems like a Ducati (or air-cooled 911) oil discussion. Everyone has their opinion.

In the specific case of the water-cooled M96 engine, I would think that airflow would be less important for heat dissipation from the area around the sparkplugs than would be retention by the black coilpacks of excessive heat radiated toward the area from the exhaust system if the guards are missing. The guards are not tight up against the coilpacks when installed and there is a bit of clearance for air circulation.

I cleaned and polished my guards before I re-installed them so they would be better heat reflectors.