944 Plug Install

[WizPorsche944]

Ok I bought the Bosch Super Plugs for the 944. I will be installing tommrow afternoon. I have NEVER installed a spark plug in a 944 or any car to be exact. Can you experts please walk me through exactly what I have to do.

[GHEN]

If you are just doing the plugs it is very easy. Get a torque wrench so that you tighten everything correctly.

Pop the ignition wires off of the top of the plug (grip from the boot, not the wire) and twist gently. Unscrew the old plug and screw the new one in.

Make sure you blow any dirt or dust away from the plug holes before AND after you take the ignition wires off. Also put some of the thread compond specifically for sparkplugs (it escapes me what it is called, but the guy at the parts store will know) on the threads.

Also I always start at the back & work my way forward so the job gets easier as you go.

Enjoy,

GHEN

[Eli K]

apply anti-seize compund to the threads...any parts store should have it

[lousailor]

Di-electric grease for all connectors. Makes it easy to get apart and keeps the water out.

[WizPorsche944]

Anti-Seize onto the threads right? How about the D-Elect. grease where should this go, im thinking onto the top of the plug??? I dont have a torque wrench either.

[Eli K]

put it a little bit of grease on top of the plugs... since you don't have a torgue wrench, screw in the plugs hand tight and then add about 1/8 of a turn....no more...

[Britwrench]

Bosch plugs already have thread lubricant on them. There is no need, and Porsche does not recommend, any anti-sieze grease to be used.
O2 sensors don't like anti-seize.

[GHEN]

Originally posted by WizPorsche944
I dont have a torque wrench either.

Auto-Zone has a tool lending program if there is one near you. You can do it by hand but why not be 100% sure; especially since this is your 1st time?

GHEN

[nynor]

i just changed my plugs. i forgot to lube the boots with dielectric grease last time. i didn't think i'd be getting them out. it took just about all my strength to get them off.

i remembered this time.

[Taz's Master]

Britwrench, Porsche doesn't reccomend di-electric grease either (tends to attract and hold dirt). Do you use or reccomend either? I know I would trust you and several others on this board rather than some corporate statement that may or may not be motivated by profit or legal concerns rather than what is best for maintenance. By the way, I use both di-electric grease and anti-seize (hadn't heard about O2 sensor sensitivity, and will be more careful in the future, thanks).

[Britwrench]

I'm in two minds on the die-electric grease. I don't think it hurts, but too much certainly does, especially on 944/928 engines. The grease forms an air tight seal so when the plug cap is pushed on, the air is trapped. As the engine is warmed the trapped air might push the cap loose. Anyway if you do use it, only a little is required.

[GHEN]

Man this is a lot of discussion to change 4 plugs

GHEN

[bryanthompson]

heh, how many 944 owners does it take to change a lightbulb?

answer: holdon, lemme check Haynes

[944imraan]

It's because the lightbulb is behind another part and may only be reached from below with the ring finger on your left hand, and may only be seen from above.

[Mytoy944]

As a part time Zoner (thats what they call us AUTOZONE employees!) I can confirm that we will be more then happy to "loan" you the torque wrench you require (pay for it when you take it, and get a full refund when you return it) Also, on the antiseize, dielectric grease issue, AUTOZONE calls it WITTDJR (what it takes to do the job right) I call it Get a couple of extra bucks from the cusatomer!

[GHEN]

Originally posted by Mytoy944
I can confirm that we will be more then happy to "loan" you the torque wrench you require (pay for it when you take it, and get a full refund when you return it)

To clarify, the tools you get are part of the loaner program. They charge your card as a deposit.

GHEN

[Eli K]

I'd love to see this post go past two pages.....

[bryanthompson]

speaking of tool-lending... Is there anyone here who rents out a tensioner?

[944 Ecology]

We rent out the tensioner... call me for details.

gb

[GHEN]

Originally posted by Siberian
I'd love to see this post go past two pages.....

The socket slipped over the plug end, coming together as easily as two lovers after a long seperation. It was as if they were made for one another; and in fact they were. Randolph's sinewy muscles sprang to life as he grunted with the effort required to free the recalcitrant plug from its shadowy den. He allowed his mind to wander forward to when he could again drive his beloved Porsche, to see the exhaust billow forth as if from a dragon's snout, and hear the roar of the engine.

There, I've done my part.

GHEN