986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners (http://986forum.com/forums/)
-   Boxster General Discussions (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/)
-   -   Change spark plugs and tubes? (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/25828-change-spark-plugs-tubes.html)

Bradster 08-18-2010 03:44 PM

Change spark plugs and tubes?
 
I will soon need to change the spark plugs in my 97 base as I am approaching 90K. Do most change the plugs, tubes, and o-rings -- or just the plugs?

Thanks!

Bradster

BudmanV24 08-18-2010 03:54 PM

Are the o-rings on the tubes leaking? If not, then I wouldn't mess with them. And don't get platinum plugs. They reduce throttle response. Go with copper.

gschotland 08-18-2010 09:36 PM

Your car's now 13 years old w/~90k miles. A bad O-ring's no big deal, but a cracked or broken tube can be a big PITA, maybe even costly. The physical properties of almost all thermoplastics (in a former life I was an engineer in the plastics industry) will degrade with extended exposure to heat cycles. The tubes have been known to fail, which is presumably why you asked the question.

Why risk having a potentially costly failure at the wrong time when you can quickly and easily swap out all the o-rings and tubes for only $75 bucks while you're in there installing the plugs? Excellent, EZ to follow instructions at http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Change_Spark_Plugs_%26_Tubes.html

BTW, I agree w/BudmanV24, stay away from exotic or "improved" plugs. The OEM Beru's are fine, if a little pricey (I'm happy with them); the Bosch plugs Pelican sells for $4.50ea are good choice as well. Pedro's got part numbers on his plug change DIY article should you want to buy local.

Bradster 08-19-2010 02:55 AM

Thanks to you both! I appreciate the input.

Mike_Yi 08-20-2010 08:17 AM

I just did my 60k and changed the plugs and o-rings. I didn't replace the tubes. It's a pretty easy job and does not take long. If you have any question, go ahead and do it.

Dave928 08-20-2010 09:29 PM

there's no more obvious WYIT than this, you ARE right there.

just change them...

KevinH1990 08-21-2010 08:26 AM

I'm planning to replace my O-Rings when I change the spark plugs in about a month. Is it better to change the plugs when you have the tubes out, or is it better to pull the tubes, replace the O-Rings and reinstall the tubes before changing the plugs?

Thanks

Mike_Yi 08-21-2010 01:50 PM

Change the plugs while the tubes are in. That way, if the plug slips out of the socket, it doesn't fall into the crankcase. Change the tubes with the plugs out.

In other words, pull plug, pull tube. Insert new tube, then insert new plug.

Bradster 08-21-2010 02:56 PM

Good advice. Thanks again!

Mark_T 08-21-2010 03:21 PM

Here's a tip for you on the tubes - use the mandrel from a 1" drum sander to pull them out.

I tried Pedro's suggestion of using a 1" boating transom plug, but I had trouble getting it tight enough to grip and by halfway through the job the transom plug was trashed. The drum sander mandrel fit better, has a bigger gripping surface, and is much easier to tighten up.

Mark

Mike_Yi 08-22-2010 07:09 PM

I had no problem with the boat plug. Got it from Cabella's.

Dave928 08-23-2010 12:03 AM

+ on the boat plug.

KevinH1990 08-23-2010 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_Yi
Change the plugs while the tubes are in. That way, if the plug slips out of the socket, it doesn't fall into the crankcase. Change the tubes with the plugs out.

In other words, pull plug, pull tube. Insert new tube, then insert new plug.

Thanks. That process makes sense. While I may have figured it out on my own, I'm glad I didn't have to learn by having an unpleasant experience.

It just proves the old saying - there are no stupid questions.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:19 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website