Spark Plug Tubes - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

97red986 · 02-09-2014, 07:17 AM

Thanks guys, what do you think about applying some heat?

KevinH1990 · 02-09-2014, 08:20 AM

I had to try several times with the transom plug before I could make it work. It's been a while, but I remember trimming the outer "lip" of rubber on the plug so that it would fit further into the tube. I may also have used a pair of vice grips to prevent the plug from turning while I tightened it.

It appears that you can also remove the tupes with a pair of expanding pliers like these: ExpandingPliers.com - Pliers that expand and grab on the inside.

I think the problem with the pliers is that you can crack the tube and have pieces fall down where you cannot remove them.

Good luck.

JFP in PA · 02-09-2014, 08:28 AM

Actually, these would work better:

But put some soft rubber of vinyl hose over the serrated ends to keep from cracking the tubes.

Jager · 02-09-2014, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Actually, these would work better:

But put some soft rubber of vinyl hose over the serrated ends to keep from cracking the tubes.

Where did you get those? Supplier/part number?
Thanks

Jager · 02-09-2014, 08:49 AM

I found them... They are battery terminal spreaders. I have not seen them before, found them here:

Battery Terminal Spreader Pliers

97red986 · 02-09-2014, 08:55 AM

Thanks guys. What do you think about applying some heat to the area?

Jager · 02-09-2014, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97red986

Thanks guys. What do you think about applying some heat to the area?

I bet those seals are stiff in that cold temperature... I'm sure a little warmth would help.

Mark_T · 02-09-2014, 11:42 AM

I used the 1" rubber arbor from my sanding drum set. Gripped much better than the transom plug.

san rensho · 02-09-2014, 12:28 PM

The factory manual says to remove the tubes with the motor at operating temp, so yes, its easier to get them out when its hot. If you use the transom plug, clean the plug and the inside of the tube with brake cleaner.

97red986 · 02-09-2014, 03:57 PM

Thanks everyone. So, the tube now has a minor crack and given the need to have the engine at operating temp, is it safe to run the engine with this crack. Btw, i have ordered the porsche tool to remove these tubes, these are a real pia.