08-18-2010, 03:44 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 70
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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
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08-18-2010, 03:54 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 164
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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.
__________________
1999 Boxster 3.4L
2007 BMW 328i
1992 Jeep Wrangler
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08-18-2010, 09:36 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: nj
Posts: 389
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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.
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08-19-2010, 02:55 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 70
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Thanks to you both! I appreciate the input.
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08-20-2010, 08:17 AM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Chicago
Posts: 523
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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.
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08-20-2010, 09:29 PM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle - It's not Hell, but you can see it from here!
Posts: 236
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there's no more obvious WYIT than this, you ARE right there.
just change them...
__________________
dave
2001 Porsche Boxster S
1988 Porsche 928 S4
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08-21-2010, 08:26 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,659
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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
__________________
2000 Arctic Silver/Black, Hard Top, On Board Computer
PNP Rear Speakers, HAES 6-Channel Amp, Avic Z140BH,
Painted Bumperettes, 2004 (OEM) Top, Homelink integrated in dash with Targa switch, 997 Shifter, Carrera Gauge Cluster with silver gauge faces, heated 12-way driver & 8-way passenger seats, Litronics, silver console
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08-21-2010, 01:50 PM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Chicago
Posts: 523
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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.
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08-21-2010, 02:56 PM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 70
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Good advice. Thanks again!
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08-21-2010, 03:21 PM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Winnipeg MB
Posts: 2,486
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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
__________________
'99 black 986
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08-22-2010, 07:09 PM
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Chicago
Posts: 523
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I had no problem with the boat plug. Got it from Cabella's.
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08-23-2010, 12:03 AM
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle - It's not Hell, but you can see it from here!
Posts: 236
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+ on the boat plug.
__________________
dave
2001 Porsche Boxster S
1988 Porsche 928 S4
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08-23-2010, 07:18 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,659
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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.
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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.
__________________
2000 Arctic Silver/Black, Hard Top, On Board Computer
PNP Rear Speakers, HAES 6-Channel Amp, Avic Z140BH,
Painted Bumperettes, 2004 (OEM) Top, Homelink integrated in dash with Targa switch, 997 Shifter, Carrera Gauge Cluster with silver gauge faces, heated 12-way driver & 8-way passenger seats, Litronics, silver console
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