That plug in the back is almost impossible to get to without removing the engine shroud and snorkel from underneath. This was a fairly painstaken process, which I do not wish to do ever again....which brings me to an idea:
Why not cut a hole in the bottom of the shroud, just large enough for a socket wrench to fit in and have enough room for wiggle both ways. This way, you could simply put the plug removal socket on the plug from inside the car, and then go underneath the car...insert socket wrench, attach to socket and loosen away. Installation would be reverse process. When done, I would cover the hole in the shroud with a rubber grommet that I could get from a hardware store. Therefore the whole thing would be as easy as removing rear tire, removing grommet...sticking socket wrench on and going at it.

See this pic... hole would be on the bottom edge of the shroud allowing access into the engine compartment. Any thoughts before I cut away?

 

Why not? Especially since you are using a grommet to prevent moisture you should be fine. But then again, how often are you replacing #6? Probably not as often as changing the clutch...Reserve these things for an engine tranny drop like a clutch - it saves a lot of skin on your knuckles!

 

I think that's a great idea since the part is easily replaceable (not part of the body structure). If you do it, please post pics with dimensions, etc.

Reminds me of when I replaced my slave cylinder. After that rather involved process, I thought it would make sense to craft an access door right over the transmission housing (think plasma torch). Needless to say, my car is still intact

Andreas

 

You can do it without taking anything apart. Search for this write-up I wrote awhile back:

"Just Replaced All Spark Plugs W/O Taking Anything Apart!!!!"

Cheers

 

One thought - I'd make the 'door' out of a piece of sheet metal rather than rubber: secure with two sheet metal screws with one side of the cover slotted like the cover on an electrical junction box. That way, loosen the screws and the cover pivots out of the way without removal.

Not one to appreciate the engineering excellence of the clutch housing breather pipe shown above - it was removed and replaced with such a cover.

BTW, here's the link to Joes contortionist approach to plug removal .

 

I followed Joe's advice and performed the #6 replacement exactly as he describes. Including greasing my arm!

 

I found #6 not too bad...you have to remove some stuff but its only takes a bit of time. Maybe its because my engine has been apart so all the fastners cooperate...not sure. And that was before I got my lift..

Anyways good idea on the hole. The best way is to use an punch used to make holes in electrical boxes...it makes a nice very clean hole. Ideally the edges of the hole should be painted...

Cheers,

Mike

 

I'm glad someone else was able to replicate my experience.

BTW, I also deleted the clutch breather tube. Used engine tin from a tip to eliminate the hole.

 

Not a bad idea, SonicDB, since you'll have that sheetmetal out anyway next time you do the plugs, unless you're feeling lucky like Jmarch and I . . . .

Jmarch, I just reread your old thread about removing that plug w/out taking anything apart, and had a good laugh. I may try this next time a 993 is on the lift for fun . . . although I have managed to get the topside #6 plug out FROM THE TOP before on 993s. I have a 3/8 dr extension that is welded to a swivel spark plug socket, great tool. If I remember correctly, I basically had my back facing the car and I shoved the socket down into the space between the P/S pump and the sheetmetal, and reached in there w/ my hand in a backhand position and worked the socket onto the plug and cracked it loose! Only had to remove the airbox lid! Working on these cars every day lets you develop kindof a third elbow, however, and skinny hands don't hurt either!

Even though I accomplished this amazing feat I do that plug the normal way on 993s these days. My arm hurt after I did that and removing the muffler and sheetmetal really doesn't take all that long anyway.

---Chris A.

 

Yeah, the muffler drop and sheet metal removal is not a big deal. Especially if you have a lift.