Change Spark Plug Tubes? Coils?
08-31-2010, 01:49 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Change Spark Plug Tubes? Coils?
I'm getting ready to order the parts to do a spark plug change on my '99 C2 Cab. How do I know IF I need to replace the spark plug tubes (and/or tube o-rings), and the Ignition coils (and/or spark plug connector)? 
I'd like to get the parts I need ahead of time, but I don't want to change anything I don't have to.
Of course, If I get in there and find something obviously broken, I can always get the parts. It's just less convenient that way.
Also, any good (inexpensive) place to get the parts?
The car is running well, and has 53k miles on the clock. It'll be my first time diving into the engine (besides an oil change.)
Will be swapping out mufflers for PSE-hacked 3.6's at the same time.
(Thanks Dennis!)
I'd like to get the parts I need ahead of time, but I don't want to change anything I don't have to.
Of course, If I get in there and find something obviously broken, I can always get the parts. It's just less convenient that way.Also, any good (inexpensive) place to get the parts?
The car is running well, and has 53k miles on the clock. It'll be my first time diving into the engine (besides an oil change.)
Will be swapping out mufflers for PSE-hacked 3.6's at the same time.
(Thanks Dennis!)
08-31-2010, 02:07 PM
#2
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Rennlist Member
Yours is a little bit different then mine but most people say if they are not cracked then there's no need to replace them.
With that being said once the mufflers are removed it is a MUCH easier job to perform so it's up to you whether you want to invest the money and replace them now or remove the mufflers again later to replace the parts when they do go bad.
I hadn't done anything on my car except change the oil when I did this repair myself. It took me a long time to get it done but it wasn't difficult, just be patient and have the right tools on hand.
With that being said once the mufflers are removed it is a MUCH easier job to perform so it's up to you whether you want to invest the money and replace them now or remove the mufflers again later to replace the parts when they do go bad.
I hadn't done anything on my car except change the oil when I did this repair myself. It took me a long time to get it done but it wasn't difficult, just be patient and have the right tools on hand.
08-31-2010, 03:12 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
If you not getting any Cels or misfires/rough running, leave the coils alone. You may pull a few off and find hairline cracks in the top. You can order replacements for the ones that are cracked later.
I would replace all of the spark plug tubes and orings with the spark plugs since you will have the exhaust down and the parts aren't big money.
It might make sense to buy 1 or 2 coils so you can replace them as needed or if you see cracks.
I changed my plugs with the exhaust on and it took 4.5 hours. I would do as much as you can with the exhaust off.
I would replace all of the spark plug tubes and orings with the spark plugs since you will have the exhaust down and the parts aren't big money.
It might make sense to buy 1 or 2 coils so you can replace them as needed or if you see cracks.
I changed my plugs with the exhaust on and it took 4.5 hours. I would do as much as you can with the exhaust off.
08-31-2010, 05:17 PM
#4
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Hi....,
As my car is a 996 2000 i can easily supposed the set up for the engine spark plugs tubes and the rest are all the same.
2 months ago i did the plugs by myself and it took me 2 hours..not as easy as i tougt at first.
Then i decided to replaced 3 spark plug tubes who were leaking...this is definitely not easy at all.
I bought a boat plug at WalMart to help but the tubes are really not easy yo take off.It took me around 3 hours to do just 3 of them....next time it will be much easier.
Good luck
As my car is a 996 2000 i can easily supposed the set up for the engine spark plugs tubes and the rest are all the same.
2 months ago i did the plugs by myself and it took me 2 hours..not as easy as i tougt at first.
Then i decided to replaced 3 spark plug tubes who were leaking...this is definitely not easy at all.
I bought a boat plug at WalMart to help but the tubes are really not easy yo take off.It took me around 3 hours to do just 3 of them....next time it will be much easier.
Good luck
08-31-2010, 05:54 PM
#6
I'm going to do all this at some point too, and had one big question no one has answered yet. If your AREN'T planning to put on new mufflers, does it make sense or would it save time to take them off anyway to make getting at the plugs and tubes easier? For just plugs maybe not, but if you're going to do all the tubes and O'rings too??? How long to remove and replace muffs?
I'll be doing it alone, so as long as removal and install of the muffs is a one-man operation, I would be willing to give it a shot.
I'll be doing it alone, so as long as removal and install of the muffs is a one-man operation, I would be willing to give it a shot.
08-31-2010, 06:01 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
I'm going to do all this at some point too, and had one big question no one has answered yet. If your AREN'T planning to put on new mufflers, does it make sense or would it save time to take them off anyway to make getting at the plugs and tubes easier? For just plugs maybe not, but if you're going to do all the tubes and O'rings too??? How long to remove and replace muffs?
I'll be doing it alone, so as long as removal and install of the muffs is a one-man operation, I would be willing to give it a shot.
I'll be doing it alone, so as long as removal and install of the muffs is a one-man operation, I would be willing to give it a shot.
All I replaced was the pllugs and it took over 4 hours. Without the exhaust in the way it would have been done in 30 minutes. No BS here.
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08-31-2010, 06:03 PM
#8
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When I first changed my muffler cans out from stock it took me an afternoon. 2nd time it took a 1/2 hour. There are 3 nuts for each can along with the clamps under the rear bumper. It really is simple.....and you need to remove the rear tires too.
08-31-2010, 06:07 PM
#9
So, any tricks to pulling the tubes out? And I assume the coils just unbolt and pull straight off (with the muff out of the way).
OP, I'm not highjacking your thread! Really!
I figure you'll need all this info too, so might as well get it all in one thread. 
08-31-2010, 06:19 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Porsches996, you said your "tubes were leaking". How did you know this? What are the symptoms?
08-31-2010, 07:36 PM
#11
Absolutely yes! remove the exhaust. My Mk2 doesn't have tubes and orings that are accessable fromt he spark plug holes (You have to take the valve covers off to get to the orings on a Mk2.
All I replaced was the pllugs and it took over 4 hours. Without the exhaust in the way it would have been done in 30 minutes. No BS here.
All I replaced was the pllugs and it took over 4 hours. Without the exhaust in the way it would have been done in 30 minutes. No BS here.
09-01-2010, 12:24 PM
#12
Three Wheelin'
09-01-2010, 02:00 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
09-01-2010, 02:05 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...sporting-goods
09-05-2010, 12:08 PM
#15
You can use the Porsche tool $$$$ or use a boat plug. They sell them at Wal-mart. I think you need a 1" plug and then you and to do a little trimming.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...sporting-goods
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...sporting-goods