When do you need to replace spark plugs?
#16
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The real issue is GETTING TO THEM. A lot has to come off to remove simply the individual coils. There is insufficient clearance to do that with the way brackets and accessories are mounted on the engine, so much disassembly is required.
#17
Pro
Just back from the shop talking to one of my service guys and it looks like a royal pain to replace these. You really should drop the motor to get to it easier. I certainly recommend a plug change if your miles are up there and the engine is out, anyway. To get to them you have to really take off the muflfers, a couple of brackets, and then each of the individual coils. it's gotten really complex quickly.
Was quoted $260 with service coupon by the dealer. Doesnt seem too bad.
#18
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
One of our Rennlist brothers did this on his 997Turbo. Better him than me! Certainly worse on a turbo, but still a challenge for the NA cars.
Link: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turb...-yourself.html
Link: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turb...-yourself.html
#19
Pro
Thanks for that link Dan. It's always nice to see how something is done even if I'm not going to do it myself. Yes. Our cars are probably similar in labor intensity to the turbo as location would be about the same. Maybe less accessories/lines would be in the way on the NA cars.
#20
Three Wheelin'
I have a 2006 997 S. It has just under 34,000 miles. It is almost 4 yrs old.
Porsche's maintenance schedule says spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 4 years.
My dealer says I do not need to replace the spark plugs because I have not reached 60,000 miles.
So when should I replace my spark plugs?
Porsche's maintenance schedule says spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 4 years.
My dealer says I do not need to replace the spark plugs because I have not reached 60,000 miles.
So when should I replace my spark plugs?
#21
The concern with spark plugs is not their condition, but will they unscrew? The heat-cycles and the fact they are made from a different metal from the head (bimetallic corrosion) means that at some point in time they will be half-welded in place and very difficult to remove.
#22
Three Wheelin'
I have a 2006 997 S. It has just under 34,000 miles. It is almost 4 yrs old.
Porsche's maintenance schedule says spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 4 years.
My dealer says I do not need to replace the spark plugs because I have not reached 60,000 miles.
So when should I replace my spark plugs?
Porsche's maintenance schedule says spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 4 years.
My dealer says I do not need to replace the spark plugs because I have not reached 60,000 miles.
So when should I replace my spark plugs?
The concern with spark plugs is not their condition, but will they unscrew? The heat-cycles and the fact they are made from a different metal from the head (bimetallic corrosion) means that at some point in time they will be half-welded in place and very difficult to remove.
Unless the plugs were put in by a gorilla mechanic with a monkey wrench, there is no reason the plugs will be frozen on the engine block if they were put on based on the correct torque. In fact, both Borsch and NGK now does not recommend putting anti-seizure paste on the plugs. They are now all plated to prevent corrosion. Mine old plugs that were from the factory came off easily,
#23
Three Wheelin'
$260 is a deal if they do it right. Might as well have them replace the coils while at it to save headaches down the road. In fact, order the coils yourself and give it to them when they do the plugs. Ask them to keep both the old plugs and coils for you to eyeball it afterwards.
#24
Three Wheelin'
I didn't have to take the rear bumper off. However, after removing the wheels while the car was on jack-stands, I managed to remove the mufflers on both sides to gain access to the coils/plugs. Yes, it took me 1/2 day to replace both the coils and plugs.
#25
Track Day
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Charlotte, NC
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Pelican's simplistic work instruction seems to point at just removing a heat shield after removing the wheels on the 997.2 and voila...guessing that is only part of the needful.
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
#26
Three Wheelin'
Pelican's simplistic work instruction seems to point at just removing a heat shield after removing the wheels on the 997.2 and voila...guessing that is only part of the needful.
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
#27
Three Wheelin'
Pelican's simplistic work instruction seems to point at just removing a heat shield after removing the wheels on the 997.2 and voila...guessing that is only part of the needful.
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
But they also show 2 different plugs....which one to choose?
Bosch FGR-5-NQE-04 @ $6.75
Bosch FGR-4-NQE-04 @ $9.25
#30
Three Wheelin'
The task isn't difficult and you get an immense sense of accomplishment afterwards knowing that you did it right.
BTW, you need this elbow ratchet wrench to crack loose the top fastener on the pipe :
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-13mm-...1&blockType=G1