sjfehr

e: what's up with the date codes? This was the 3rd reply in the thread, made at ~7:38pm not the OP.

Phil: Check out http://renntech.org all the maint info you need is there, plus a there's a ton of great DIY information. Go find a local autocross to drive in, too

Phil Bagshaw

Nothing but good news here dude! What a car. I resisted doing the daily commute but drove out of the city on Friday night to the beach house. The car's fantastic, it fits me like a leather driving glove. It accelerates and corners with such precision I just want to keep driving it.

Most of the week it stayed under dust covers in the garage and I’ve been going to work on my motorbike or in the 4WD. I’ve had a Ctek charger plugged in through the cigarette lighter socket that trickled away nicely so all systems go when I started her up. I’ve ordered the IMS Guardian and a replacement LCD screen for the A/C. Trying to work out what’s required for the 12 month service in July by studying service history and Porsche recommended maintenance schedule. My plan is to do most of the work myself (e.g. oil, brake fluid, filters) but leave some specialist tasks for the shop. Any guidance will be much appreciated.

Macster

If you do not have a good service history paper trail to go by assume all services are needed. Take care of them in this order:

Engine oil/filter.
Engine air filter. (Cabin filter too.)
Brake fluid/clutch fluid flush/bleed.
Fuel filter (if car equipped with a serviceable filter: my 02 is not so equipped.)

Then over time you can do a tranny/diff fluid service (I have the dealer do this for my 02 Boxster: 0.3 hours labor, some fluid; and I do not have to smell the tranny fluid).

Coolant drain/refill.

Non fluid related services that are important:

Body water drains. Be sure these are clean and water can drain without backing up.

Radiator duct clean out.

Alignment.

Take inventory and make sure a full took kit, jack is present. Be sure the security tool bit fits *all* security wheel studs.

Every time you are under the car check for any signs of fluid leaks from any gasket, seal or joint.

Check CV boot condition. If these are cracked the CV bearing can get dirty and ruined in no time.

All steering bushings and sway bar link ends, etc.

Check -- feel -- for any abnormal tire wear. If you find some alignment is probably called for. With a good alignment and reasonable driving tires should give you 15K or more miles easy. With a bad alignment this number can be cut in half.

Check air pressure in space saver spare tire.

Phil Bagshaw

thanks, looks a good start. I'll do the fluids/filters and plan for the shop to do the computer diagnostic and wheel alignment. Tyres and brakes are good, front discs replaced in 2010, no uneven tyre wire so not expecting any surprises but might as well get it checked and adjusted.

All cars over 6 years old in NZ need a 6 monthly warrant of fitness certificate issued by a registered test and inspection wokshop. So I'll plan for the shop to do this as well. The rules are changing next year to 12 month inspections (for vehicles registered from 1 Jan 2000) so I'll be able sync. that with the annual diagnostic check.

Spark plugs were last changed in 2008, approx 25,000 miles ago. According the handbook they should be changed after 48,000 miles or every 4 years; so I'm overdue a change. Is this a job for the home mechanic or do I leave it for the shop?

Macster

If you've successfully changed plugs in other cars you should be ok to change plugs in the Boxster. Just follow the proper procedure.

sjfehr

Yeah, boxster plug changes really aren't bad at all; they're one of the easier DIY jobs. You can remove the rear wheels and get to all the plugs pretty easily.

Phil Bagshaw

Thanks, good news about the access to the plugs. I was getting prepared for an engine out scenario at worst. Now comes the interesting bit. What type? I guess things have moved on since 2004 and OEM in 2004 may not be optimal in 2013? Any suggestions?

Stephen Tinker

Phil... changing the plugs / coils are not at all difficult.
The Porsche spec Behru or Bosch plugs specified in 2004 are still current....
If you need the details and the cheapest supplier, send me a PM and I'll get you the details....

Macster

My advice is to use what Porsche recommends. I can't recall now the plugs because I have the plugs done at the dealer and the parts manager looks up the current part number for the plug based on my car's VIN and either pulls the 6 out of stock or orders then in for the next day.

If you do not want to buy the plugs from the dealer that's up to you but you should use the right plugs regardless of where you source them.

gfl

Its not really complicated, but the access and angles required, remove wheels, through wheel wells ad back into the nether reaches, is very awkward.

e.g.; getting proper torque with extensions and funny angles is dicey business. I'm quite confident mine is not ideal.

at 24k i would not be in any hurry to change them. Oil , different story. Once warm, blow the sucker out. Maybe a bit of techron before the oil change.

Grant