Plug boots?

[farmboy]

I'm a little confused here - would you help me out?

I changed out my plugs this weekend. Dunno how much millage was on those things, but looking at the electrodes, they were sure ovaled out. This combined with the cleaning of the throttle body has really improved my idle.

Anyway, while I was in there I noticed the plug boots looked a little funny - a couple of them were cracked around the bolt area. Is this a big deal? Are these just plug boots - should be thinking about changing out these boots and wires as well for this service interval? Or does this car have six individual coil packs here (that look like boots?).

Thanks!

[Tool Pants]

The thing in your picture is a coil.

Once in a while you see reports of cracked coils, and if I remember correctly it is not just a Boxster issue. Do not know why this happens on some cars - always thought it had something to do with heat. I'll have to ask Peter.

First picture is from Tim777 on boxa.net.

The rubber extension from the coil is a separate part. You can just pull it off the coil. I have also seen this extension split.

Update: I asked Peter and he said the coils carry something like 40k volts and they can crack from the heat of the coil.

Edited September 26, 2006 by Tool Pants