99 996 Spark Plug Question

[BigHead]

Just finished changing the plugs on my wife's 1999 996. A complete PITA when I first started, but pretty easy by the time I finished. Took a little twisting, turning and serpentine routing of hands, tools and plugs to get it all done, but done nonetheless - THANKS, LOREN!

Anyway, here's my question. The 30k maintenance guide states that plugs must be replaced on earlier 996s. For later cars, plugs don't need to be replaced until 60k miles.

Is this solely because of a change in plugs? Do I need to change the plugs AGAIN at 60k miles, or am I now good until **90K miles**?!?

The plugs I removed are Bosch Super R5 871 "FGR6KQC", and I replaced them with Porsche part #999 170 207 91, with "1 Zundkerze" on the box. The plug is a Beru Ultra R6 319, with 0.7 14FGR-6KQU stamped on the metal.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

vty,

--Dennis

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...st=0entry2992

I cannot see why the 4 side electrode plugs will not last for 60k miles.

[BigHead]

Thanks for the link and info!

But what you posted in that other thread remains my question, I guess. The plugs I took out of my '99 996 *are* four point plugs... does anyone know for sure that these are the same plugs as the new ones that just went in, and does anyone know why the replacement period went from 30k miles to 60k miles (other than, perhaps, a change in the plug itself)? In other words, if these are supposedly interchangeable plugs (between the Bosch and the Beru), then the change in recommended replacement period is just Porsche being conservative at the start but then modifying the maintenance recommendation when they saw how well the four point plugs were wearing?

thanks!

vty,

--Dennis

[Loren]

On the Carrera, Porsche changed the spark plugs from 2 electrode to 4 electrode as of Nov 1998 builds. They continue to use the 4 electrode plugs but changed the heat range used. The current plug Porsche uses on all (Boxster/Carrrera) engines is Beru 14FGR 6KQU.

[Tool Pants]

The specs for your old and new plugs are they same - just a different manufacturer.

Your 996 question does remain. Why is it 30k on your 1999 when it went up to 60k for a 2001 when it is the identical plug? My Boxster question also remains - since the 2000 and 2001 Boxster motors and plugs are identical but it is 30k on a 2000 and 60k on a 2001. I have asked the mechanics I know at my local dealer why? - and they just do what the Germans say.

In Europe they even cut it down more than in the US for routine service. Exact same cars but, for example, their service intervals are 12,000 miles and ours are 15,000. Marketing for the US market I think.

Multi electrode plugs are old technology - and Porsche has used them long before the 986 996. My speculation is that PCNA has no one to contact the dealers and tell them the 4 side electrodes do not need to be changed so often. The mechanic may know but not the "service advisor." Plus they make more money when the plugs are changed.

[alter_schwede]

hey Tool Pants,

are there other brands than Bosch or Beru that are recommended?

cheers,

Tony