Spark Plug Tubes Replacement

[Izzy]

Planning on replacing spark plugs on the 99 C2, and do the tubes and o-rings at the same time. Looking at prior posts, did not see any mention of lubricating the tubes on the outside before inserting.

The workshop manual I have mentions:

"Fit new sealing rings and coat with tyre mounting paste"

Any thoughts or opinions if you have done this or watch the dealer do it? Thank you

Izzy

[Orient Express]

Izzy:

All you need to do is to make sure that the O rings are wet with some soapy water so they can slide into place. I use the stuff you use to blow bubbles with that you get at the toy store to lube up O rings etc.

No magic here.

[ar38070]

A few drops of dishwashing soap mixed with water.

[Izzy]

Thank you gents!

[tt2001]

Izzy,

Did you pick up your parts yet? I have exact same car needs work on the same job ( tubes and o-rings). Can you tell me where I can buy these parts.

Thanks,

Tommy

[1999Porsche911]

Izzy,

Did you pick up your parts yet? I have exact same car needs work on the same job ( tubes and o-rings). Can you tell me where I can buy these parts.

Thanks,

Tommy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Get the parts from the dealer. Why do you need the tubes? I have never seen a bad tube, just the O rings. And not all the O rings necessarily are bad. Just spit on them before you put them it and they will be fine.

Edited July 25, 2005 by 1999Porsche911

[Loren]

Izzy,

Did you pick up your parts yet? I have exact same car needs work on the same job ( tubes and o-rings). Can you tell me where I can buy these parts.

Thanks,

Tommy

If you have an early MY99 car you might try hitting your dealer up for a freebie. There was a TSB for this way back in late 1998 so they really should have been taken care of under the (then) 5 year warranty.

[Izzy]

Izzy,

Did you pick up your parts yet? I have exact same car needs work on the same job ( tubes and o-rings). Can you tell me where I can buy these parts.

Thanks,

Tommy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tommy,

Got the parts from Sunset Imports (link on this site), lowest cost always. They where relatively cheap, tubes and rings come up to less than $6 each (from memory). As I am changing the plugs, saw some other write ups here where the Porsche mechanics change the tubes when they change the plugs. So I thought it was prudent to follow the leaders this time. I do have one tube that is leaking oil, the dealer quote to change it is $103 in Charlotte (for 1!)

I don't even have $40 in parts for all 6 plugs and tubes! I will take some pictures of the procedure.

[tt2001]

Called Sunset and order all parts I need. They are great! You guys too. THANKS!!

[Izzy]

Called Sunset and order all parts I need. They are great! You guys too. THANKS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gang, got the plugs and tubes changed today. Some ideas on removing the tubes with this expensive and complicated tool:

It is an old screwdriver with a rubber handle. The tubes are tapered, so the handle fits most of the way in, then pull out with a pair of pliers and presto, tube is out. Took some practice to get the technique, but once I did the first ones, the rest where easy. Pull it out in an slight angle to give it more friction.

Another trick in changing the spark plugs, pull out the rubber boot from the coil connector, makes it a lot easier to remove and reattach later.

Last trick was related to removing the coil bolts on the rearmost side. Big pain to get to them. Allen 5mm standard wrench can get it loose, then you have a hard time getting your fingers to undo the bolt. Here is what worked for me. A T-30 torx bit. It fits inside the bolt (almost same size as the 5 mm Allen) and then your fingers have a heftier mass to unscrew the bolt. It took me an hour to figure this out while I stare at the little *$**)$(@** bolt.

Now the point to ponder, as I was finishing the work, hands and elbows black, it is 98 degrees outside, dirty. My wife walks by and says "in this fun?". I said "Hell yeah!"

Have fun and be safe. I built and tested the tool for the Tiptronic fluid change. Will do a detailed step by step after I do the work and change the filter/fluid in the tranny.

Izzy