Just changed sparks and coilpacks
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Just changed sparks and coilpacks
Job went as expected, the various write ups helped immensely. Took me 6.5 hours total (from rampup to totally finished and cleaned up - I did an oil change as well)
No real issues encountered. The drivers side middle coilpack was the hardest to extract. Just have to be patient and figure out how to orient it for removal. I also took the opportunity to switch out my Tappet / Cam solenoid bracket, the existing ones were a bit beat up, but not cracked. When I extracted the passenger side bracket - the solenoid itself came out very easily and had alot of oil pooled in the cavity - I assume this is normal?
Used 997 coilpacks and Bosch FR6LDC.
As you can see the ones in there were very beat up - coilpacks were likely originals (2003 with 68k miles). Plugs were dry - you can see their condition as well. Plugs were suppossedly changed by previous owner at 50k miles, I'm at 68k now.
Unfortunately, after I buttoned her up an went for a ride - I had a problem. After a few miles, I got on some boost...heard a 'pop', then a wooosh. Most likely = I did not properly secure one or more intercooler hoses. Fuuudddggge. I may take it to my shop or try again tomorrow - have to remove bumper again. Crap.
No real issues encountered. The drivers side middle coilpack was the hardest to extract. Just have to be patient and figure out how to orient it for removal. I also took the opportunity to switch out my Tappet / Cam solenoid bracket, the existing ones were a bit beat up, but not cracked. When I extracted the passenger side bracket - the solenoid itself came out very easily and had alot of oil pooled in the cavity - I assume this is normal?
Used 997 coilpacks and Bosch FR6LDC.
As you can see the ones in there were very beat up - coilpacks were likely originals (2003 with 68k miles). Plugs were dry - you can see their condition as well. Plugs were suppossedly changed by previous owner at 50k miles, I'm at 68k now.
Unfortunately, after I buttoned her up an went for a ride - I had a problem. After a few miles, I got on some boost...heard a 'pop', then a wooosh. Most likely = I did not properly secure one or more intercooler hoses. Fuuudddggge. I may take it to my shop or try again tomorrow - have to remove bumper again. Crap.
Last edited by thomapa1; Dec 31, 2012 at 04:55 PM. Reason: change
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According to previous owner - sparks were done at 50k...at 68k now. Coilpacks are likely original.
In my short drive, it felt noticeably better at idle after the spark/coilpack change!
And another thing - all of the heat shield bolts/nuts sheared off when removing...those things don't hold up too well.
Last edited by thomapa1; Dec 31, 2012 at 04:51 PM.
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Wow, those coilpacks are truly toast! I'm scared that I'm going to encounter the same with mine. Nice job taking care of business yourself...will make for a much happier boosting new year! 
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Actually, I am VERY happy with how the plugs wore. I'm no expert, but they seem to be looking good for 18k miles on them.
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Check this out - as I had it opened up, I noticed someones name on both intercoolers. Weird...doesn't sound like a German name!
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Are those aftermarket? Looks like a clamp that holds the plastic shrouds to the IC is missing also...
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How often are u supposed to change the plugs and coil packs? I have around 26k miles and I've gotten the occasional CEL under boost when the car isn't 100% warmed up (dumb, i know!)
The dealer says i can do it now or wait till the 30k mile service.
The dealer says i can do it now or wait till the 30k mile service.
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The plugs you see had 15k miles on them. Bosch. I thought they were supposed to be good for @20k miles...looking at them, I'd say 15k was about right - but I'm no expert. I believe the NGK spark plugs should be switched out sooner.
As for coilpacks, These appear to be original - 68k miles - and appear to be well beyond their time.
If you are doing sparks, I'd be prepared to replace coilpacks if they have not been done - you are right there anyway and it's only like an extra $250 in parts.
Consider the Tappet mount as well - in the same spot and cheap preventative maint.
As for coilpacks, These appear to be original - 68k miles - and appear to be well beyond their time.
If you are doing sparks, I'd be prepared to replace coilpacks if they have not been done - you are right there anyway and it's only like an extra $250 in parts.
Consider the Tappet mount as well - in the same spot and cheap preventative maint.
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Clearly the coils needed changing. It is easy to make that call when they're so obviously bad.
As for the plugs looks like whoever changed them the last time really slathered on the anti-seize or grease or something ... all that carbonized crud at the sealing washer.
Now for how long the plugs can remain in service that's hard to know since you are using plugs that are not recommended for the car. While the plug charts may indicate what you are using is the equivalent to what Porsche recommends there is no real history to those plugs being used in a number of cars so you are on your own.
As for the plugs looks like whoever changed them the last time really slathered on the anti-seize or grease or something ... all that carbonized crud at the sealing washer.
Now for how long the plugs can remain in service that's hard to know since you are using plugs that are not recommended for the car. While the plug charts may indicate what you are using is the equivalent to what Porsche recommends there is no real history to those plugs being used in a number of cars so you are on your own.
Clearly the coils needed changing. It is easy to make that call when they're so obviously bad.
As for the plugs looks like whoever changed them the last time really slathered on the anti-seize or grease or something ... all that carbonized crud at the sealing washer.
Now for how long the plugs can remain in service that's hard to know since you are using plugs that are not recommended for the car. While the plug charts may indicate what you are using is the equivalent to what Porsche recommends there is no real history to those plugs being used in a number of cars so you are on your own.
As for the plugs looks like whoever changed them the last time really slathered on the anti-seize or grease or something ... all that carbonized crud at the sealing washer.
Now for how long the plugs can remain in service that's hard to know since you are using plugs that are not recommended for the car. While the plug charts may indicate what you are using is the equivalent to what Porsche recommends there is no real history to those plugs being used in a number of cars so you are on your own.
Also those are the #1 replacement plugs for our cars..Do a search and see.
Last edited by johnspeed; Jan 7, 2013 at 08:42 AM.