I was reading some of the info. on the forums. I did not know that the 996 engine had sparkplug inserts. Do I or should I replace these when I replace my plugs?

 

It's generally the o-rings that need to be replaced, but for a few more dollars you can get the tubes with the o-rings. I plan to do my plugs in the Spring and figure I'll replace the tubes at the same time. After all, they're plastic and are 11 or 12 years old.

 

Are the inserts "easy" to remove?? If I don't get a "special" tool, can I do the removal with "needle nose pliers". I don't mind getting a tool only if I need it....

 

Do a search here, on Rennlist.com, and Renntech.org. You can use a 1 inch boat drain plug to extract the tubes. Someone suggested glueing a piece of sand paper to it if the tube is oily.

 

I just posted about the "$3.00USD" spark plug tube removal tool. It should be a couple posts under this.

 

You actually don't need to glue it, just wrap it around and let friction do it's work! Once you clear access to the tubes/spark plugs, popping the tubes out just takes a couple seconds. Remember that when the new o-rings go in, you have to lubricate them….I can't remember exactly which kind of lube I used, but I believe it was a lithium based…..you don't need to spend a ton of money on the Porsche grease.

 

I would replace the spark plug tubes "every" time I change the spark plugs. They are inexpensive and very easy to replace. Just purchase a 1 inch "boat" transom plug for under $5.00 and any marina or boat place.

 

Here's an excellent write-up on Rennlist: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...a-1999-c2.html