Calling DIYers
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Calling DIYers
I have a new to me 1999 Porsche 911 Cab C2 and I'm checking it end to end. My question is: how do you get at the 2 spark plugs/coils on either side of the engine at the rear??? I can barely reach the coils with my hand let alone get tools on them. It looks like dropping the exhaust manifolds would at least provide access. If I drop them, will I have to replace the gaskets? Maybe there's a magic formula or special tool? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Larry
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Bill, what do you mean 'not the manifolds'? For me the 'exhaust manifold' is the assembly of 3 formed tubes bolted via a plate to the exhaust ports of the motor. Could you please describe what I should remove to gain access to the plugs if it's not the 'exhaust manifold'. Thanks! Larry
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I didn't remove the manifolds and these are the tools I used. The only thing not pictured is a small socket to remove the heat shields:
The vice grips were used to hold the allen wrench socket to get one bolt on the right rear coil pack where clearance was tight.
The vice grips were used to hold the allen wrench socket to get one bolt on the right rear coil pack where clearance was tight.
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This thread has some tips on getting the job done...
The rear two coil packs can definitely be a bit frustrating till you get the right combo of tools and figure out the technique.
Here's a portion from that thread
The rear two coil packs can definitely be a bit frustrating till you get the right combo of tools and figure out the technique.
Here's a portion from that thread
Removing the exhaust helps quite a bit in visibility, though not all that much in access. It also comes off fairly easily... I would suggest pulling them for your first plug change just so you can get a better view of what you can't easily reach. After you do it once, it's probably faster to not remove the exhaust and just do it by feel. As I said, clearance is pretty much the same, just makes seeing things a bit easier.
Removing the exhaust bracket itself would make the plug swap cake, but removing the bracket is no easy task, I believe it involves slightly lowering the engine to get to the top bolts. Not worth it.
The cat is not in the way at all.
The two rearmost plugs and coil pack bolts are the most challenging to get to, particularly the passenger side. Make sure you have flex head ratchets, long and short extensions, a good assortment of universal joints & wobble extensions, a good spark plug socket, and the needed torx and external (reverse) torx bits and sockets (torx only on later 996's) to cut down on the swearing a bit.
Two tools I bought *after* my plug/coil change that I purposely picked up to make my next plug swap easier where these:
Mini ratcheting bit driver for an easier time with the torx bolts on the rear-most coil packs. Earlier year 996s use allen head bolts instead of torx bolts, I think much easier to deal with. A standard 3/8" torx bit socket is too bulky for the limited space, no chance at all with a torx screwdriver. 'L' shaped torx wrenches (similar to the cheap L shaped allen wrenches that come with every craftsman tool set) might also work well.
External torx ratcheting wrench. The *perfect* tool for removing the external torx bolts on the later year 996 coil heat shields. $17 on Amazon.
Wobble extensions if you don't already have them...
Removing the exhaust bracket itself would make the plug swap cake, but removing the bracket is no easy task, I believe it involves slightly lowering the engine to get to the top bolts. Not worth it.
The cat is not in the way at all.
The two rearmost plugs and coil pack bolts are the most challenging to get to, particularly the passenger side. Make sure you have flex head ratchets, long and short extensions, a good assortment of universal joints & wobble extensions, a good spark plug socket, and the needed torx and external (reverse) torx bits and sockets (torx only on later 996's) to cut down on the swearing a bit.
Two tools I bought *after* my plug/coil change that I purposely picked up to make my next plug swap easier where these:
Mini ratcheting bit driver for an easier time with the torx bolts on the rear-most coil packs. Earlier year 996s use allen head bolts instead of torx bolts, I think much easier to deal with. A standard 3/8" torx bit socket is too bulky for the limited space, no chance at all with a torx screwdriver. 'L' shaped torx wrenches (similar to the cheap L shaped allen wrenches that come with every craftsman tool set) might also work well.
External torx ratcheting wrench. The *perfect* tool for removing the external torx bolts on the later year 996 coil heat shields. $17 on Amazon.
Wobble extensions if you don't already have them...
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Do a search on removing the mufflers. It's not that difficult, but if they were never removed before you might have issues with rusted bolts. The whole assembly comes out pretty easily. I can't see how anyone could do the plugs with the mufflers in place, but I've heard that some have done it.
It's just two bolts to loosen where they attach to the cat, and three nuts that hold the muffler bracket to the frame. The muffler and tail pipe come out in one piece.
Your '99 will have spark plug tubes that should be replaced at the same time. Later 996's don't have the plastic tubes. That may be why KPL (above) could do his without dropping the exhaust.
Don't be surprised if this takes you an entire day the first time.
It's just two bolts to loosen where they attach to the cat, and three nuts that hold the muffler bracket to the frame. The muffler and tail pipe come out in one piece.
Your '99 will have spark plug tubes that should be replaced at the same time. Later 996's don't have the plastic tubes. That may be why KPL (above) could do his without dropping the exhaust.
Don't be surprised if this takes you an entire day the first time.
Last edited by wyovino; Feb 14, 2014 at 08:35 PM.
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I agree with the rest of the group after the muffler and heat shield is off, you will have very easy access.
Did mine last year 1/2 hour to get the bumper and muffler off. Decided to clean the engine at the same time.
Did mine last year 1/2 hour to get the bumper and muffler off. Decided to clean the engine at the same time.
Last edited by jayi836; Feb 15, 2014 at 12:58 PM.
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