DIY 40,000 mile service with plugs.
04-11-2011, 10:14 AM
#18
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Excellent write up.. My 2005 997 Carrera has 14,000 miles on the counter with no spark plug change on record.
What are your inputs on changing them? should I or shouldn't I ?
Also , any DIY step by step link on plug change?
What are your inputs on changing them? should I or shouldn't I ?
Also , any DIY step by step link on plug change?
04-11-2011, 05:48 PM
#19
Acao,
Excellent write up. I an nearing the 40K miles threshold too, and your list and advices will come very handy.
Again, thank you so much for all the details and hints.
By the way, you did not mention the serpentine belt....did you change it? I know I would at this stage.
Yves
Excellent write up. I an nearing the 40K miles threshold too, and your list and advices will come very handy.
Again, thank you so much for all the details and hints.
By the way, you did not mention the serpentine belt....did you change it? I know I would at this stage.
Yves
04-11-2011, 08:42 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Acao - Nice job. Just curious. 7 track days a year - do you flush your brake fluid during the season? I imagine some fluids could go a year, but fluid is inexpensive and brake failure is almost always really wallet busting.
04-11-2011, 09:49 PM
#21
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Always worth repeating:
acao:
"Here's my advice on the plugs:
60k miles should be fine unless you're misfiring.
Be ready with 2-4 extra coils. They're pretty expensive, so I don't see the need to buy all six just in case. 2-4 should have you ready.
There's no room for a torque wrench, so pay attention to the effort to loosen.
Wear eye protection.
Never look straight up at your work zone. You want nuts and sockets to fall on your chest, not in your mouth or on your tooth.
Never move your head until you're clear of the undercarriage. The suspension knuckles leave welts.
If your dealer charges $600 or less to change the plugs, that's not a bad price given the effort. I would seriously consider paying that. Fortunately, next time isn't for a while. I'd do it again, but I would definitely explore the world of specialized ratchet extensions. I'd also think hard about coordinating the spark plug work with some new exhaust parts ("While you're at it" is such an expensive phrase). A muffler with a smaller profile would be great. But, the reality is many owners won't reach 60k, and a great many more won't get through a 2nd plug change interval."
acao:
"Here's my advice on the plugs:
60k miles should be fine unless you're misfiring.
Be ready with 2-4 extra coils. They're pretty expensive, so I don't see the need to buy all six just in case. 2-4 should have you ready.
There's no room for a torque wrench, so pay attention to the effort to loosen.
Wear eye protection.
Never look straight up at your work zone. You want nuts and sockets to fall on your chest, not in your mouth or on your tooth.
Never move your head until you're clear of the undercarriage. The suspension knuckles leave welts.
If your dealer charges $600 or less to change the plugs, that's not a bad price given the effort. I would seriously consider paying that. Fortunately, next time isn't for a while. I'd do it again, but I would definitely explore the world of specialized ratchet extensions. I'd also think hard about coordinating the spark plug work with some new exhaust parts ("While you're at it" is such an expensive phrase). A muffler with a smaller profile would be great. But, the reality is many owners won't reach 60k, and a great many more won't get through a 2nd plug change interval."
04-12-2011, 03:27 AM
#22
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04-12-2011, 03:28 AM
#23
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Acao,
Excellent write up. I an nearing the 40K miles threshold too, and your list and advices will come very handy.
Again, thank you so much for all the details and hints.
By the way, you did not mention the serpentine belt....did you change it? I know I would at this stage.
Yves
Excellent write up. I an nearing the 40K miles threshold too, and your list and advices will come very handy.
Again, thank you so much for all the details and hints.
By the way, you did not mention the serpentine belt....did you change it? I know I would at this stage.
Yves
