[mainerds]

Hello- This is my first time removing the spark plugs from a 16v overhead engine.  Is there a technique to remove the spark plug boots without damaging them?  It seems hard to pull them straight up.  Is there a tool recommended?

 

Also- I noticed oil in the boot area.  The plug electrode was dry, but clean oil on the plug body.

 

Thanks in advance.

Todd

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[MLB]

Hi mainerds

Sounds like you are overdue to replace the cam cover rubber gasket and rubber rings that go around each spark plug port, to stop the oil getting in.

Pulling the plug boots does seem difficult and awkward if they haven't been removed for a while as they can seem tight. I would avoid using a tool but just get both hands on the plastic elbow and gently wiggle and pull until they pop off.

Make sure to carefully vacuum and remove any loose dirt from around the plug ports before you pull them, of course

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Bulti]

+1 on the rings. You could try to twist them to break them loose. Gently of course.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[mainerds]

Thanks guys.  Got them off and replaced the plugs.  Only one "cavity" had oil in it.  I will re-it check in a few hundred miles to see if its back.  If so, I will order the proper gaskets and o rings.  Thanks guys.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[MLB]

Okay I was thinking about this a little bit and came up with the following "tool"

Use a zip tie to make a loop handle for leverage at the plastic elbow.

You can remove all four plugs with a single zip tie by only fastening it a few clicks then cutting off the small piece and starting over at the next one

Works great, and especially useful if you need to pull the plug boots when the engine is hot.


   

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[az968]

Now there's a Porsche tool I can afford!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

Good heavens ! By the looks of that cover, bolts, etc.. you're probably using the zip tie primarily to prevent any finger smudges on the plug boots, the functional benefit is a secondary consideration ...lol.

And yeah, great " tool " idea !

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[mainerds]

Okay I was thinking about this a little bit and came up with the following "tool"

Use a zip tie to make a loop handle for leverage at the plastic elbow.

You can remove all four plugs with a single zip tie by only fastening it a few clicks then cutting off the small piece and starting over at the next one

Works great, and especially useful if you need to pull the plug boots when the engine is hot.

image.jpg

Nice idea!  I will try it next time.  Thanks!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[RDKeysor]

Just recently went through the valve cover replacement chore.  In addition to the cover gasket, you need a set of rubber grommets (come in a pack of a dozen or more) that go with each of the hold-down bolts.  Additionally, you need the four rubber grommets that go between the head and the valve cover to prevent oil from entering the spark plug holes.  That was the discovery that prompted me to go through the replacement process.  I used a bit of sealant on the rubber spark plug hole grommets, but soon after found  oil in one or two of the spark plug holes.  I found that I had somehow not fully tightened a couple of the plugs, and I think that resulted in some suction that pulled oil into the spark plug holes.  I snugged all four plugs and found the holes dry on a reinspection this week.  I find it necessary to remove the cast aluminum piece that covers the plug wires--just two screws on the the left side of the the engine--to get the plug boots off.  Make sure you capture the two spacers under those screws.  A final suggestion I just read elsewhere, put a bit of diaelectric (sic) grease inside the plug boot to help with removal.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.