how much is the special socket?

 

I bought one of those spark plug sockets at O’Reilly. Don’t remember exactly but it was less than $20

 

You have the 2.0. I understand that the 4.0 is different.

https://www.718forum.com/threads/4-0-ltr-engines-spark-plug-change.28351/#replies

 

Holy Moly them dealer prices😬 the socket has to be thin walled and magnetic...thats all. I had so many issues with FCP Euro when they sent me that socket from being the incorrect size to the 2nd one being too long

 

$661.50 labor to change the plugs?!?!

 

3 1/2 hours. Ridiculous for someone apparently trained. I am going to send a note to the service manager to ask if this is typical.

 

I bought the socket and wobble extension (free shipping) for $98.50 - so I'm ready for the 4 year service for the spark plugs when the time comes around (2 years, months left to go)

the socket isn't magnetic, but has a steel spring insert to grip the plug

Haus of Tools was the place I used (prior threads on forum had the links)

 

You overpaid by about $80. The link @RobertM provides is what's needed - a 14mm thin-wall wobble socket.

 

I purchased this one but haven't used it yet. I got this link from another forum member who purchased it and used it.

https://a.co/d/gijBQI9

 

Did mine myself,I had the socket, same one I use on my BMWs. Not really anything special just the correct size for the opening.

The heat shields need to be moved out of the way on one side, but otherwise very straight forward process.

The M5 was a different story as a lot of stuff has to be removed to get access.

Similar story for the Avalon.

But the Boxster was easy to access based on the location of the plugs. Just a few bolts for the heat shield. I don't think the 6 cylinder is that much different than the 4.

Mike

 

I would love to hear from someone with a 4.0 that has done the change themselves.

 

@OttawaSteve I changed mine myself a couple weeks ago, I used the special socket from Porsche and the NGK spark plugs from Porsche. I did not try the socket linked above but did try two others previously and they did not work.

It was tight, the body has a sharp metal edge that can cut the back of your hands but in reality one you get in there it is pretty easy and straight forward.

Remove heat shield, three torx screws per side and two wiring clips for the O2 sensor.
Remove coils, one screw and one wiring clip per coil. To remove wiring clip first push back the yellow tab.
Remove and replace spark plugs.

I did use the special Porsche socket and the new NGK spark plugs also came from Porsche. I used an assortment of socket extensions, one with a wobble as shown below for 5 of them, the left rear plug required a slightly different arrangement of extensions as I had to add a swivel.

The spark plugs did have some discoloration on the threads but the electrode did not look worn.

Let me know if there are any specific questions.

 

@OttawaSteve I changed mine myself a couple weeks ago, I used the special socket from Porsche and the NGK spark plugs from Porsche. I did not try the socket linked above but did try two others previously and they did not work.

It was tight, the body has a sharp metal edge that can cut the back of your hands but in reality one you get in there it is pretty easy and straight forward.

Remove heat shield, three torx screws per side and two wiring clips for the O2 sensor.
Remove coils, one screw and one wiring clip per coil. To remove wiring clip first push back the yellow tab.
Remove and replace spark plugs.

I did use the special Porsche socket and the new NGK spark plugs also came from Porsche. I used an assortment of socket extensions, one with a wobble as shown below for 5 of them, the left rear plug required a slightly different arrangement of extensions as I had to add a swivel.

The spark plugs did have some discoloration on the threads but the electrode did not look worn.

Let me know if there are any specific questions.

Excellent, how long did it take you?

 

Two hours maybe less. A portion of that was simply gathering/testing the tools that I would need, extensions, wobble etc. I did have the rear end up as I was trying to address the CV boots slinging grease as well as swapping brakes.

 

Thanks. One would figure that a Porsche mechanic would have a lift and have the tools handy!

 

Yea, and to do it again I bet I could do it in an hour now that I understand all the clips and the coils.

 

i'm still stumped on the price from the dealer

 

Have you seen what they charge for an oil change? It's insane.

 

That's nothing from the sparkplug quote I got from my dealer which has to be a mistake. $1500. $1250 in labor and $250 in parts.

 

Sheesh! Gotta be that Porsche tax? So glad I'm able to do it myself

 

FWIW I went to an Indy shop near me and was quoted $500 for a plug swap on my GTS 4.0. 2hrs of labor.

I've DIYd all the services on my 718 so far and all (including plugs) on my 981 GTS so I never really let shops touch my car but this seems like a good exception. I hated doing the plugs on the 981 and it took several hours of fidgeting with extensions and wobble sockets.

Given its $100+shipping for the Porsche socket + $100+shipping for the plugs I'd be $200 in for just for the parts to do it myself.

Paying 2hrs of labor at $150/hr seems a very fair trade at the moment.

 

FWIW I went to an Indy shop near me and was quoted $500 for a plug swap on my GTS 4.0. 2hrs of labor.

I've DIYd all the services on my 718 so far and all (including plugs) on my 981 GTS so I never really let shops touch my car but this seems like a good exception. I hated doing the plugs on the 981 and it took several hours of fidgeting with extensions and wobble sockets.

Given its $100+shipping for the Porsche socket + $100+shipping for the plugs I'd be $200 in for just for the parts to do it myself.

This comment only applies to those with the 4.0-liter engines: The issue that others have seen with using the Indy or even gasp the Porsche dealer is that there's only the official Porsche tool that's thin enough to fit in the 4.0 spark plug socket well. I've read on the forums that several people have taken their 4.0 cars to get the spark plugs replaced, only to be told they need to bring the car back after the Indy or Porsche dealer orders the new spark plug socket. Sucks if you are the first 4.0 car that the indy/dealer has seen for a spark plug chance, because it's almost guaranteed that you'll be bringing it back a second time to get the job done. If you want to ensure the job gets done the first time, you might consider buying the $120 spark plug socket (p/n 918-721-900-61) and bringing it along for the service.

 

I just had my Indy do the 30k/3-year service, which on the 2.0 calls for replacing the 4 spark plugs.

I purchased the plugs from Suncoast and always bring my own oil change supplies… $595 for the service.

Maybe @OttawaSteve’s price is CAD, which if so would equate to approx $600 USD.

 

I purchased the plugs from Suncoast and always bring my own oil change supplies… $595 for the service.

Maybe @OttawaSteve’s price is CAD, which if so would equate to approx $600 USD.

Yep, Canadian exchange rate. $600 isn't cheap but it isn't exorbitant for dealer pricing either.

 

I have changed mine twice. Two hours each time. Not difficult.

 

It is a 4.0?

 

This thread has a bunch of 4.0 people doing it. Spyder / GT4 / GTS 4.0 spark plug change: tool required? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

 

I don't think the ARES 11000-14mm socket has been confirmed for the 4.0L engine sparkplugs. Amazon listing notes 17.7mm OD, and the one that works from Porsche/Hazet is 17.3mm wide. Unless someone has used the ARES socket successfully, I'd say it won't work. Read the Rennlist discussions in full

 

after borrowing my friends a few times I finally ordered my own. Just put it in my stocking. I also bought replacement parts for my QuickJack and a few new Waze Cams so I just wrapped them LOL.

I was surprised to read that the newer engine now needs a even smaller socket. At some point they are going to be kicking themselves as the shops have to keep replacing sockets when the break. How thin walled can you go???

Mike

 

the spark plugs only require ~ 18 -22 ft.lb. / 25 - 30 Nm torque. Not a very high number

 

A couple of people from the rennlist discussions mentioned 15 Nm for the 4.0L spark plugs. Not sure who's correct now

 

Yes I know, usually not an issue, I believe someone posted here or on F90 site with issue getting a plug out. Guano Happens.

Mike

 

This. Are the spark plug holes inserted, or do we have the steel spark plugs going directly into aluminum threads?

 

Oh man!

 

Ho ho ho. The service manager finally got back to me. Apparently there was a mistake in the pricing and the cost should have been about half of what I was charged. Nice refund of almost $500 coming. Happy New Year!

 

WTF???? Really???? I mean come on… Merry Christmas to you buddy