Spark plug change

I have acquired a beautiful black 987.2 Cayman with 16 K miles. Best i can tell the plugs have never been changed. it runs perfectly and smooth. Since i have heard that they should be changed every two years will it be a problem getting them out? Could the heads be damaged getting them changed? If I had a shop change them, would they be responsible for the heads. This is my first experience with this new of a Porsche . I never had any problems changing plugs in my 924 or ‘90 C4. Is it more time or mileage dependent? I did the oil and filter changes easy peasy. Great forum.

I don't know if anyone but an attorney can answer your question on liability in the case of a shop damaging your car. I would think that if the damage was caused by a pre-existing flaw/condition in the vehicle (plugs seized due to not being changed on schedule) the expense to fix it would fall to you. And we have no clue as to if it would be an issue or what damage might ensue if it was an issue. There was a recent thread by a chap who had a spark plug come apart in the head while trying to remove it. It was a long involved process but he finally managed to get the remainder out of the head. He DIY, if a shop had done it they would have taken a more invasive path to resolve the problem (removing the engine and probably the head to machine the broken plug out.) BTW - welcome to Planet-9, the Friendly Porsche Forum. How about heading over to New Member Introductions and make a formal introduction and post as many pics of your beautiful Cayman as you'd care to (we love pictures!)

Thanks for the reply. Have to do some more research as to best process to have best success getting them changed.

Brake fluid flush every two years, plugs every two years is not specified. Mine were in ten, no issues on removal. It's far more important to use patience, minimal removal force and a variety of extensions and elbows to be square on each plug before applying torque than focusing on how long the plugs have remained in the heads. Each one is unique in regard to angles and extensions due to engine position and surrounding architecture.

I replaced mine two years ago after 10 years and 88000 miles. I had no problems, but as Boris said - have a variety of extensions and elbows. Also use a deep spark plug socket . I'm not sure but I think I used this Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket or something like it. The spark plug wells are very deep and the swivel on this socket make it less likely that you'll apply torque on the plug at an odd angle. BTW, my cars was running fine and the plugs looked good. I only replaced them out of caution. I have a 2.9L (non-DFI).

I don't think plugs needs to be done at 2 years, but I do hear it's recommended at 4 years (or mileage, of course). The time-based change is due to seizing concerns. As Don said, we had a guy fight with his stuck plugs for quite a long time. It's not a trivial task when things go wrong. For that reason, I'd bring it to a shop and let them deal with it. Yes, the shop may fight you for responsibility, but at least you won't be stuck flat-bedding it or struggling with it yourself (and maybe with limited tools?) That said, don't take it to just anyone... we had another guy here who brought his car to a "mechanic" who ended up dropping the engine upside-down, and destroying the top end in the process. Go to a reputable shop, for sure. Ask around here if you want, as well... I'm sure people can chime in if you tell us where you are located. I would certainly have them done due to the time issue...

Again this is the info that really helps. We live in an area of limited service providers and like some have said, be sure to take it to someone knowledgable with these cars. Its an 80 mile trip to the dealership and other Porsche specialty shops.

Living in SoCal, my car has been in mild weather and garaged all its live. As a result, when I changed my plugs they came out without trouble. I would change every 4-5 years, though, at a minimum. Buy yourself some locking extensions of various lengths to do this job. They are cheap and make it much easier. You combine lengths to get the right reach and clearance.

I set out to change the plugs and coils on my 2011 with 60k miles last month. Car was running great, but it was purchased used and I had no record of them ever being changed. Thought it was time. Was a bit freaked out by the broken plug posts mentioned previously, so I stopped when they didn’t want to let go with what seemed like a reasonable amount of force. Drove the car to an independent specialist. He told me he’d put in one-hour of shop time and see how it went. Kind of like minimally invasive exploratory surgery: if it went well, he’d be in and out quickly; if not, he’d back away and leave things alone. In the end, everything was fine and his time estimate held up. I was relieved and happy. FWIW, I did not have a contract stipulating he would be responsible for a broken plug and doubt anyone would give me one. Best, George

I believe OP is concerned about the plugs freezing in the head and breaking. That would be unusual for a car with as few miles as he is reporting, but it is possible. Assuming everything is as it should be, the plugs are not difficult to remove at all. Hardest part is getting access to the ones farthest forward (towards the firewall). I replaced mine on my '08 Cayman S when I first purchased mine in 2019 with no issues and I believe that it was their first time to be changed (at 48,000 miles).

I think you all have given me some good info and hope to have a positive experience changing them. Sounds like the front driver’s side is the most awkward. Does anyone put anything on the new plugs (antiseize)?

No antiseize. It is explicitly recommended to NOT add any.

Antiseize also changes your torque specs on the plugs.

Good to know

I changed the plugs a month ago on my 2006 Boxster Base . Car was running great, but it had 20,000 miles on the old plugs and had not been changed for seven years according to the maintenance records. I was starting to get concerned about plug seizure, so went ahead and changed them this summer instead of waiting for winter. The plugs came out without any issues. My advise, which echos most other comments: Jack the car up to a comfortable height. Have plenty of extensions and swivels. Take your time to get a good angle on the plug. Take your time and don’t start the project if you’re going to be rushed to finish. Car ran great before, even better now. Project took two hours with rest breaks.

A big +1 on using the magnetic spark plug socket. It’s perfect for our cars. Probably good to work on a slightly warm engine. Also, make sure to use the proper OE or equivalent plugs. If my memory is correct, the change interval is 4 years or 40k miles. Lastly, torque the new ones to spec carefully to avoid problems next time. Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546 : Automotive Buy GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546: Spark Plug & Ignition Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases www.amazon.com

I had the issue of a stuck/broken plug in my 2010 Cayman . Took me three months and a lot work to successfully remove the plug shell. My advise, get the rear of the car up high enough so you can remove the rear plastic underbody shield to get at the #4 & #1 plug. These are the most difficult to remove. With the cover off, you can reach the plug with a 6” 3/8 extension, a straight shot at the plug. Otherwise, with the underbody shield on, you end up using extensions, and a universal joint. Not the best situation from my perspective. Your car has low mileage, so probably won’t be a problem to remove them. An Indy mechanic or the dealer won’t guarantee their work if the plug is stuck or breaks or strips threads in the head. Major work and expense to effect repair. No anti sieze on the plugs. New ones are trivalent coated for easier removal. Just follow Porsche maintenance schedule of 4 years, 40K miles religiously or you may end up like I did. As an FYI for the members who followed my exploits with the plug removal, I sold the Cayman , and bought a one owner, low mileage 2014 Audi TT S Line coupe. wonderful car. Good luck with the Cayman , great car….

I just saw a video that suggested using a short piece of small engine fuel line to slip over the end of the plug to get the plug started and to a point where you can then attach the multiple extensions and flex joints to torque down the plugs. GREAT IDEA!