coils be changed out at the same time?
I have a 2007
Boxster S
and have reached 60k miles (time for spark plugs replacement). I will be taking it to a dealership to have it done (some have mentioned that it is a bear to take out a couple of the plugs and I am a little nervous on working on this car, with exception of filters, oil, and belt). What is the estimated cost that I will be looking at to have this done?
Most people would wait until there was a problem with a coil before replacing. Some people are proactive and would replace them all if one showed a problem. A lot depends upon how deep your pockets are.
I would say if there is no problem, don't bother replacing. If any are broken, then replace the broken ones.
I would advocate coil pack replacement at 60k. I would bet around 80k you'll be wondering why you didn't change them at 60k. If you buy the coil packs third party they aren't too expensive.
It's one of those jobs where if you just replace the spark plugs and then a short time later have to replace a coil pack(s), you are essentially doing all the R & R work over again. I did not replace the
CP
's when I did the spark plugs last year, but looking at the condition of the
CP
's while I was doing the plugs convinced me I should be doing both at the same time, and so I wound up doing the job twice. The plastic covering of the
CP
's that are exposed to the elements (the four rear most
CP
's) is quite brittle and falls apart when you pull the
CP
off the plug to replace the plug. You need an assortment of tools to do the job comfortably, and a spark plug socket with a magnetic insert to hold the plug is one of the most useful of the tools to have in your collection for this job. It's not impossible, but you do have to be somewhat of a contortionist to get to some of the plugs.
My 02
Boxster
has had new plugs installed several times now and the labor's around 2 hours. Really the price is not that much and I can't really recall the price.
BTW, my 02
Boxster
is on its original coils now with over 257K miles on them. The techs tell me, assure me, that when they change the plugs they'll look for any signs the coils need doing and so far they have not needed doing. (Same goes for my 03 Turbo with over 95K miles an on its 3rd set of plugs but original set of coils.)
In your car's case with no misfires or other symptoms, leave the coils alone unless of course your experienced
Porsche
tech advises you otherwise.
Sincerely,
Rockster.
Just rehashing this thread...
Whats the recommended change for coil packs by mileage and age if relevant?
Also, Beru coil packs ok? I read they are OEMs.
I bought one Beru from Pelican just to have when I replaced my plugs (a few months ago). I'm at 90K miles and I only replaced the plugs due to urban legend that they might be difficult to remove if left to their own devices. Turns out to be BS in my case. Old plugs came out easily (with proper sockets/breaker/extension). The plugs looked fine. Coil packs also looked fine, so I didn't need the spare.
I see no reason to preemptively replace coil packs. Worse case, you'll see some misfires and that'll tell you to replace the one that's misbehaving. OTOH, I do consider preemptively replacing items that would leave me stranded if they failed. Like a serpentine belt, a water pump, or shifter cables. For some of these, I consider carrying a spare on long trips into the boonies.
I would normally replace them when the miles get higher, then you essentially have 6 coils in case you ever need one... there not to expensive.. I guarantee the older cars with original coils will run better...
Thanks. I've just passed the 10 year mark and since I've owned it for the past 4 plus years, the coil packs have not been changed. I'm not sure if they have ever been changed prior as well. 10 years is a long time so I thought I'd look into them as well
