RE: Incredibly Stupid Question

[Porsray@aol.com]

Considering I have put about 107,000 miles on my Coupe Quattro and have
tackled
both the plug and cap/rotor repIacement, I thought I would see what help I
could
provide.

RE: the plugs:  I don't see where your exact problem is  The plug wires have
a right-
angle connector at the head, this connector is about 6-8" long and goes
straight
down to the plug.  This connector is in the center of each cylinder head
bank, 
in between and alongside each aluminum air intake manifold.  There should be
a 
rubber pull-ring on top of the connector.  By twisting the connector and
pulling up,
 the entire wire/connector unit should lift free of the plug.  I suspect you
are looking
at the wrong side of the wire for the plug; the metal shield protects the
wires as
they go back to the distributor.

I believe the tool kit has a socket for removing the plug; what I use is a
5/8"
spark plug socket with a long 10" extension with a locking connector on the
end
(a MUST otherwise when you pull the extension out after installing the plug,
the
socket will stay stuck to the plug).  By the way, make SURE your new plugs
have a 5/8" hex; the larger 13/16" hex plugs won't fit, no matter what the
parts
book says at the auto parts store.  When installing, I recommend a LITTLE
anti-seize compound and the shop manual says tightening specks are 15 ft-lbs.

As far as the cap/rotor - HAVE FUN!  The cap isn't too bad to get at (only 15
minutes
of cursing - make sure the engine's COLD).  The rotor is the real "female
dog"; this is 
bonded to the distributor shaft, and requires a destructive removal.  If the
engine
runs fine all the way to the 7000 RPM redline, I'd probably let sleeping dogs
lie
and leave it alone.

By the way, when was the timing belt last replaced?  If you've gone over
50,000 miles
on it, you might consider a replacement.

While the 20V engine might not be a dream to work on (frankly, I suspect
that's 
why the big pick-um-up trucks sell so well - engine accessibility!), I love
it.  I've
got 107,000 miles on mine and oil consumption has stayed steady at about 
2500 mi/qt since I bought the Coupe in 1991 with 19,000 miles on it.  You
want
to have fun - change the oil & filters on a 1995 Porsche Carrera!

Ray Calvo (porsray@aol.com)
1990 Coupe Quattro
1995 Porsche Carrera
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From: Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 13:52:40 -0500 (EDT)
Subject: Incredibly stupid question

OK, so Angela's out of town for the holiday, and I thought this
would be a good time to take care of some things on her 90Q20V.

I stopped by my parts place and picked up new plugs, cap, and rotor.
Today, I open the hood, and realize that I dont have a !(*&#@(!@#(*&
clue how to get at the plugs! The wires seem to be an integral part
of some heavy-duty metal contraption underneath that is attached
to the valve cover and defies removal.  I've pulled, twisted, and tugged
hard enough to worry about breaking wires. No go.

Someone with the 20V NA engine, HELP! Get me outta the doghouse
before she comes home monday. While I'm at it, I might as well
ask for tips on replacing the cap/rotor in that wonderful place
they decided to put it. I hate this engine. Ain't room to swing
a dead cat in there.