WARNING: long and boring for some, unless you're into maintenance and detailing.
During winter layaway, I got around to performing some tasks on my newly acquired 1995 Porsche Carrera.
One thing is for sure, patience is a virtue. Perform a spark plug and valve cover seal change on this Porsche and you'll know what I am talking about.
If there is one thing I've always done when taking possession of a used car, it is to replace all maintenance items so that you know where you stand.
And since it is so tough getting to all 12 spark plugs on this car, I decided to change them, no matter how good the installed ones looked. My primary concern wasn't worn spark plugs, but seized spark plugs and getting to them before they do. All of them came out without issues.
Each spark plug hole was cleaned with a test tube brush and lacquer thinner and then anti-seize compound was applied to the thread of the new spark plugs. They turned in effortlessly with the tips of my fingers on the extension.
As for the four valve covers (upper and lower on each side) and their seals, it was time to change them. One of them was already leaking and upon inspection of that seal, the rubber was ultra hard in the area of the leak.
The pics will tell all...
Each valve cover screw hole has a built in bushing to prevent over tightening of the thermo-plastic valve cover and also to provide a bearing surface. They are aluminum, corrode (dissimilar metals) and an eyesore if you are installing shiny new fasteners...
I turned this simple tool on the lathe and punched out sanding discs out of wet sandpaper. It was used to dress the corroded aluminum bushings.
And the end result...
But the best part was behind each valve cover. As found pics without the slightest hint of sludge, dirt, etc, even when running my pinky into any corners along the bottom...
And the finished product all buttoned up with new seals and fasteners...
The other valve covers got the same treatment.
There is no better way to bond with a car than giving it the TLC it deserves.
