rough idle in AM, 2001 PT

[quicksilverdon]

Read up:
Spark Plug Guide

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by gychang

thanks, I ordered the same ones.

Sounds like I have to do this myself. I have worked on VW engines 30yrs ago. I gather I will need SAE size tools, right?

Do I need anything more than regular sockets, and ones for spark plugs?, I have adjustable wrench but not SAE fixed set. I will be working on my PT for the 1st time. (I don't change oil even, but I will likely do this plug wire change and check the spark plug gap myself).

Do I need any other tools (I will get a set of plug gap measure tool)?, have the usual garage tools including vise grip, hammer, etc.

thanks in advance. I plan to follow pictorial guide on this forum.
gychang

I was a diesel mechanic in the Coast Guard, we had a Chief Engineman when he came aboard in the engineroom, first thing he did was throw out Crescent wrenches, pliers including Vise Grips. I would suggest you forget about using them. A 3/8" set of Metric socket wrenches will do most of your repairs on your PT. You will need a torque wrench that will measure foot pounds. You should be able to buy what you need at NAPA, WalMart or another auto supply without breaking the bank. The torque wrench can be used for the plugs and for torquing lug nuts.

[countrywi]

What ever you take off just tape it and label it where it goes back. Or just write on the hose, or color code etc......

No or very few SAE sizes. Intake bolts are 10mm so make sure you have metric with extensions and you should have a torque wrench if you have to take the intake off or just don't over tighten it, 105in/pounds is not much.
I'm not sure on your model, but on my 2004 Turbo you have to remove
intake etc..

Just look at the manual pics etc. You can also buy the manual off e-bay for like $6.oo and download it to your computer and print whatever you need.

P.S. If you need to buy a torque wrench and other stuff an honest mechanic should not charge much for this job for sure. It might be better to have someone else do it.

[gychang]

Originally Posted by countrywi

P.S. If you need to buy a torque wrench and other stuff an honest mechanic should not charge much for this job for sure. It might be better to have someone else do it.

I think I will hunt around for a good PT mechanic in Southern California Orange County and will pay for labor. Should it cost around $100 to replace spark plug wires?

gychang

[edsidders]

At times these are the best tools , but not always.

1) Knowledge of what the problem is and your own limitations
2) Telephone - to get prices for parts and work
3) Checkbook or credit card
4) Basic set of tools (refer to #1)

I learned long ago that sometimes it is better to pay someone to do a job that I normally could do better myself.

[countrywi]

I would think no more than $100. You do not need new plugs either. Just the correct gap.

[gychang]

thanks for all the input from lots of folks.

Is there some way to find a reasonable PT mechanics in Southern California? near Irvine? Yelp?

thanks in advance.

gychang

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by gychang

thanks for all the input from lots of folks.

Is there some way to find a reasonable PT mechanics in Southern California? near Irvine? Yelp?

thanks in advance.

gychang

Pop in (or call) several auto parts stores and ask for them to recommend a mechanic - when you hear the same name twice, go there.