997.1 turbo spark plug change

[andyglos]

My 2007 997.1 turbo is at an OPC having a major service which, according to the menu pricing, includes a spark plug change. I have received a mail indicating that the tech is having problems with plugs 5 and 6 as these are on the near side behind the turbo actuator. Seemingly to remove the turbo actuator the heat shields also need to be removed. However, I am told that because the nuts and bolts are badly corroded "we will be unable to do this without carrying out some in depth work......... And,...... We have had to give up". It goes on to say...."we can quote for the additional work or for the moment we can monitor the performance of the plugs and replace them if they become a problem"

Am concerned on two levels, firstly that a menu priced item can become inflated as a result of such a minor issue, after all the plugs were changed 4 years ago and the car has only done around 15,000 miles since then. Smearing the bolts in grease at that time would have prevented the corrosion and I am surprised that simple engineering practices aren't utilised to tackle this issue. Secondly, leaving the plugs and monitoring them is all well and good but if the engine let's go or a plug breaks up then I can't see the warranty company paying out.

Anyone else had similar issues? If so, how was the situation resolved?

[andyglos]

Hi and thanks for the advice. Went to have a look at the car today whilst it was on the ramps. Must admit some of the nuts and bolts looked as though they were made of cheese and I could pull chunks off them. Still, in my view, it is a menu fixed price item irrespective of the age of the car and should be completed within the time/price set. As others, not my fault the components are made of cheese and porsche should take this into account when they set prices/maintenance times. Furthermore, they should have used grease and new items when the job was done 4 years ago. For a car that isn't used in winter and has done minimal miles it is a pretty poor show from a quality perspective.

[andyglos]

Hi IMIA,

It is outside some of the time but in winter it stays in a well ventilated garage. Must admit I couldn't quite believe the state of some of the nuts. The kids 6 year old halford bikes which are left at the bottom of the garden all year round have less corrosion on them.

[andyglos]

Hi Steve,

I did have a very nice 991 GTS for a day and a half but now have a pretty basic boxster. Ah well.

On the exhaust clamps that you mentioned that attracted an amber advisory on mine. Am told it is £513 to replace corroded and split exhaust clamps. Is this in line with what you paid?

I will be waiting for a call on the spark plug issue on Monday.