Spark Plugs

[craig_the_german]

Hi all,

It has come time for me to look at a service on my MKIV 1.6.

I thought while I was at it I would change the spark plugs as I haven't had them changed in the 50000km I have driven in the last year.

A couple of issues immediately became apparent.

1. The concept of the recommended spark plugs for my humble 1.6 being stored at my local Supercheap in a locked glass cabinet not unlike that which you would see at a jewelry store and the plugs having a price tag that would not be out of place in such a jewelry store. was new to me.

2. How on earth do you change plugs 2 and 3? I have my trusty spark plug socket but it doesn't go any where near the plugs. Is there a special tool to get to plugs 2 and 3?

The questions are.....what plugs do you all run? The recommended plugs apparently fit all the mkivs...according to the guide at the store?

Is there a special tool ...maybe a flexible sparkplug socket thats available that will make the job of changing plugs easier/possible

[brad]

I've no idea what a 1.6 looks like so I can't help you with tool advice - I just use a 3/8" ratchet, various extensions from 50mm to 400mm & sometimes a universal joint on most other cars.

I had an AGG engine MK3.5. The OEM spark plugs had 3 or 4 outer electrodes & were about $18 each. I fitted NGK Iridium spark plugs that were about $15 each & had a 50,000km lifespan. They seemed to do the job.

[golfaki]

Hey Craig, I though exactly the same thing the first time I had done mine......

I went to the usual Repco and others when I had done mine and it turned out they had NGK's listed for it however many of them didn't have them in stock and had to order. I ended up getting mine from the VW dealership and actually cost me a little less, I paid $44.00............

As to how to get them off, It looked a little hard but I just used my spark plug socket and the sidcrome set with that ball socket that can be angled, didn't seem to have that much trouble give it a go, I think you'll be OK.

Cheers

[D3bb4]

Hey,

The $89 plugs at supercheap be bosch f1-4 plugs. Platinum iridium blend 4 prong tip. Cost a mint because they last 100 000km +

I work there, so i got 'em a little cheaper Shall be getting them installed soon. I can't seem to be able to even get the friggin engine cover off!

Spark plug spanners are a nice concept and all - but don't often work when plug is recessed in head, as they're too wide. Try a socket and extension bar?

[gavs]

I had this same issue when I wanted to check mine after I bought the car. I have no idea how to get no's 2 and 3 out mate, and I have a kincrome mechanics set!!

[Caddy Man]

Its very interesting about Bosch F1-4 plugs, I went to my local Supercheapauto Shop they were $89.00 a set of 4, I looked online to see if they charged the same price, they did. At the same time it through up the New Zealand Supercheap Auto site, NZ $66.49 a set including GST.
So I emailed them over a week ago to find out why.
Very user friendly, no reply and when I checked today, they have taken them off the Australian site, I will be checking to see if they are stocking them in store and the price. Makes one wonder why people buy from overseas.......