If it is ever necessary to replace spark plugs outside of scheduled maintenance, the following must be considered.
Spark plugs and the entire ignition system as a whole are matched to this engine, and this helps to reduce the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.
To avoid engine failures, reduction of its power, deterioration of acceleration, increase in the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases and interference with radio reception, only spark plugs recommended by Volkswagen for this engine should be used. Particularly important characteristics of candles are the number of electrodes, glow number and, in some cases, the ability not to interfere with radio reception.
Proper functioning of spark plugs is one of the most important conditions for the efficient operation of the engine. It is essential that only the specified type of spark plugs be fitted to the engine. With a good engine, cleaning spark plugs is a rare operation.
Tools needed to unscrew the spark plug and adjust the electrode gap
Engine 1.6-I
Screw location (1) fastening of the upper casing of the engine 1,6-I
Arrangement of tips (2) high voltage wires on spark plugs
1. Unscrew screws and remove the top casing of the engine, see fig. Screw location (1) fixing the upper casing of the engine 1.6-I.
2. Mark the high-voltage wires with numbers and remove the high-voltage wire ends from the spark plugs, see fig. Arrangement of tips (2) high voltage wires on spark plugs).
3. Clean the spark plugs using a brush, vacuum cleaner or compressed air to prevent dirt from entering the engine cylinders after the spark plugs are removed. Unscrew the spark plugs using a spark plug wrench.
Engine 1.8-I
Staple location (1) fastening of the upper casing of the engine 1,8-I
The location of the tips of high-voltage wires on the spark plugs of the 1.8-I engine
1. Release the two brackets and remove the top engine cover, see fig. Staple location (1) fastening the upper casing of the engine 1.8-I.
2. Mark the high-voltage wires with numbers and remove the high-voltage wire ends from the spark plugs, see fig. The location of the tips of high-voltage wires on the spark plugs of the 1.8-I engine.
3. Clean the spark plugs using a brush, vacuum cleaner or compressed air to prevent dirt from entering the engine cylinders after the spark plugs are removed. Unscrew the spark plugs using a spark plug wrench.
Engines 2.3-I (5 cylinders)
The location of the tips of high-voltage wires on the spark plugs of the 2.3-I engine
1. Open the hood.
2. Mark the high-voltage wires with numbers and remove the high-voltage wire ends from the spark plugs, see fig. The location of the tips of high-voltage wires on the spark plugs of the 2.3-I engine.
3. Clean the spark plugs using a brush, vacuum cleaner or compressed air to prevent dirt from entering the engine cylinders after the spark plugs are removed. Unscrew the spark plugs using a spark plug wrench.
Engines 2.8-I (6 cylinders)
An arrangement of screws of fastening of the top casing of the engine 2,8-I
1. Unscrew the screws and remove the upper engine cover, see fig. pic. An arrangement of screws of fastening of the top casing of the engine 2,8-I.
2. Mark the high voltage wires with numbers and remove the high voltage wire ends from the spark plugs.
3. Clean the spark plugs using a brush, vacuum cleaner or compressed air to prevent dirt from entering the engine cylinders after the spark plugs are removed. Unscrew the spark plugs using a spark plug wrench.
All engines
Visual inspection of the working part of the spark plugs can show the condition of the engine. If the nose of the spark plug insulator is clean and white with no deposits, then the mixture is too lean. It also indicates that the spark plug is too hot, i.e. heat is slowly removed from the center electrode. If this is the case, then it is necessary to adjust the composition of the fuel mixture or replace the spark plug.
If the nose of the insulator is covered with a black coating, then this indicates that the mixture is too rich. If the plaque is black and oily, then this indicates engine wear and the need to check and repair it. If the nose of the insulator is covered with a light brown coating, then the mixture is optimal and the engine is in good condition.
The gap between the electrodes of a spark plug is of great importance, since too large and too small a gap changes the size of the spark, which leads to a decrease in engine efficiency. The gap must always comply with the technical requirements.
Measuring spark plug gap with wire gauge
Measuring spark plug gap with a feeler gauge
Checking the gap is carried out with a wire gauge or feeler gauge. The gap is adjusted by bending the side electrode. In no case should the central electrode be bent, as this can lead to breakage of the insulator and failure of the candle.
To bend the side electrode of the candle, you must use a special tool.
Before installing the spark plug in the engine, check that the threads are clean and that all threads are intact.
Screw in the spark plugs by hand and then tighten them to the required torque.
Connect high voltage wires to spark plugs.
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