The ignition wires need to be changed and I figured, I will change the
spark plugs at the same time. I own this car for about 6 months only
and this would be the first time I would be changing the spark plugs in
this Passat. What worries me is that two plugs in the middle (#2 and
#3) seem hard to get to, being located under an intake manifold.

Could anyone with BTDT experience post any helpful hints? The Bentley
in its arrogance skips the spark-plug replacement procedure, probably
assuming it is self evident. I happen to have heard the horror stories
about the spark plugs broken during the removal attempts and don't want
to add another one. Having to remove the intake manifold to get to the
spark plugs seems too silly. So, I assume it is a normal socket with a
u-joint connection to the ratchet extension. Am I right?

Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
Andrew

Yep, that's about it and 30 minutes of time.

"elms88" <elms88 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

Thanks for replying. I was afraid a bit about this flexible spark plug
socket. My feeling is that it may give to much side load and I am
horrified by a possibility of braking a spark plug in the hole.

Last time, the plugs were installed under a previous owner and some
mechanics tend to tighten them too hard and don't seem to use an
anti-seize on them. I tried the spark plug #1. I did manage to loosen
it but it was way tight.

I will follow your advise and try the flexible socket first and have a
spare intake manifold gasket it case the flexible socket won't do it
within reasonable force.

Thanks again!
Andrew

Anti-seize is not needed and I never use the stuff. It can create more
problems than it's worth. Just remember always hand start the plugs before
you crank them in with a ratchet. That way there's no chance of cross
threading them.

"elms88" <elms88 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

In article <1112814173.437869.325240 (AT) o13g2000cwo (DOT) googlegroups.com>,
elms88 <elms88 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
The center plugs are actualy installed at an angle so a normal,
thin socket plus a 10 inch extension gets them no problem. Just do it

It actually more difficult to remove the spark plug wires than the plugs.

--
Eduardo K. | Darwin pone las reglas.
e (AT) nn (DOT) cl | Murphy, la oportunidad.
http://e.nn.cl |

Thanks. However, could you elaborate on what's wrong with anti-seize?
The instructions on the label specifically advise to use it for Oxygen
Sensors and spark plugs. Well, I agree that some stuff sold in stores
are useless or even harmful (like cooland additives). But as for the
anti-seize, I used it in my old Golf and had no reason to complain. I
was always able to remove the spark plugs I installed with no
difficulty. On the other hand, it may be just because I did not
overtighten them as many garages too.

Thanks again!
Andrew

What does the engine manufacturer recommend? My Toyota says to use it
but it gets to be a bit messy after a 100,000 miles or more. My old
watercooled vws never recommended it and I never used it. I never had
any problems. My 2003 has no spark plugs so antiseize is not an issue.

"elms88" <elms88 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:


Jim B.