Moose Explains - Changing Spark Plugs!

[Toolhorder]

These were also gapped, but for the sake of checking and demonstrating i added that bit. It never hurts to check.

That's good advice. Honda uses NGK or Denso plugs and they come pre gapped as well and have a cardboard or plastic tube over the electrode to protect it until it's opened and out of the box. Once I was changing plugs on a 90K service and when I started the engine I had a dead miss on one cylinder where I had none before. An older tech told me to check the plug gap and sure enough it was smashed into the plug. I gapped it and was back in business.
Even when they are pre gapped I usually inspect them or at least eyeball them to make sure they are close.

 

[PassnThru]

You da Moose!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Hey Moose, what might this special tool look like? I'm going to get around to changing the plugs in my 2001.5 VR6 Passat one of these days, soon.

If your car has individual coil packs, you won't need the special tool, only gently remove the coil pack and you have acess to the plug. If you car has HT leads, you need the VW T10029 Spark Plug Boot Puller.

It fits around the lead and boot, the slots in the end engage with tabs on the metal section of the boot allowing you to remove them without damage.

It is available here from Samstag Sales, for $49.99

http://www.samstagsales.com/vwaudi2.htm#spark

Alernatively, a quick search for T10029 will return cheaper options too.

That's good advice. Honda uses NGK or Denso plugs and they come pre gapped as well and have a cardboard or plastic tube over the electrode to protect it until it's opened and out of the box. Once I was changing plugs on a 90K service and when I started the engine I had a dead miss on one cylinder where I had none before. An older tech told me to check the plug gap and sure enough it was smashed into the plug. I gapped it and was back in business.
Even when they are pre gapped I usually inspect them or at least eyeball them to make sure they are close.

I've also had pre-gapped plugs with bent electrodes, generally i check them by eye before fitting them, the feeler was used for example's sake.

 

[newspeed]

Modern cars with aluminum heads and current spark plugs do not need anti-sieze or oil on the threads. Install the plug and torque to spec is fine.

If you really want to use anti-sieze on older cars with aluminum heads it's ok for older cas without OBD2 or cats.

Personal choice but I don't use anti-seize.

I never use anti seize on any of my plug changes. There have been cases where the compound can act as an insulator and prevent the plug from getting a good ground causing a lot of problems on newer computer controlled cars. Porsche has actually issued a technical bulletin concerning this very issue. Most german car techs I know never use it either.

 

[54FordPanel]

You have way too much time on your hands.

+1. Way too much time.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

+1. Way too much time.

I'm unemployed.

Please understand the point of this thread, it was meant as a light-hearted walk through for both beginners to pick up something basic, and for others to have a laugh. If you can't appreciate that then it's a shame. If i thought it was pointless exercise i wouldn't have bothered.

I trust you won't be checking in on the ones to follow.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

I'm unemployed.

Please understand the point of this thread, it was meant as a light-hearted walk through for both beginners to pick up something basic, and for others to have a laugh. If you can't appreciate that then it's a shame. If i thought it was pointless exercise i wouldn't have bothered.

I trust you won't be checking in on the ones to follow.

If more people had to much time and spent it doing this for the forum and or other people the world would a better place.

I for one hope to see more, well I also hope you get a job as well

the only thing is I think he needs a roller chest more his size!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Snap-On-1-8-Sca...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2558b9a76f

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

If this is for novices, you'd better explain what "HT Leads" are before you drop that acronym on them.

 

[Sick Puppy]

I'm unemployed.

Please understand the point of this thread, it was meant as a light-hearted walk through for both beginners to pick up something basic, and for others to have a laugh. If you can't appreciate that then it's a shame. If i thought it was pointless exercise i wouldn't have bothered.

I trust you won't be checking in on the ones to follow.

Sorry to hear about the unemployment stuff- good to see that you are doing something to keep you occupied!

Thanks for this- I've not done this to any of my cars yet, and I thought this was great, very informative. The moose is pretty cool too.

Look forward to the next instalments!

 

[toolmutt]

Bravo! Can't wait for more installments.

 

[DaMaN]

Awesome work, you may have a future in animation!

 

[Bull]

Yeah, what's the deal with the whole "too much time on your hands" line of reasoning, anyway? I guess we all have too much time if we are on a freaking website, talking about tools and posting pics of our tools and tool boxes, eh?

I'm with Diesel_Crawler...content like this is pretty great and if more people did it, we'd have even more fun here.

I'll be reading future installments.

 

[X1 Mike]

I never use anti seize on any of my plug changes. There have been cases where the compound can act as an insulator and prevent the plug from getting a good ground causing a lot of problems on newer computer controlled cars. Porsche has actually issued a technical bulletin concerning this very issue. Most german car techs I know never use it either.

Actually the issue you are refering to is probably deals with the ion-sensing system. In vehicles today they send voltage through the spark plug and measure the resistance which will tell the ecm if you have engine knock. Too much copper anti-sieze (copper because it's a good conductor) can throw off the reading, you are safe using a small amount of the silver stuff. It will not affect the reading and plugs will come out easier.

Note: that was a ridiculously basic description of the principle of ion-sense because I dont want everyone to fall asleep.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Make more!!! These are informative and funny at the same time. I can see a website full of mr moose.

I usually install my plugs with a piece of vacuum line to prevent cross threading. once they are screwed all the way in I pull the vacuum line off and finish the last 1/4 turn with a socket. The vacuum line trick seems to find the threads quickly and never cross threads.

Chris

 

[Tim Cowan]

Let's put the Moose on a creeper and have a lesson on changing rod bearings with an oil change.........

 

[z28snksknr]

Much appreciated Moose!!! Me and the wife enjoyed it immensely!!!

 

[quattrojon]

Moose,

I think you have done an excellent job in both explaining, and photographing the procedure. I'm sure that there are many members who have benefited from reading about it, and have been inspired to have a go at working on their own car.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

If more people had to much time and spent it doing this for the forum and or other people the world would a better place.

I for one hope to see more, well I also hope you get a job as well

the only thing is I think he needs a roller chest more his size!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Snap-On-1-8-Sca...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2558b9a76f

I'm not sure i could fit all my tools in there! I'm already running out of space. It would be a better height for me though.

Make more!!! These are informative and funny at the same time. I can see a website full of mr moose.

I usually install my plugs with a piece of vacuum line to prevent cross threading. once they are screwed all the way in I pull the vacuum line off and finish the last 1/4 turn with a socket. The vacuum line trick seems to find the threads quickly and never cross threads.

Chris

Thank You.

It varies from car to car, but i like to use a flexible extension and spinner to drive the my spark plug socket, two turns backwards prevents cross-threading. Works great on VW single cam engines where the intake manifold is in the way.

A cookie to whoever can correctly identify the car that socket/extension is sitting on.

Let's put the Moose on a creeper and have a lesson on changing rod bearings with an oil change.........

I have a creeper on order, however it is "regular" size, so it may be a little big for me.

Moose,

I think you have done an excellent job in both explaining, and photographing the procedure. I'm sure that there are many members who have benefited from reading about it, and have been inspired to have a go at working on their own car.

Thank you, i hope everyone takes something from these, be it a little bit of knowledge, a desire to try this out if they haven't done so before, or even just a laugh!

 

[Jononon]

Moose,

I think you have done an excellent job in both explaining, and photographing the procedure. I'm sure that there are many members who have benefited from reading about it, and have been inspired to have a go at working on their own car.

Seconded

A cookie to whoever can correctly identify the car that socket/extension is sitting on.

I think that's a Mk3 Golf. If I'm correct, please may I have a biscuit and a cup of tea in lieu of my 'cookie'? Thank you

I'm aware I have a PM from you, but the PM system appears to be buggered

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I think that's a Mk3 Golf. If I'm correct, please may I have a biscuit and a cup of tea in lieu of my 'cookie'? Thank you

Close, but no cookie.

I'm aware I have a PM from you, but the PM system appears to be buggered

No worries.

 

[Jononon]

Close, but no cookie.

plus ten characters

 

[TireTracks]

You should do one about how to set up Cut-your-own-length Sparkplug wires. I have a set of Accel Superstock wires that are the DIY kind, and the instructions arnt the best.

 

[epmills]

I think thats the cleanest looking 102 valve cover I have ever seen! Usually when they get to the age they are now the 102/103's are looking a little wore out. Nice write up btw lol.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Make more!!! These are informative and funny at the same time. I can see a website full of mr moose.
[...]Chris

Hmmm, there's an idea for you Moose LandTran, a series of how-to articles by Moose on a website with advertising, discounts, etc... just saying'

 

[bushhawg73]

I too like the post and hope Mr Moose does more. The internet and post with pics have saved my bacon many time during projects. Thanks Moose

 

[epmills]

Hmmm, there's an idea for you Moose LandTran, a series of how-to articles by Moose on a website with advertising, discounts, etc... just saying'

Speaking of that, start up a series of books similar to "*blank* for dummies" books just automotive related.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

I want to see a moose tear down of a VW diesel! right to the bear heads. But no pressure should not be any more the 300+ pictures

Also I see you have been up to no good again

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

cool....
Why not use anti-sieze?

 

[manic_mechanic]

I gotta show this to my mom...Awesome thread!

 

[flatheadguy]

This thread may be reported to both PETA and the SPCA. I mean, this poor moose is performing a job, is he being fairly compensated? Pay him with maybe, oh, what do moose eat? Juniper berries? Oats? Does he have workmans compensation available? This is yet another example of animal abuse!! Wait until Bullwinkle hears about this!!

 

[quattrojon]

A cookie to whoever can correctly identify the car that socket/extension is sitting on.

Is it a MK2 Golf Gti?


Jon

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Is it a MK2 Golf Gti?

Nope.

Only two cookies left.. (Yeah, i'm greedy..)

 

[Moose-LandTran]

This thread may be reported to both PETA and the SPCA. I mean, this poor moose is performing a job, is he being fairly compensated? Pay him with maybe, oh, what do moose eat? Juniper berries? Oats? Does he have workmans compensation available? This is yet another example of animal abuse!! Wait until Bullwinkle hears about this!!

Oh, don't worry about me.

See, i have strawberry laces, cookies, Sprite and money. Got paid £100 the other day to put a cat-back exhaust and some roof racks on an Audi.

nom nom nom..

 

[ron350]

Moose great pictorial staring the little Moose.

May just be lighthearted fun but I think you have something that could really catch on.

What is little Mosses official name and does he have an agent yet?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

He's called Moose Jr. (Or just Jr. for short.) And is self-represented.

I do plan to do more, they're light hearted but are also meant to be informative. In the hope that they give people a laugh, but can also help. Which is why i try to make the instructions thorough and informative. Maybe one day i will create a website for the tutorials. But that's a long way away.

 

[ron350]

OK when you publish your first Moose JR. book I want to be first to ask for an autographed copy.

 

[Old Donn]

Good stuff Moose, but you and the little guy are in trouble with the "I don't need a torque wrench, I can tighten by hand" crowd.

 

[cruiser808]

I too like the post and hope Mr Moose does more. The internet and post with pics have saved my bacon many time during projects. Thanks Moose

+1 on that. Moose, when are you going to regale us with another "Moose explains....." The entertainment value alone is priceless! I can't get enough Moose Jr.

 

[jvitez]

I just had my 11 y.o. son read through this. He loved it! Thanks! He doesn't realize he just learned something either

Car with extension: A VW Scirocco?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I just had my 11 y.o. son read through this. He loved it! Thanks! He doesn't realize he just learned something either

Car with extension: A VW Scirocco?

Glad he liked it.

And nope, not a Scirocco.