Spark Plugs on a 2.0L

[digifant_gli]

Hey Guys..

Just thought I would let you all know about spark plugs on a 2.0L....it's really not as hard as it looks. I just replaced my plugs in about 25 minutes...and that included also replacing the serpentine belt and air filter. It's true that the #2 and #3 plug are a little more difficult to get to, it's really not too bad of a job to do. I didn't even need a flex joint on my ratchet to do it.

Anyway...Fear not fellow Beetle drivers...the plugs are easy to do and it's not a bad idea to do it every 64,000km. I bought the car in September and I couldn't find any record of the spark plugs being replaced. Bosch Platinum plugs came out of the car, which were not factory....so I guess at some point...the pugs were replaced...but the car calls for NGK Laser Platinums...and that's what I put it...right off the hop I noticed a smoother idle, better throttle response and smoother engine performance throughout the power band.

Cheers;

Peter

[brokedownbeetle]

Quick novice question about changing plugs and wires: I've never changed spark plugs (or wires) before, and when I took off the engine cover just now it seemed like the plugs were pretty hard to get to. Did you remove any other parts to get to them, or use any special tools?

Thanks.

[jbthompson]

Yes, tell us more! I need to do this but am scared to!

[antonym]

I didn't remove anything apart from the engine cover when I did mine. All you need is a longer extension... the #2 and #3 plugs are angled so the come out real nice...

The only thing to ensure is that you don't damage the plug wires if you are NOT going to replace them... they are a pain in the #$% to take off but with the right tool it should be easy...

I used regular pliers but gripped the metal "flanges?" on each plug wire in order not to damage the wires.

[D2Beetle]

Here is the spark plug wire removal tool that I use to when I change my spark plugs.

[thegimpster]

I have a long (12") pair of bent nose pliers that I use to pull them. In the Jetta I usually take the top half of the air intake off, I haven't done it in the beetle yet, that will probably be this weeks task.

[vdubbugman53]

i use a wire coat hanger to do mine

[Brians2000Beetle]

I just replaced mine last weekend. Used the long needle nose and snatched the wires off. I replaced the wires too at the same time. If the plugs are shot good chance the wires are there or close.

I too was relieved with how the plugs were angled : \ \ / / made it easy.

[Smileybug]

My bf has the same tool as D2...no way he was getting to the #2 or #3 plugs...

[Bob]

I'm in the same boat as digifant_gli, I went on here and saw everyone talking about their special tools and what not. Then I went out to the garage and 15 minutes later I had it done with just a ratchet and extension. If you put your mind to it, it can be done

[petah]

Originally Posted by Bob

I'm in the same boat as digifant_gli, I went on here and saw everyone talking about their special tools and what not. Then I went out to the garage and 15 minutes later I had it done with just a ratchet and extension. If you put your mind to it, it can be done

the only "special tool" i used was the sparkplug boot puller for $4 dollars. the one I bought looks like a screw driver with a circle-hook at the tip. the more expensive boot puller wouldn't fit #2 or #3 due to the size of the tool.

process is straight forward. I can't believe the shops around here want to charge $150 to change the spark plugs.

[vdubing]

Originally Posted by vdubbugman53

i use a wire coat hanger to do mine

How did you make your tool?

[Wildkats]

Is there a guide for how to change the sparkplugs? Flying blind here! I need pictures (or a tutorial) would be great!

[antonym]

There you go...

[gizmodzine]

Lovely step by step guide , Thanks