Original VW parts

[iScott]

As I'm reading through the car manual, it keep saying that I need to get "original VW parts" or that they'll be changed during the scheduled VW Maintenance service. Well, I'd rather do the "easier" stuff myself. Is there a list or something of the parts I can use? ...since they're not listed in the manual.

[racer12306]

wow, they will change non vw parts to vw parts during a service. thats rediculous. i have found that a few things should be vw stuff. i got a fuel filter from advance auto, it was a purolator. it didnt fit. went and got a vw one and went on perfectly.

[noR]

Yes, they'll charge you for the parts too.

What do you mean by "Is there a list or something of the parts I can use?" .. what sort of parts are you talking about.

Body panels, interior trim, fuel filters, air filters, ?

[iScott]

noR... you the f'n MAN. Much appreciation, my friend.

I was thinking more along the lines of air and fuel filters, spark plugs, belts... things like that.

[noR]

Yeah screw'em.

Plugs use what you want; some people go iridium, I don't buy into it, and just get 3 pronged copper plugs (bosch).

Mobil 1 oil, & filter.
whatever fuel filter autozone stocks.
K&N air filter (until I can convince myself to pick up something else)

... I also don't take my car in for maintenance though.

I *DO* recommend sticking w/vw parts when engineering and failure are important. (belts, waterpump, master cylinder, slave cylinder, switches, bitches, sensors, etc) But if their part failed because it's weak (clutch); you're not gonna see me putting in another similarly weak part. See where I'm goin' w/that?

Not sayin' it's right, that's just how I fly.

[TDI-Sport]

Originally Posted by UFC_Champ_Scott

As I'm reading through the car manual, it keep saying that I need to get "original VW parts" or that they'll be changed during the scheduled VW Maintenance service.

What they really mean is this: Any part that would normally be replaced during a scheduled service will be replaced, unless they're told otherwise. A technician isn't going to bother looking at the spark plug s/he just removed from your car to see if it was original or not. S/he only knows it's used, and it gets replaced every N miles.

To put it simply, tell the service writer about any aftermarket parts you want to keep.

I regularly see customers with K&N air filters... some even bring their own Mobil 1. As long as it's written on the repair order, the customer gets what they want. Now, if the aftermarket part is possibly causing a problem (I've seen it too often) that's a whole 'nother story....

[iScott]

Last night I went and bought some things, among them, spark plugs. I've changed plugs in a Miata before, not too hard. But holy shnikies. How the hell am I supposed to change them in my Bug? I can't really even get to them because of those cast-iron pipe things (have no idea what it's called, sorry). Would it be wise to take it to a VW mechanic?

[noR]

cast-iron pipe things == manifold.

It's never wise to give up.

There's a tool for 2.0's I think? And ... well you can always remove the intake manifold if it's really in the way.


... Or pay someone else to do it.

[iScott]

I know it's not good to be afraid of failure... but if I fail at taking off and/or putting back on the intake manifold; I'm royally f'd.

But, damnit... I think I'll try it. Any more info on that tool?

Any recommendations for repair manuals? Like Haynes or something. I want to get one.

[iScott]

Alright. All done.
Replaced the plugs and everything went great. I didn't have to take off the manifold (thankfully). There was just enough space to do everything. I got this tool from Advance Auto Parts that is for removing the wire off the plug and it helped a good bit.

I do have one more question... The plugs that I took out were VW Bosch; the kind with 3 prongs on them. Are those stock? Or could they have been installed at by a VW mechanic?

[rcy]

Originally Posted by noR

Yeah screw'em.

Plugs use what you want; some people go iridium, I don't buy into it, and just get 3 pronged copper plugs (bosch).

Mobil 1 oil, & filter.
whatever fuel filter autozone stocks.
K&N air filter (until I can convince myself to pick up something else)

... I also don't take my car in for maintenance though.

I *DO* recommend sticking w/vw parts when engineering and failure are important. (belts, waterpump, master cylinder, slave cylinder, switches, bitches, sensors, etc) But if their part failed because it's weak (clutch); you're not gonna see me putting in another similarly weak part. See where I'm goin' w/that?

Not sayin' it's right, that's just how I fly.

So, if I'm reading that correctly, you WOULDN'T replace your OE waterpump with a VW waterpump then, right?

Also UFC_Champ, I believe the 3 prong Bosch plugs are original. That's what I took out of my car when I replaced them with +4's and Magnecor wires.

[iScott]

****. If those are the originals, then they've been in there for 120,000 Atlanta miles. Is that too long?

[rcy]

Originally Posted by UFC_Champ_Scott

****. If those are the originals, then they've been in there for 120,000 Atlanta miles. Is that too long?

To clarify, those may not be your originals, but I think they are the same type of plugs (i.e. Bosch with 3 prongs) that the car comes with from the factory.

If they are your original plugs, then yes, I'd say 120000miles is too long.