Check the electrode gap on new spark plugs using a gap gauge. Make sure the gap is according to the specs mentioned in the owners manual of your VW Golf. Screw in the new spark plugs by hand and tighten it up with a torque wrench.
Full Answer
How do you check a spark plug?
To check a spark plug, you are going to need a basic understanding of what a fouled spark plug looks like. By comparing an old spark plug side to side with a new one it will be more obvious to identify which spark plug is bad, but don't mistake a slightly used plug for being bad.
How do you remove a spark plug?
For removing and inspecting a spark plug you will need these tools: Use a pair of pliers or even your hands to remove the spark plug wire that provides electricity to the spark plug. If you are working on a fuel-injected vehicle, you will have to unplug and unbolt the ignition coil for access to the plugs.
What are the signs of a fouled spark plug?
One of the most obvious signs of a fouled spark plug is when it is caked in engine oil. Be sure to fix the oil leak before installing a new plug to avoid premature failure of the new spark plug. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.
Can a bad spark plug cause a misfire?
Your spark plug can misfire if it is not gapped to the right spec. Use the appropriate feeler gauge or a spark plug gapping tool to create the right amount of space between the side electrode and the center electrode. If you notice your engine idling rough, this can be a sign of spark plugs that are gapped improperly.
How do you change spark plugs on a 2004 VW Golf?
0:003:05VW Golf MK4 Spark Plug Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold dipstick out. And then pull straight back on that black cover should just pop right up.MoreHold dipstick out. And then pull straight back on that black cover should just pop right up.
How do I check my spark plugs?
Test with a spark plug testerAttach a spark plug tester to the ignition wire. At the other end, the tester connects to the spark plug as it sits in your engine.Turn the ignition ON.Start the engine, or simply turn it over if it won't start, and watch the transparent sides of the tester.
How can I check to see if the spark plugs needs replacing?
7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Spark PlugsThe car is hard to start. ... The engine misfires. ... You're heading to the gas station more often. ... The engine idling is rough and noisy. ... Your car struggles to accelerate. ... The engine is really loud during normal driving. ... Your 'check engine' light is on.
Can you check spark plugs yourself?
If you're not comfortable with that, take your vehicle to a pro. But if your engine affords easy access to the rear bank, you can probably do the job yourself. Just be sure you gap the spark plugs properly and use a torque wrench. The tools shown are available at online suppliers and auto parts stores.
What are signs of a bad spark plug?
What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. ... Trouble starting. Car won't start and you're late for work… Flat battery? ... Engine misfiring. ... Engine surging. ... High fuel consumption. ... Lack of acceleration.
How can you tell if a spark plug is bad?
How to Tell if You Have a Bad Spark Plugyour check engine light is on or flashing. ... your engine is running rough, or you sense excessive vibration. ... your car is taking longer to accelerate. ... you're getting worse fuel economy. ... our car is taking longer to start. ... you hear a ticking noise under the hood.More items...•
What does a misfire feel like?
Technically, a misfire is the result of incomplete combustion (or zero combustion) inside one or more of an engine's cylinders. But to you, the driver, the problem will usually feel like hesitation or shaking when the car is running. On modern vehicles, the check engine light will also pop on when there's a misfire.
Can you change spark plugs without changing the wires?
It is not necessary to change the wires but it's a good idea. Here's the reason. If your spark plugs have been in the engine too long the component at the end of the plug get's oxidized over time from having such high voltage run across it to jump a gap and create a spark.
Is it safe to change your own spark plugs?
Don't DIY – You Could Risk Damaging Your Engine Incorrectly removing or installing spark plugs can cause damage to your engine. Also, care needs to be taken when removing spark plug wires, especially if you plan to reuse them. It's possible to damage the threads inside the engine when installing the spark plug.
How do you check a spark plug without a multimeter?
0:474:03How to check for Spark Plug Fire (in any engine) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBlue sparks a hotter spark if you get a yellow an orange Clark. That's a weaker spark means yourMoreBlue sparks a hotter spark if you get a yellow an orange Clark. That's a weaker spark means your plugs need to recapped. Or you've got a weak fire from your ignition. System.
How do you check a spark plug with a screwdriver?
1:211:57How Do I test my car for spark? Here's how to! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take the screwdriver. And you put the screwdriver in the spark plug wire. And then hold it closeMoreYou take the screwdriver. And you put the screwdriver in the spark plug wire. And then hold it close about what a spark plug gap would be and this way you can actually vary the distance.
How often do spark plugs need to be replaced?
between every 80,000 and 100,000 milesSpark plugs are designed for long-term durability, meaning that they only need to be replaced between every 80,000 and 100,000 miles.
How long do spark plugs usually last?
A standard copper spark plug has an average life span of 10,000-20,000 miles. Silver plugs, used for older vehicles, can last up to 20,000 miles. Expensive iridium spark plugs or platinum spark plugs can last 60,000 miles. Extended life spark plugs or long life spark plugs can last 100,000 miles.
Why does my spark plug feel rough?
When a spark plug is misfiring, it is often most pronounced at idle speed. This is because when the engine turns slower, it is easier to detect . You’ll feel a rough vibration.
Why is my golf engine weak?
The less cylinders that your engine has, the more that one cylinder not firing properly will have. If you have one or more bad spark plugs, it’ll cause the acceleration of the Golf to be weaker.
What is the most common symptom of bad spark plugs?
Misfiring is the most common symptom of bad spark plugs. All of the other symptoms are a result of the misfiring itself. The real question is, what is causing the misfire? There is more to your Golf’s ignition system than just the plugs. There’s also coil packs and spark plug wires.
Why do I need to check my spark plugs?
This leads to a decrease in fuel economy. When you take your vehicle in for a tune up due to decreased fuel economy , checking the spark plugs (and ignition system in general) is going to be one of the very first places that a mechanic is going to look at.
How to check spark plugs: Step 1 of 8
First, pull off the HT (high tension) leads that go to the spark plugs and tuck them away roughly in the position they came off so you don’t get them mixed up (or mark them with masking tape). Check the condition of the rubber seals at the ends and the bakelite connectors. Any damage like this and you need new ones right away.
How to check spark plugs: Step 2 of 8
Now, using a proper 21mm spark plug socket with a rubber liner, feed it down into one of the holes in the cylinder head shrouds and locate the end of the first plug. Only then should you fit whatever combination of extension, universal joint and ratchet you find easiest and start undoing it.
How to check spark plugs: Step 3 of 8
Once out, have a good look at the plug. What does it look like? Brown, grey, sooty, oily? Ideally, the end of the plug wants to be light brown or grey in colour with an even pattern and no broken or molten bits. This one isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty good, suggesting the engine’s running alright and things are okay in this cylinder.
How to check spark plugs: Step 4 of 8
If it’s sooty but dry, like this one, your engine is running rich, meaning that it’s not burning all the fuel that’s going through it effectively. In which case, refer to our guide on how to tune your carburettor to sort this out.
How to check spark plugs: Step 5 of 8
If the plug is wet and oily your engine is in trouble and most likely has worn piston rings and/or valve guides, which indicates a rebuild is on the cards.
How to check spark plugs: Step 6 of 8
If the insulator in the centre is broken, damaged or has major carbon desposits on it like this then your timing is out and needs rectifying immediately. Refer our guide on engine timing in order to fix this. If the insulator is white and flaky then your engine is running lean, so check the timing and then adjust your carburettor as well.
How to check spark plugs: Step 7 of 8 (Strictly Aircooled San Diego)
Whatever your plugs look like, they’ll benefit greatly from a vigorous clean up with a brass brush. You should have one of these in your on the road tool kit as cleaning the plugs will often help start a reluctant engine. Remember though, if they’re in a bad way, it’s only indicative of another problem, so you should try and solve that problem.
How to remove spark plug wire?
Step 1 - Remove Spark Plug Lead. Use a pair of pliers or even your hands to remove the spark plug wire that provides electricity to the spark plug. If you are working on a fuel-injected vehicle, you will have to unplug and unbolt the ignition coil for access to the plugs.
Why is it important to check spark plugs?
To avoid fouling your spark plugs it's important to keep your engine free from oil leaks and your carburetor jetted properly (if your engine has a carburetor). When spark plugs are too old or too corroded, you are just going to have to put new plugs in your engine.
Why does my spark plug misfire?
Your spark plug can misfire if it is not gapped to the right spec. Use the appropriate feeler gauge or a spark plug gapping tool to create the right amount of space between the side electrode and the center electrode . If you notice your engine idling rough, this can be a sign of spark plugs that are gapped improperly.
How to tell if spark plug is fouled?
One of the most obvious signs of a fouled spark plug is when it is caked in engine oil. Be sure to fix the oil leak before installing a new plug to avoid premature failure of the new spark plug. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Why is my engine misfiring?
In the worst of circumstances, your engine is misfiring because of a piston ring or valve seal issue. In this case, you may want to leave the work up to a professional.
The right spark plug tool for the job
Before getting going, it’s helpful having the right tools at hand because accessing the rear two plugs (cylinder numbers 1 and 3) can be a real fiddle, especially on later twin-port engines where access is further compromised. Try a stumpy 21mm socket with a universal joint which may give you a bit more flexibility.
Carefully removing aircooled HT leads
When removing the ignition leads from the plug, be sure to pull it off by the Bakelite connector, not the lead itself, as you’ll run the risk of pulling it off. Make sure you have the socket on the plug properly when you’re undoing them and always start screwing the plug back in by hand, only using the socket for the final tightening.
Don't mix up the firing order
A good tip here is to remove each lead and aircooled VW spark plug individually so you don’t get them mixed up. If you notice any damage to the connector, or if the lead is a loose fit then it is best to source a brand new HT lead set.
What should my old spark plugs look like?
Once the plug is out, take a good look. Is it brown, grey, sooty or oily? If the engine is running right, it should be light brown or grey. If it is sooty but dry, your engine is running rich and not burning all the fuel. Conversely, if the insulator’s white and flaky then your engine is running too lean.
Can you clean spark plugs and reuse them?
Whatever their condition, while the plugs are out of the engine they will benefit from a good clean up using a brass wire brush. You should keep one of these in your car’s toolbag all the time, as cleaning plugs will often help start a reluctant engine – especially in the winter or when it’s damp.
When should you replace spark plugs?
Finally, your aircooled VW spark plugs should be checked every 3000 miles and replaced every 10,000 miles, although because they’re so cheap – there is no harm in fitting new ones sooner – especially if you suspect your engine’s not been running quite right.
