how do i change my spark plugs? i've lifted the plastic cover piece and found 4 rectangular pieces. what i would like to know if these are the plugs and if so, how do i take them out? thanks

 

Well, those 4 plastic pieces are the coilpacks. They cover the spark plugs.
So get an allen key set and unscrew both allen bolts that hold each coilpack down.

Then you will need a deep socket (5/8ths) to get the spark plugs out. Best to get one
with a rubber insert - if not possible then stick some electrical tape in the socket so that
it forms a tight grip in the spark plug so you can pull it out.

cheers

 

thanks!

 

when you check the plugs and replace them do not use the 5/8 socket and extension to put them back in. Go to home depot or somthing and get like a 6 inch piece of car hose. Slip the spark plug into the end of that then reach it down in there and tighten it with that. You sound kinda like a newbie and I dont want you mis threading your head. BIG BIG problems happen when you do that. Use the hose to hand tighten it if you can imagine then reach the socket down to tighten her up more. Good luck man

Brad

 

good advice Bradaven760, welcome to the forum.

 

yes that is a good point. Always put the plugs back with as much care as possible - only with a socket once you are very familiar with the feel of it.
The hose idea is great tip.

 

whats the best spark plugs to go with for that monster spark

 

you dont want monster spark... lol
You want consistent spark. NGK is best.
If you are chipped gap them smaller by .004

 

Yes, It was somthing i learned not to long ago from the dood whom I work on the car with. He is a master mechanic been doing it for years and he has a lot of tricks like that.

If you are misthreading with a socket wrench then it is harder to tell if you are actually misthreading. If you use the hose its fail safe. If its tight from the misthread then the hose will slip not the grooves.

Thanks for the welcome. Im getting my 99 a4 today. To bad its FWD but its cheap and I just need a nice car from point a to point b. I live in san diego so the roads arent to bad (no snow, not to much rain etc etc..) From a 03 civic to an audi will be an improvement Im sure.

Brad

 

Came across this thread while searching, have a couple of n00b questions:

1) What exactly is a "car hose"? Just a rubber hose? How thick should it be?

2) I've read here that I need a torque wrench for this, is that true?