Changing spark plugs?

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:05

To cut a long story short, Jabba Sport did a 10k service on my car (what a superb job they did!), realised that the air filter which allegedly had been changed by the VW Stealership 10k miles ago, looked like it hadn't been changed in 5 yrs (since Ive had the car). They also checked and there was no record of my spark plugs being changed at 40k (the car has done 50k now).

So I have decided to change them myself. I have read a DIY guide on another VW forum as to how to go about it, but I cannot find out whether I need a 10mm or 14 mm spark plug socket from Halfords for the job. I know its 3/8" but thats about it.

Anyone help please with which socket it is I need, 10 or 14mm?

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:08

Superewza said:
Well i don't know what size you need - but Halfords? Come on...

Its £4, at that price surely convenience suggests that Halfords is the place to pick one up...

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:32

Amoeba said:
What's wrong with Halfords tools????

OP: 3/8" = 10mm

This is where I get confused. The 2 products are described as:

1. Halfords Professional 10mm Sparkplug Socket 3/8" Drive

2. Halfords Professional Spark Plug Socket 14mm 3/8"

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:40

allllec said:
3/8th is the drive, ie the ratchet you need to use.

What car is it ?

Sorry lol should have said VW Golf GTi 2.0L TFSI 200PS (2005)

I got this from NGK:

Almost all cars and light commercial vehicles use 14mm spark plugs.

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 15:48

Got the answer (or did I??) - now Im thinking it might be 16mm?

The OEM plug is actually a NGK PFR6Q Laser Platinum Spark Plug.

The technical specs for this plug state:

NGK extreme life plug. By using the highest platinum content in the industry, NGK has created an extremely long life spark plug. Laser welded platinum tip on center electrode and platinum tip on the ground electrode. The center electrode is taper cut which aids in focusing the spark while reducing the voltage necessary to start the combustion process, this will provide better throttle response, improve efficiency and allow a smoother idle. Stainless steel washer reduces plug self-backing. Technical Specifications - Extra Long Life Double Platinum Plug, 14mm Thread, 19mm (3/4") Reach, 5/8" (16mm) Hex Size, Gasket Seat, Resistor, Solid Terminal, Projected Tip, Fine Point Platinum Center Electrode and Platinum Tip Laser Welded on Ground Electrode, .032" (0.8mm) Gap.

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 16:16

I am confused now. Apparently the 10 or 14mm refers to the tread width and not the hex size. If so then the 14mm would be the correct one I think. Looking at it I am also thinking of going for the magnetic version?

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 19:15

classicVin said:
the 14mm i would say, and you may need a coilpack puller, and be warned.... they love to break.

Any tips on how to take them out without them breaking as VW charge £27 each.

Also I think the VW sparks are NKGs as it is, the Platinum ones de-badged.

Type_R · 6 Dec 2009 at 23:19

Matt82 said:
as has been said it wants

PFR6Q
or
BKR6EIX

Thats correct the PRF6Q are the ones VW supply with 40k replacement interval.

Still doesn't solve which spark plug socket I need guys???

Type_R · 7 Dec 2009 at 05:15

ShakenNstirred said:
if you getting new plugs at the sametime use one of those while your at halfords to see what size u need
if not take a new plug with you

This is what I shall do and update tomorrow to finally put this to rest. I can't believe that it is so hard to work out which tool fits these spark plugs!

Type_R · 7 Dec 2009 at 12:44

Well guys I went to pick up the plugs from VW. Turns out the originals for the VW GOLF MK5 GTI (2005) are infact made by Bosch which was a surprise. They are model no: 101905631H.

Then a trip to Halfords revealed that the socket that fits these plugs is indeed the Halfords 10mm socket!! So 14 and 16 were way too big!

Now I shall be installing them once the car engine cools down. Then a DIY guide for anyone interested!

Type_R · 7 Dec 2009 at 13:03

Clarkey said:
Is a guide really necessary for such a basic job?

Point taken. There actually is a guide on another VW forum for how it is done on the MK5 Golf, but as this thread reveals it forgot the most important information, the socket size!!!

Type_R · 7 Dec 2009 at 15:21

Well its all done! Took about 35 minutes with the hardest thing being taking that stupid engine cover off. Fortunately got it off without it cracking or breaking!

The spark plugs that came out looked like they had seen better days! 4.5 yrs and 50.5k later they were still firing lol!

Took the car for a spin, so much smoother since the service and the Turbo was on full song, amazing!

4x Spark plugs =£46; 1xSpark plug socket=£5; Smoothness on acceleration = priceless
(obviously the smoothness also has to do with the new air filter, oil, oil filter!)