DIY spark plug change
- Thread starter Pondrew
- Start date
Spaldingski
The threaded bit with the little metal pointy bits goes in first. :wink:Pondrew said:I'm only changing them because I can't get the spiders' webs out of the spark gaps! :lol:Nictrix said:
I ordered the plugs from Autodoc, so they will definitely need doing by the time they arrive!
B21 said:Pondweed…I forgot…on the N20 with pneumatic waste gate control the engine cover has two itsy bitsy connectors hidden from view, under the cover on the LHS as you look at the engine to do with boost management…they are push fit on barb connectors…easily broken off requiring a new cover (no boost if broken)…
Maybe on a 18i they aren’t there…
Also if they are there remember to reconnect otherwise the car is smooooothhhh but slowwww…
Don’t ask how I know…
The later cars with electronic waste gates also have those fiddly vacuum pipes :|
Rob
Scottish Borders
Smartbear said:B21 said:Pondweed…I forgot…on the N20 with pneumatic waste gate control the engine cover has two itsy bitsy connectors hidden from view, under the cover on the LHS as you look at the engine to do with boost management…they are push fit on barb connectors…easily broken off requiring a new cover (no boost if broken)…
Maybe on a 18i they aren’t there…
Also if they are there remember to reconnect otherwise the car is smooooothhhh but slowwww…
Don’t ask how I know…
The later cars with electronic waste gates also have those fiddly vacuum pipes :|
Rob
I thought so but you know how Ponderous gets picky…so didn’t want to offer duff advice….
So an update for all you wanting a laugh.
I would consider my attempt at changing my plugs as an epic failure TBH.
Managed to unplug the two little hoses on the engine cover OK. When I took the cover off, the rubber locating piece for the nearside clip flew off and fell down onto the floorpan somewhere; can't find it, so the cover now rattles!
Got the coil out OK (had to look at youtube on how to remove electrical connector though).
Got my 14mm long socket with a flexible joint on the end down into the 'plug hole' where it stuck fast and I spent 20 minutes trying to get it out. I didn't think I was going to do it at one point as it was stuck tight (obviously got jammed where the angle changes near the plug). Luckily it didn't get onto the plug so no damage done apart from some scoring of the 'plug hole'.
So no plugs changed as I need a thinner wall socket. And I cut my finger too!
F*cking cars! :x
I would consider my attempt at changing my plugs as an epic failure TBH.
Managed to unplug the two little hoses on the engine cover OK. When I took the cover off, the rubber locating piece for the nearside clip flew off and fell down onto the floorpan somewhere; can't find it, so the cover now rattles!
Got the coil out OK (had to look at youtube on how to remove electrical connector though).
Got my 14mm long socket with a flexible joint on the end down into the 'plug hole' where it stuck fast and I spent 20 minutes trying to get it out. I didn't think I was going to do it at one point as it was stuck tight (obviously got jammed where the angle changes near the plug). Luckily it didn't get onto the plug so no damage done apart from some scoring of the 'plug hole'.
So no plugs changed as I need a thinner wall socket. And I cut my finger too!
F*cking cars!
:x
None of it is difficult, though. It's just the overly-complicated way manufacturer's do everything (in an attempt to put people like us off IMO).MikeyH said:
Then because of the way everything is designed you need specialist tools which most don't have. I have at least 5 full socket sets, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive with multiple sized 'plug sockets', long sockets, the lot. Yet none fit down the stupidly long and angled hole to get to my plugs. £13 for a specially designed socket. It's madness! :x
Even the pollen filter is a PITA to change, as it's stuck in the passenger footwell vertically. No room to get in there to see what you are doing.
Where do you live, someone should be able to help with such basic tasks . As an old boy myself I dont like crawling under cars now what with my high blood pressure, dodgy kidneys( to much time in Wetherspoons) and poor back (think thats all) i purchased an inexpensive oil suction pump from ebay which works brilliantly but is only any use if your Zed has a dipstick.