Gettin' Volts to Your Volks

Spark plugs are probably one of the most thankless parts on your engine.  Those things are responsible for getting the electrical current to the air/fuel mixture so the engine will go.  They have to endure extreme temperatures, vibrations, and all the combustion cycles.  Yet, the sparkplugs are simple items that are often overlooked when trying to figure out why your engine is misfiring or lacks the power it once had.  Most of the problems I have ever had with any engine - whether it be a Briggs & Stratton or Volkswagen or anything else - can be traced to spark plugs.

The first thing I always do when performing a tune-up on any car is to install a new set of sparkplugs.  They are relatively inexpensive, and the easiest way to gain back the power you once had.  You will need the following tools to do the job on your Volkswagen air-cooled engine: 

• 13/16" spark plug socket and 3/8" ratchet    
  (one with the flex handle will make this job easier for you)
• Spark plug gapping tool or set of feeler gauges
• Tube of anti-seize compound
• 3" long piece of 3/8" fuel line
  
  Spark plugs are available in many different styles.  I do encourage and recommend that you stick with the Bosch brand due to thread compatibility with the aluminum heads, however I have used Splitfire plugs on these with no trouble, but they are four times the cost of the Bosch plugs.  For yor Type 1 engine owners, the Splitfire number is SF265F.  Don't try to look them up by application, because there won't be one listed.  This part number happened to cross over directly from the Bosch W8AC in a special cross-reference book.
  
  Take your spark plugs out of the box and make sure the end terminal is screwed on and the plug gasket is there.  Set each plug gap to .025" inch using your spark plug gapper or feeler gauges.  Next, dab a small amount of anti-seize on the threads of the plugs.  Now you are ready to install your plugs.
  
  First, start by removing one spark plug wire at a time.  Take out the spark plug.  It can be tight, and I give you my blessing, since there is a possibility of taking the threads out of the heads at the same time.  Hope not, but anyway…  Put the piece of 3/8" hose on a new spark plug and carefully start the new plug in the hole.  When you have twisted the spark plug as far as you can by hand, take your wrench and tighten the plug down - CAREFUL!  Not too tight, just kinda snug.  Go easy on those threads!  Push the spark plug wire back on firmly and make sure the seal is covering the hole in the tin.  Do the same thing for the other three plugs.  When finished, clean yourself up and go have a bratwurst burger!
  
  Your VW maniac and Tech Specialist,
  Mike C.

Top