Any tips for getting to the #2 spark plug?

ivwshane

This is my first time changing the plugs and I thought it was going to be a piece of cake. #1 plug was changed with no problems so I moves on to the #2 plug. I can't even see it! I stuck my finger under the tin and it feels like it's located more towards to front of the bus in relation to the hole in the tin.

Even if I'm able to get a plug socket on it and remove the plug I don't know how the hell I'm going to get the new plug back in and not mess up the threads.

So any advice?

77 type iv stock fi

I tried the search but it's not working right now nor did the google search for some reason.
_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

dabble · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:57 pm Post subject:

Patience. And a spark plug socket so the plug doesn't slip out.
_________________
1973 Westy with a 78 FI 2000cc
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate2-9157.png]Click to view image[/URL]

ivwshane · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:04 pm Post subject:

So it's just a matter of sticking the socket in and hoping for the best?
_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

wihr · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:11 pm Post subject:

Try various length extension if you are using a ratchet wrench. I cannot remember whether I use the 3 inch or 6 inch. And be sure you are using a spark plug socket.
_________________
WIHR

1970 Campmobile "Van Ordinaire"
2009 Lincoln Town Car "Behemoth"
1969 Lambretta 150 DL "Nina"
1962 Matchless G 12 CS 650cc

VDubTech · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:49 pm Post subject:

You have to use an extension and remember the plug is at an angle. Shine a light into the hole in the tin first so you can get an idea of its orientation. #4 will be exactly the same way.
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First Trip in the RustyBus:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279077&highlight=

ivwshane · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:59 pm Post subject:

I managed to get it, no skill involved, pure luck;)

Thanks guys!
_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

timvw7476

just use a 6 inch extension, get it on the plug and remember the angle,
also I had to fish too many dropped plugs out of the tin one time too many-
I think autozone sells a magnetized 13/16" "powercraft"? socket, so no more
dropped plugs on install!

Tcash

You can use a piece of hose that fits snugly over the porcelain part of the plug to get it started, thread it in as far as you can with the hose. Then pull the hose off and tighten it with the plug socket.

The hose will need to be a bit longer than this.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Thrasher22 · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:23 pm Post subject:

I'm glad I'm not the only one that finds this a PIA Laughing

I usually unclip the air intake to give a couple more inches wiggle room.
_________________
1975 Westfalia - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516701

Lil Lulu · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:40 pm Post subject:

Mac Tools sells a terrific spark plug tool. Stiff rubber, about 6", about $12, gives you a more deft touch than a plug wrench. Finish with wrench.

I tried a hose piece but could never get it straight, the hose wants to curl. This thing is purpose-designed, so it works great for this and this only.
_________________
'65 Beetle "Lil' Lulu"- Ruby Red
1600 stock from '71 bus

'72 Deluxe - Niagara Blue w/pastelwiess Camper Special 2L dual 40 Webers 002

'74 Hightop Weekender "Dixie" 1800 34 Del singles

Joey · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 6:56 pm Post subject:

I use the hose on the end of the spark plug for both removing and installing my spark plugs. I also use the hose for spark plug installation on all the cylinders. It reduces the risk of cross threading.
_________________
Joey

‘60 Kombi - '74 Bus - '79 Panel - '65 Beetle

ivwshane · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:51 pm Post subject:

Because the plug would fall off without the screw on tip, I just used blue tape around the plug and socket, enough tape to keep it in place but not enough to not allow me to remove the socket.

I used ngk BP6ET and prenco performamax wires from busdepot who seem to think these are better than bosch.

_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

ivwshane · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:55 pm Post subject:

These are my old plugs, how do they look?

_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

airschooled · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:53 pm Post subject:

We'd like to see a bit more of the insulator to get a true reading. A view of the base of the threads is helpful to see too.

What kind of condition was the engine last run at right before the plugs were removed? I like to read them immediately after a highway run. Like, pull off the freeway and shut it down, cool off, and pull plugs to read. Don't reinstall into a warm head unless you like to risk stripping threads.
_________________
Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com

ivwshane · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:02 am Post subject:

The bus was running great, a little on the rich side according to the failed smog test:(
_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

ivwshane · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:04 am Post subject:

The bus was running great, a little on the rich side according to the failed smog test:(
_________________
77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

Lil Lulu · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:50 am Post subject:

Show more of the business end of the plug. Also, if you photograph them on a neutral background, the white reflection won't betray the true hue.

Couldn't resist writing that last part cuzza tha rhyme. Embarassed

_________________
'65 Beetle "Lil' Lulu"- Ruby Red
1600 stock from '71 bus

'72 Deluxe - Niagara Blue w/pastelwiess Camper Special 2L dual 40 Webers 002

'74 Hightop Weekender "Dixie" 1800 34 Del singles

udidwht · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:52 am Post subject:

Use NGK B5ES for the plugs. They are the equivalent in terms of heat range as the no longer made Bosch W8CC plugs. The NGK's are by far better than the current Bosch offerings.
_________________
1972 Westy Hardtop/Type-4 2056cc
96mm Biral AA P/C's~7.8:1CR
Headflow Masters New AMC 42x36mm heads w/Porsche swivel adjusters
71mm Stroke
73 Web Cam w/Web solids
Dual 40mm IDF Webers - LM-2 - 47.5 idles/125 mains/190 air corr./F11 tubes/28mm Vents - Float height 10.45mm/Drop 32mm
Bosch SVDA w/Pertronix module (7.5 initial 28 total @ 3400rpm)
Bosch W8CC plugs
Pertronix Flamethrower 40K coil
S&S 4-1 w/Walker QP 17862
3 rib 002 Trans
185R14 Hankook tires


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