PROBLEMS

[JohnM]

Got in my car this morning and tried to set off but the car coughed before picking up (only in first) and it seems really rough when crawling in traffic. Spark Plugs/Leads possibly

it the 1.8 16V and is due for a service but its out of waranty and I have no intention of selling it as it will be passed to Little Bro or girlfriend when I get bored. So I'm getting my hands dirty and doin it myself.

I have though about uprating the plug to 3P Split Fires and matching the leads, anybody tried it, is it worth the extra?

Also I have heard a lot of talk of cambelts failing and the resulting dents in bonnet effect. Mine has done 56k and it sounds like a good idea to get new c-belt, guides and tensioners, How much does this cost (in the region of) as I cannot be arsed doing it myself and I don't fance having to embark on rebuilding my engine in the near future. (Though if it is silly £'s like the rest of the car then nesessity may mean buying new tools)

 

[Nick]

There was a very good thread on spark plugs a few months back. The conclusion from those in the know was to stick with what the manufacturer specifies. Go faster plugs don't, unless (possibly) you are running some form of racing car.

I think there was some comment that you could change the gap on the standard ones and that might make some difference, but then you have to change/check then on a much more regular basis (could be wrong on that, best to check back through the forum)