spark plug changes (VAG content)

[Paul Meyers]

What worked for me was a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool. First I
vacuumed around the plug before removal, then kept vacuuming as I removed
the plug(s), making sure not to disturb the sand (literally) right at the
lip of the threads. Once the plug is removed, I vacuumed vigorously all
around the plug hole. Nothing could fall into the combustion chamber due to
the powerful air flow. By the time I was finished, all the sand was gone and
nothing got into the engine.
Paul Meyers

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com] On
Behalf Of Lines Peter
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 11:41 AM
To: 'quattro at audifans.com'
Subject: spark plug changes (VAG content)

Over the weekend, I had a difficult time removing the sparks plugs from a
'98 GTI 2.0L.  I had originally changed them at 40k miiles, and I did use
anti-seize on the threads.  I'm now at 80k miles, and they were very
difficult to remove.  I had to screw them out a bit, lube with WD-40, then
in, out, lube, etc...  to avoid trashing the head.  I used ALOT of
anti-seize when puting the new ones in this time.  Hopefully the 120k
service will go smoother.  Does anyone have any magic lube other than
anti-seize that works better on plugs?  I've never had issues with the plugs
on the Audi I5 motors and I've changed plugs on that one several times.
Speaking of Audi I5 plug changes does anyone have any clever tricks for
cleaning the grit and gunk away from the plug before removing it?  I always
blast it with an air gun, but it doesn't always get all the "baked on" gunk.
I'm afraid of grit dropping into the cylinder when I remove the plug.
Thanks.

Peter Lines