1998 VW Passat 1.8T how do you change the Spark plugs?

Answer 1

Remove the large plastic engine top cover, 3 spring-loaded plastic screws - 1/4 turn. Disconnect/unplug the 4 connectors on the 4 ignition coils. Do not damage the wiring harness or connectors! Gently pry up on the ginition coild and remove them up and out. Do not break the ignition coil, or the engine cover! Using compressed air and shielding your eyes lightly blow out the "wells" the ignition coild were sitting down in. Be certain all foreign objects are removed from the "wells" the ignition coils/spark plugs rest in. Foreign objects/dirt/grit/gravel will fall into the engine and cause MAJOR damage if not removed. Unscrew the 4 spark plugs and remove. Look at the individual spark plugs and check for wear/oil-fouling/ residue on the center/side electrodes. A shiny black deposit on the electrodes indicates a possible oil consumption problem. Apply a SMALL amount of anti-seize grease/paste on the threads of the spark plug and reinstall the plugs. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!! Only about 141/2lb/ft of torque - snug, not TIGHT!! Reinstall the ignition coils carefull and make certain they are fully installed down on the spark plug tops. Re-connect the wiring harness connectors and start the engine to listen for a swooshing sound of a compression leak. If no leak, then reinstall engine cover and test drive.