How do these spark NGK plugs look? From a 2001 VW Passat, 1.8T engine, 120k miles

1395 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by sirwired, May 11, 2016

bikeseat

Discussion Starter · May 10, 2016

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Pulled these NGK spark plugs from a 2001 VW Passat 1.8T with 120k miles.

Do these plugs look like they need to be replaced?

The look relatively fine to me for having around 60k miles on them. Do they appear to indicate anything off about the engine itself?

Would cleaning and regapping then reinstalling these be a bad idea?

Any other insights on spark plug reading?

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scotts13

· #2 · May 10, 2016

I've seen far worse spark plugs. But, they're a little dirty, a little rusty, and the electrodes are obviously eroded. They're also 10,000 miles past the recommended replacement interval. Guess what you should do? (GRIN)

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Electron Man

· #3 · May 10, 2016

I agree with ^him...it's time.

No point in going to the trouble of cleaning them, then regapping only to risk an occasional misfire at high load (WOT) conditions. The electrode erosion on all plugs appears normal for 60K of use.

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bikeseat

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 10, 2016

Just replaced them, thanks for the info!

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zak99B5

· #5 · May 11, 2016

You are not supposed to regap platinum (or iridium afaik) plugs. I believe the issue is that if you bend the electrode, you can cause the platinum coating to flake off.

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jjpark

· #6 · May 11, 2016

They look well used and served their purpose. Change them out. Like others mentioned. It's not worth the time or effort to clean them.

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sirwired

· #7 · May 11, 2016

There's more deposits than would be ideal, but no more than what I'd expect for being 50% past rated life.

Really, with a modern car in decent running order, you should never have to clean and re-gap prior to the end of a plug's rated life. If you do, something is wrong with your car.

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