As another problem begins to rear its ugly head with the Golf again :thumbdwn: I am beginning to think thats its probably for the best if I at least attempt to familiarise myself slightly with cars so I can at least check for basic problems.

The only thing thats putting me off is that when it comes to DIY, I am a self confessed numptie and I dont want to screw things up more than they already are.

The latest problem, for those that are interested, is the car is having trouble starting, and splutters and coughs to life eventually. I have a feeling it might be the spark plugs... so this could be my first DIY job on my car, should I decide to attempt. Also the fanbelt still squeals (usually only when starting the car for the first time however, and especially when putting the alternator under load - i.e. with lights etc), my dad insists its tight enough, but with all due respect he isnt an expert on cars as far as i can tell

I take it that its not that hard to do, right?

So, anyway, if I was to attempt basic DIY on my car in future, what is it that should be regarded as "essential" tools to have?

A socket set I would say is DAMNED useful, and an interchangeable head screwdriver set, with Torx fittings.

It only gets worse from there though.

the jobs you are thinking of are dead easy.

it might be an idea to replace the HT leads(OE ones, not cheap alternatives!) and the dizzy cap etc while your changing the sparkplugs

Sorry for being dense, but whats a dizzy cap?

Do you mean distributor cap?

yeah sorry, me being lazy when typing.

my golf was running rough and had the odd misfire when damp but changing the above made the car run like a dream

did u get that fuel pump checked?

When changing plugs be careful not to strip the threads in the head :eek:

Not really nesding Torx on a MK2, you can basically take the car apart with 2 screwdrivers, a 13,15,17 and19mm spanners!!! But good to have just in case, If you have to do drive shafts you'll need spline drives to undo the bolts that hold the CV's into the gearbox cups!

But as Devon Says, A good quality Socket set and decent Spanners, decent screwdrivers too!

I can recommend the Halfords Professional range, easy to get hold of as there is a Halfords everywhere and they have a lifetime gaurentee, you bust it they replace it just like that

Just a word of advice if you do your sparkies and Dizzy, Leads! Do 1 at a time other wise it is very easy to get the order mixed up and the car dunt work!

Just a word of advice if you do your sparkies and Dizzy' date=' Leads! Do 1 at a time other wise it is very easy to get the order mixed up and the car dunt work![/quote']

forgot to add that bit in myself

13mm spanner, ratchet w/ sockets & a haynes manual are a good start...

Careful doing dizzy cap that the rotor arm goes back on the same way it came off.

As much as it greives me to say it - I too can vouch for Ch@vfords Pro tools, very nice kit.

Ah, the joys of owning a Mk2 Golf!

Been there, done that!

Dead easy to work on, for most things. Get yourself a Haynes manual, if you already haven't done so.

Draper are some of the best tools around I think, after Snap-on stuff. My socket set is the value one from their range, but feels good to the touch and has pretty much every socket I can imagine plus the odd useful gadhet for awkward ones, etc.

Oh, and it has a spark plug specific one too.

Thanks lads. Well I already knew about not doing more than one plug at a time... I read that elsewhere

I'll keep an eye out for the tools you recommend, and even though I've found an online Haynes manual for the Mk2 Golf i might just buy one anyway as it couldnt hurt to have a hard copy.

My mate says you need:

proper screwdriver set

Good set of pry-bars

A puller

A hammer & mallet

Set of punches and metal chisels

Set of files

Good set of spanners, mm

1/4" socket set (small ish one)

1/2" socket set for bigger bits

Torque wrench for above two (adaptor between 1/4" and 1/2" good)

Torque angle measuring guage (for those XXnm + 1/4 turns)

Lead light on croc clip (for those under car dark works)

Socket driven allen keys set (spline set / allen key set)

Grippy pliers (excellent)

Pipe wrench

Plumber's pliers

Side cutters

Surclip pliers (internal & external) - for removing pipework clamping bits

Slide hammer

Cordless drill

Scraper (takes blades)

Torx screwdrivers

Good trolley jack & axle stands

spark testers

Blow lamp

Power probe

Crimping set

Skeleton gun for application of P U Adhesive,etc

Magnetic pick up telescopic tool (good for dropped bolts, etc)

A lot of common sense to apply the above/

And all the above in a MAC metal toolbox on wheels.

(PS: not meant to be a pi55take the above, but just a little guide to how bad it can get - my mate has probably used most of the above on my car so far in its ongoing works)

Haven't you just pinched that from a haynes manual

Haven't you just pinched that from a haynes manual

Nope - just got my mate to dictate a list of what he'd recommend while I typed. Admittedly toward the end it was becoming a little tricky to think of more and more things.