My 1.4TSI Octavia has done 45000 and according to the service schedule needs new spark plugs.

 

My local garage reports they cannot separate the coil packs from the old plugs without damage so if I want to change the plugs I will need new coil packs too.

 

Do the plugs need changing and is it right that the coil packs stick to the plugs?

 

How old is the car? If it has full service history I would contact Skoda customer services and ask them to contribute to the extra cost of new coil packs.

 

Its not normal for this to happen, I guess water has got in a rusted the coil packs to the spark plugs, some reference to this here:

 

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4072987-How-do-you-remove-half-a-coil-pack

 

Spark plugs are listed on the service schedule as change if required every 2 years 24k miles, so every major service.

 

It would probably be ok for another year or so, or until you got starting problems or misfires, depends how long you plan to keep the car I guess.

 

 

 

 

The coils end up stuck on the plugs though a vacuum created by the expanding and contracting of the silicone tube that fits over the plug (would you believe!).

 

they are fitted dry from the factory so they don't simply slip off.

 

even with a puller tool they still take some force. 

 

 

Hi, thanks for the replies.

The local garage says it is a common problem and that the 'plastic' has stuck to the plugs making it likely to damage the seal if force were used. 

The car is 3.5 years old but the plugs were not changed at 24k / 2 years on the advice of the Škoda dealer as being 'not necessary for long-life plugs and your service plan'.

I'm now left wondering whether to leave well alone and try another garage next year or look for someone sooner who is adept at doing this job.

I understand a new set of coils is nigh on £200 plus fitting which is a very high price to pay for replacing 4 plugs.    

The car otherwise runs fine.