Any help would be welcome ...

My car has a splutter when cold for the first min or so and a cheap thing to change before the garage start investigating is some new plugs but I'm not sure what to buy. Any help welcome.

Car is a 2002 Octavia 4x4. The start of the chassis no (taken from windscreen) is TMBKL21U02.

I've seen some sites which ask for an engine code and quote 3 digits, would mine be U02?

Is there anything else obvious you'd check for the splutter. The car is jumpy and feels as though it's going to stall, but doesn't. Had a new fuel filter fitted a few months ago and last serviced in Dec.

Thanks

Is it a 1.8t? If so, this seems quite a common problem. Mine is a dog for the first minute or so (sometimes, other times it's ok). I don't have any fault codes and as far as I can tell, no boost leaks. Car is serviced every 5k miles and plugs are changed every 15,000 or so - it makes no difference.

The plugs I use in my VRS are NGK PFR6Q, which are identical (minus the VAG logo's) to the standard parts. I would imagine they're the same in the 150bhp, possibly with a different gap.

Yeah, the 1.8t.

Same as you - rough as a dog for maybe 500 meters. dealer can find no faults.

I'll try the plugs and if it's better let you know.

Thanks

Same here.

Start engine and wait for the revs to drop (some pump Stops) then set off.

Check out "Oilman" on this site. Denso plugs are the dogs, just replace them & the plug problem will be solved.

Sounds like coil-packs to me ,,,,,,, lodsa squids ,,,,,, had mine changed twice! :eek:

It's a VAG problem that we all are paying for. VAG

I also use denso iridium plugs, supplied by oilman (opie oils).

My vrs is running IK20's gapped @ 0.8mm, and has no misfires etc (touch wood).

bill.

The code for the 1.8T engine in the 4X4 is ARX. I use the original equipment NGK PFR6Q Longlife spark plugs in my remapped 4X4.

The code for the 1.8T engine in the 4X4 is ARX. I use the original equipment NGK PFR6Q Longlife spark plugs in my remapped 4X4.

Just a thought mate ,,,,, why use original equipment with a remap :confused:

Seems daft to me!

Same here.

Start engine and wait for the revs to drop (some pump Stops) then set off.

The pump noise will be the secondary air pump.This supplies more air to warm the cat up quicker from cold start.Could your problems be from this?

Make sure the pipe from the secondary air pump is still connected to the air box they are a real bad connector:thumbdwn:

Just a thought mate ,,,,, why use original equipment with a remap :confused:

Seems daft to me!

Jabbasport considered them to be suitable and I have had no problems with them, so why change? Likewise everything else on the engine is standard apart from the DV. I opted to fit a Bailey since it is of more robust construction than the original plastic one which is prone to splitting of the diaphragm.

Jabbasport considered them to be suitable and I have had no problems with them, so why change? Likewise everything else on the engine is standard apart from the DV. I opted to fit a Bailey since it is of more robust construction than the original plastic one which is prone to splitting of the diaphragm.

Same here; remapped with lots done to it and standard plugs - no problems whatsoever.

IMO you only change from standard parts when there is a specific problem with it.

Lee

If you're wanting to change plugs to see what happens, try NGK BKR7E - they are a standard copper core equivalent plug but one heat range colder. They will work at least as well as expensive platinum/iridium parts, and in some conditions better, as the copper core allows heat to dissipate faster from the hot plugtip region. They just don't last as long which is why they aren't used as OE. They cost almost nothing (£2 ea), so just change them every 6-8K and get the benefit of newer plugs for longer in their life cycle.

Many won't agree with this philsophy no doubt, but I make no apologies, just offering the benefit of experience

I read somewhere on here that someone in poland I think had a heavily modded 1.8t 4x4 and 1 interesting mod was a bmw coil pack as he felt the spark was weak, maybe worth a thought if modifications include timing alterations for high octane. I can't remember exactly which bmw but 35i rings a bell?

Check with main dealer to see if your car has had the coil pack recall done if not you will get 4 new coil packs fitted for free buy the main dealer ,i had my old vrs done two years ago at least it would be piece of mind to know its been done, they wont replace non genuine though .the ngk PFR6Q plugs are used in the 225bhp audi tt and s3 so no issues in any 1.8t just a bit pricey.

Holy thread revival! Nearly 7 years must be a record?