Spark Plugs - Champion any good??? DIY service advice.

[mightymidget 0]

Hi all, great forum. Lots of useful info and help. Just got my VR6 Hi-Line and love it. These cars are soooo addictive.

Looking to do a mini service, been getting all the bits ready for this weekend (if the weathers ok!!). VW have everything I need at pretty good prices. That is except the sparkplugs. 60 notes for six NGK plugs seems a little steep.

Like all good DIY'ers I took a look on Ebay and found some compatible Champions at 27.00 for all six!! (part no. RC10PYP4) . Anyone else using these?? I'm a little worried that the quality might not be up to scratch. My car is totally standard so I'm not looking for anything performance gains.

Also I'm intending on doing the pollen filter for the A/C. Be greatful for some advice on this as I've never had a car with A/C before. Is this an easy filter to change?

I asked VW for a fuel filter and even though they've got one in stock, the parts guy told me that they never change these?? Surely that cant be right? Yet again be grateful for some advice. Is this a pain to do and best left alone? I know on some manufactures you have to re-prime the fuel pump after.

Finally my last question, when changing the coolant do I have to use the VW stuff, you know the G11/12 stuff?? or can I just mix and use the normal 50/50 antifreeze from halfords. G11/12 works out at about 6 quid for 1.5 ltrs, When VR6's are so prone to water leaks I'd be tempted to install a permanent drip tray to recycle it :-p Also Is there any bleed valves I need to know about to get the air out of the head, matrix etc or is it just a matter of fill her up, run for 10mins and refill to level. In my old Xantia the haynes manual suggests building a make shift header tank extension to get the level about 6inches higher until the thermostat opens and sucks the fluid through, what a nightmare that used to be.

Hope someone can help, Cheers Andy.

[SiGainey 1]

RE plugs - the std ones are platinum so last 60k miles, cheaper ones dont last as long...

RE pollen filter - very easy to change - just pop off the lower windscreen plastic and replace - 15 mins easy

RE Fuel filter - bit of an arse to do but easy - they are meant to be lifetime but I got one from halfords for 7 quid and it changed how the car drove for the better

RE Coolant - use genuine stuff - it's not worth the risk as a new heater matrix is a significant PITA to do lol! Refilling is easy, just fill the header tank, run it up to temp filling via the tank as you go, then put on the cap and drive for a bit and let it cool / refil as usual.