My car (1993 Polo, 1043spi [AAU]) had Bosch W7DTC spark plugs fitted a couple of years back (or 12000 miles ago). However, I?ve read from a variety of sources, that the plug of choice should be W8DTCs. Is there any advantage in changing them to the slightly hotter W8s or will it be ok to continue running on W7s?
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If you're doing low miles a 'hotter' spark plug should be ok, but i think there is a bigger risk of over heating during longer runs & higher revs surely?
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Its not what you drive, its how you drive it! :-)
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If you're doing low miles a 'hotter' spark plug should be ok, but i think there is a bigger risk of over heating during longer runs & higher revs surely?
A hotter plug will not make the engine run hotter.The electrodes get hotter and burn off deposits of oil.Useful for troublesome 2-strokes or any engine with fouling problems.
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According to my January 2006 catalogue you should be using, as per Bosch's latest recommendation: WR8DC+ (or Motaquip VSPY3) for all Polo's AAU Eng Code from 10/90-9/94.
HTH
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Was Charles {P} but someone c o p i e d my name with spaces.
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Thanks for the replies people.
Its just I?ve read on Eurocarparts.co.uk, gsfcarparts.com, in the VAG service department handbooks and the cars own manual that W8DTC can/should be fitted, but the car is seemingly running OK on the current plugs.
What made me find this was, on EBay, there is a set of genuine VAG W8DTC plugs for £3. I checked the price I paid at the last service, to see what kind of bargain I was getting. It was then I realised W7s had been fitted.
The current plugs seem ok, they're lightly covered with grey deposits, getting browny-grey towards the tip so I don't think there's any form of fouling or running issue.
I think I?ll buy them anyway, because they're such a good deal and you people seem to suggest that these plugs are ok/recommended.
Its just I couldn't see the point in stressing the need to use W8s for 1.05 and 1.3 spi's (91-94) when every other Polo needed cooler ones. What is the likely benefit in using the 7s over the 8s?
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"What is the likely benefit in using the 7s over the 8s?"
= Being able to drive down autobahns at wide open throttle for long periods of time, such as could be done in those days.
Basically European manufacturers who were concerned with engine reliability in the German market had to cater for such use, and fitted a grade of plug which would withstand such conditions. the downside was some delivery cycle fouling which was resolved by a simple change of plugs at the selling dealer. Much cheaper than an engine change....
I think you will be fine with the 8 grade, but bearing in mind your source, I would check them very carefully for any sign of being dropped.
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