Tune Up

Long time no post. I hope everyone is doing well. I have been checking in from time to time but my family is expanding(we are adopting a baby this summer) so I've been pretty busy. I had a quick question though. My car (1978 IM) doesn't seem to have the power it normally does so I figured I start with the basics and try changing the plugs. Do I have to remove the carberators to gain acces to the plugs at the back of the engine. I tried to get at them but it seems pretty difficult. As always any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Chris

No,you do not have to move the carbs. Plugs #2,4 are easy to get to,plugs #1,3 are the hard ones.
Also make sure you replace points-condenser,check timing,check plug wires, spark plug gap, do an oil change,valve adjustment.
After you finish with everything you should be good to go.

Ditto what Lambros said plus I would add change the distributor cap. They're cheap and it's easy to do. If you don't know how to do these things, purchase John Muir's book, "How to Keep your Volkswagen Alive." This is money well spent and will help you make a giant leap towards understanding your ride. It's a good read too.
Hoss

Chris -

Depending on how well you can contort your elbow and wrist to reach the rear spark-plugs, you may need a swivel on the ratchet/socket you're using.

The only other advise I might add is to be sure the plug-socket you're using has a rubber insert that fits snugly over the spark-plug. You'd hate to finally loosen the plug and in the process of removing it, the plug falls out of the socket and into the space between the cylinder heads and cooling shroud. If you thought reaching the plug was hard, you don't EVEN want to think about the maddening process of retrieving one that has fallen into this predicament!

Give yourself lots of time for your first tune-up attempt. Once completed and the car is purring, you'll feel really good about your accomplishment!

Peace - Out!

My bud Jim said: "You'd hate to finally loosen the plug and in the process of removing it, the plug falls out of the socket and into the space between the cylinder heads and cooling shroud. If you thought reaching the plug was hard, you don't EVEN want to think about the maddening process of retrieving one that has fallen into this predicament!"

Would this perhaps be the voice of experience speaking???
Hoss
;-)

On the little drag car, we cut four two in holes in the side bulkhead and grabbed up four flat rubber discs to plug the with. Changing the plugs with the twin carbs is a snap now, just go in through the wheel wells.

Might be a decent trick for you if you're gonna make a habit of doin' your own tune-ups.

Your reach also depends on the size of your tools (no pun intended). For VW work try to get smaller ratchet sets; that, a couple of small hands and a little contortionism and you'll be good to go.

Hoss - Roger that!

That was when I was 'young & dumb' - now I'm 'older & dumber'!!

Thansk for all the input. I had a 67' Ghia and that wasn't too bad(regarding the plugs). I will be attemptong it this weekend so I'll let you know how it goes.

Ricardo - "... your reach also depends on the size of your tools"

you might have really meant to say "...your reach also depends on the size of your tools. So while you might not reach the bottom, you could certainly F/U the sides!"