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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: drdwb on January 31, 2026, 08:28:22 PM
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I decided to save $300.00 by changing the spark plugs in our 2018 VW Tiguan with 2.01 4 cylinder, the plugs for this were $28.00 each, yes that’s correct.
Pretty simple task, but the passenger side cylinder spark plug boot was stuck solid, and as careful as I was disintegrated and came out in pieces as soon as I removed the coil, spark plug cap, They are about 3 1/2 “ long (Audi uses same and I think possibly Volvo ) about $10.oo to replace, and available local.
The spark plug was rusted in place, but came out without breaking, but I noticed that the plug came out without the compression ring, I can not see it with a bore o scope, and can not feel it with any tool or bent wire I put in. The other 3 plugs came out clean with rings attached, which makes me wonder it the rusted one had a ring on it, this is the first plug change with about 90,000 miles on it, by the way this plug was the dirtiest, the others looked like they could be cleaned and put back in.
Here’s the question to all the talented mechanics out there.
Do I put the new plug in with the compression ring on, Or do I take the compression ring off the new plug and assume the old one is there and just rusted. With the camera I can’t see much if any difference on the surface other than the rust.
I’m afraid that if I get in there with some kind of tool to scrape the surface I’ll end up knocking all the crap into the cylinder.
If the original ring is there will it screw up engine performance? I’m open for any and all suggestions including I’m making a mountain out of a molehill.
Thanks for any and all constructive suggestions.
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I'd use the new ring with the plug.
My thinking is either the original didn't have one (unlikely) or the old one is, for all intents and purposes, now part of the cylinder head and it was in fact sealed, so you want to create a new seal with the new plug.