Hi, Mk3 Servicing tips please.

[mk3valver]

Hi, Im a new mk3 gti 16v owner which is in need of a service and a tune up. To keep cost's down I'm going to try and do the service myself as I dont think it's running as well as it should. Can anyone please help or offer any advice as to what I should do as I'm on a budget at the moment. PS I'm not the most mechanicly minded person so a "dummies guide" is needed.

Thank's, Matt

[hyland770]

haynes manual and your sorted! its a fairly easy engine to work on so as long as you know how to work a spanner you should be fine

[slicksps]

Just finished a major service myself as a complete beginner.

Haynes is the GOD of all 'for-dummys' type books Worth every penny!

[Guy]

haynes... but you can also pick up a few tips here...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=57.0

[mk3valver]

Thanks, I'm gonna list a few bits that I think I need if I miss anything out please let me know. Btw it needs a major service

Spark plugs x 4, I think there FR8DS Bosch but not 100% sure

H.T Leads not sure what make but i'm gonna have to for budget (any ideas welcome)

Oil filter (again ideas on make welcome)

Oil

It's got a gay no name cone filter on it I want to get the original box (if any one knows of 1 for a 16v I'm interested!) so therefore dont need airfilter atm.

What about a dizzy cap and rotary arm are they needed?

And that's all I can think of, any help more than welcome, thanks, Matt

[Guy]

Thanks, I'm gonna list a few bits that I think I need if I miss anything out please let me know. Btw it needs a major service

Spark plugs x 4, I think there FR8DS Bosch but not 100% sure

H.T Leads not sure what make but i'm gonna have to for budget (any ideas welcome)

Oil filter (again ideas on make welcome)

Oil

It's got a gay no name cone filter on it I want to get the original box (if any one knows of 1 for a 16v I'm interested!) so therefore dont need airfilter atm.

What about a dizzy cap and rotary arm are they needed?

And that's all I can think of, any help more than welcome, thanks, Matt

have a look in the 'for sale' section as people are always breaking their cars... could probably pick up an airbox in there

get a dizzy cap the same time as the HT leads

[slicksps]

Also need pollen filter, 
possibly transmission fluid but check first,
same goes for all belts
and again for brake pads and shoes
Think about renewing coolant and brake fluid. (Says every two years rather than by mileage but worth doing if not yet changed)

Finally, a bit of all-purpose oil for door locks, handles, bonnet and boot releases and hinges

[Andy!]

Mk3 service = one gallon of petrol and a match.


Seriously tho, as already said, its worth doing the plugs,leads,cap and rotor arm at the same time. Unless the rears are f**ked only do front brakes. Oil and oil filter are easy and definitely check/change gearbox oil.

[mk3valver]

Lol, not getting involved in the whole which mk wars I'm a big fan of all Gti's!
I'm looking at them moment for cheap but named parts like I said I'm on a budget so trying to keep the costs down! Is there anything I can do to diy tune it at all or is that just wishfull thinking? Thank's again for your reply's, Matt

[Andy!]

Two good tips: ask this question in the mk3 section; see what Len has to say as I'm told his barge is quick.