Sooty Plugs

[benross]

Hi all.
I recently serviced my scirocco GT (1.6 carb- pierburg 2e2 so same as mk1&2 golf?) to find the old plugs to be really sooty.
I belive this meand the fuel:air mixture is too rich. Is this correct?

If not could anybody tell me what it is? If i am right can anybody tell me how i can alter the mix so it is running correctly?

Any help as always will be appreciated. Also, will this help my fuel economy because at the moment it is terrible- a lot worse than my mk2 8v GTI!

Thanks guys

[ronnie'C']

The plugs will get dirty, just depends when you last serviced you motor. If you have a haynes then it should be in either the front or back of it to say what sooty plugs mean and it will also tell you how to adjust your fuel/air mixture.

[richandhazel]

Sooty plugs are a sure sign that you are running rich and yes that will be detrimental to your economy.

The pierburgs do wear out as they get older and there is no doubt that a tune up is necessary. You need to lean the mixture off (one of the adjustment screws on the carb.........a Haynes manual will tell you which), but to do it properly you will need a CO meter. You may get away with a Gunsons colourtune but IMO they are a bit his and miss.

What were the CO levels like at its last MOT?

[Neaty]

I too have just changed the plugs on my scirocco GT (1800) with very sutty plugs, and it was overfueling quite badly to be honest!! prob need carb setting up properly, which i hope to do very soon!!

[benross]

RichandHazel:

Firstly, thanks for the reply. I know my car is a 1986 but it only has 48k genuine mileage with FSH. Do you still reckon i need a full tune up? If yes any idea how much it would be, im guessing i should get it done by a vw specialist who knows the cars?
To adjust the mixture is it a setting on the carb or is it under a plastic cap on the air box?

Im not sure what the CO levels were but i will check.

Thanks again for your help.

[richandhazel]

I have the Haynes Peirburg manual at home so when I get back home (Friday), I'll scan in some info for you if you like.
The mixture adjustment screw is on the carb itself.
Incidently, how's your air filter? If that's partially blocked that will restrict the airflow and give you a richer mixture.

[benross]

Hi,

The air filter is new- the old one was cleanish when i replaced it too so i dont think it'l be that.

I have a Haynes so i will have a look too and see if i can say anything. I asked about the adjustment screw on the airbox because ive put the same post in a different section too and someone mentioned this.

Cheers for the help