Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

[coolfart]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Why don't you print this thread out & take it into them?

then ask them to show you how they accessed the bottom 3 plugs as there will be a lot of people who own smarts that are interested in how to do this (without breaking anything!)

See what they say, and put the results on here!

[tigershoot]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Holes behind the numberplate at the rear would successfully allow you to access your boot, you're 2' too high and above the engine cover for any plugs....

IMHO there is no way of removing the leads or plugs from the top without damaging the leads, but I will try on Saturday!

This is a cabrio. Would it make any difference?

[Fudge]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

This is a cabrio. Would it make any difference?

NO.....

Look at where the number plate is......

Look at where you put your shopping.......

Look at where the Engine is......

























Is it me, or is it really hard work on here at the mo?

[coolfart]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

This is a cabrio. Would it make any difference?

NOPE!!....The plate still leads to boot!!!

Only applies on a roadie...and that has to be modded first for access!

[coolfart]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Fudgey...hard work is what you are supposed to be doing to earn money.....this is for fun!!!
:newbie:

[tigershoot]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

NOPE!!....The plate still leads to boot!!!

Only applies on a roadie...and that has to be modded first for access!

I know I know. What I meant is (I have only ever owned a cabrio) is that would there be any difference with changing plugs on a cabrio as opposed to the non-cabrio design. I fitted the plates myself so I know that there is the boot on the other side :-)

[Fudge]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Sorry.....

No, The Same!

[tigershoot]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

http://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?id=519

Looks like I've been conned then. From what I can see it would be impossible to change these lower plugs from the top. Someone above in the post said it could be done but I would love to see a demo of such a procedure! I was waiting for them to take the back off, and then when they said "that's it - all done" that's when I queried the plugs and he said he did them from the top. Sadly, the guys have a good reputation round here and are praised for their honesty.

[2minits]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

anyone who claims to be able to change the plugs without removing the back panel is either a genius or a lying to$$er......from the bottom the turbo is in the way and from the top the top of the engine is in the way, the problem wouldn't be getting the plugs out it would be removing the plug leads as the tool needs abit of a twist to get it to locate............

mentioning no names but we have rebuilt some cars that have been serviced by 'mates' and have had different plugs top and bottom............

if someone can prove me wrong please do as it would make my life alot simpler......

[10:45PM]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

. I asked 'how many spark plugs does it have?' and they both replied immediately 'six'.

Looks like I've been conned then

What I'd do first is prove without a shadow of a doubt that the lower plugs haven't been changed - by visual inspection. then go back and ask again 'how many plugs did you say this smart has?'

when they say six like they did the first time, chuck it back in their faces with 'so why have you only changed 3 of them'!!

If the receipt had said six , then you could have also had the choice to go to trading standards, but it doesn't from what you said.

It's not a nice feeling when you can't trust them though

[tigershoot]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

An update:
I checked the top spark plugs and I could see undisturbed dust around the HT leads. I got another garage to pull the plug and out and needless to say it was rusty and hardly 7 days old. So much for the possibility of only having the top ones changed!

I contacted the garage who have now replaced all six. So the service is finally complete.

[coolfart]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

So they had charged you for plugs....and not replaced ANY????.....Shocking....sounds like a case for trading standards to me??

[wemorgan]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Name and shame so others don't suffer the same poor service.

[tigershoot]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

Hi

If this were in the UK don't worry, Trading Standards would be involved. I am in Spain - this place is the wild west! I was killing time while they did the spark plugs and the local English paper even has an advert from a forger! Blatant - he will fake payslips, P60s etc.!!! Many of the businesses here know that the fuss of complaining (and hiring a translator etc. ) is just such a fuss that the customer won't bother.

One good thing about Spain though is that the Mercedes garage (not the place that did the plugs) hourly rate is €52 per hour (about £47). Tomorrow the Smart is booked in for its Cabrio Roof fix. I got the part in the UK as the parts are cheaper there then here. Hopefully all will go well.

[10:45PM]

Re: Spark plug change on 599cc petrol

There was something in the newspaper last weekend in the Honest John columns about spanish owners 'buying' UK mot's, Can't remember the details