Basic Service Tips
Here is a list of suggestions that I have come up with over the time since I have gotten my Scirocco. I am definitely NOT a mechanic, but I do enjoy trying things on my own and having a challenge. These are all maintenance items which I have done on my 16v that have proven to be successful and worthwhile. I figure that I am going to have my rocco for a long while, so I might as well do all of this right the first time!
** I suggest having a Bentley manual for reference...these
are very good quality service manuals!
Basic Service 101
The first thing that I did once I got my Scirocco 16v
was to inspect the coolant hoses, belts, and the ignition components.
I replaced all the belts due to signs of wear and replaced the coolant
hoses that showed signs of age. I replaced the fuel filter with a
Bosch filter and replaced the standard air filter with a K&N air filter.
Next, I looked into the ignition system and took care of replacing the
distributor cap and rotor with Bosch parts. I also put in new OEM
spark plug wires (which aren’t too cheap for the 16v…) along with new Bosch
3-electrode(copper) spark plugs. Most of these items did not cost
too much and will definitely help the overall performance and reliability
of the car.
Timing Belt
If you have not replaced the timing belt in you
16v, or don’t know when it was last done….DO IT NOW! When I got my
Scirocco, I had no idea how crucial this belt was to the life of the engine.
If the belt happens to break at any time while the engine is running…big
problem! The timing belt keeps the camshafts in sync with the crank/pistons.
If the belt breaks the camshafts stop turning, but the crank/pistons keep
moving...end result? Bent valves!!
I was told that I should replace the timing belt
and the tensioner every 40,000-50,000 miles…VW says that this belt should
be replaced every 60,000 miles. I, personally, would rather pay a
bit extra to replace it sooner than recommended and have the added safety
than have it possibly break and cost me a rebuilt cylinderhead!
Engine Mounts (motor mounts)
There are four engine mounts which support the engine/transmission
in the Scirocco. These mounts are very important in keeping the engine
stable and held in its place. When the mounts get old they flex more
and allow the engine to rock back and forth, which can lead to a cracked
exhaust downpipe and other problems. If your steering wheel shakes
while sitting at idle, you know that it's time for new mounts.
I would recommend replacing the driver-side transaxle
mount, the passenger-side mount, and the rear transaxle mount with OEM
rubber mounts, while replacing the front mount with a hard rubber mount
from Techtonics Tuning. The hard front mount will further help control
the engine "rocking." Make sure to periodically examine the mounts
to check for any deteriorating or cracking, especially the front mount.
Wiring and Grounding Upgrade
I decided to replace all of the major wiring
on my 16v with heavier guage cable in order to reduce resistance and improve
current travel. This upgrade has resulted in better starting and
a better voltage reading, so I know that I didn’t do all this work for
nothing! Here is a list of the cables that I replaced along with
the cable size:
a.) Negative battery terminal --- to --- Chassis frame (
4 gauge )
This cable replaced the factory ground cable.
b.) Negative battery terminal --- to --- Alternator housing
( 4 gauge )
I ran this cable to the lower alternator mounting bracket bolt.
c.) Positive battery terminal --- to --- Starter positive terminal
( 4 gauge )
This cable replaced the factory cable to the starter.
d.) Starter positive terminal --- to --- Alternator positive terminal
( 4 gauge )
This cable replaced the factory cable.
Shift Linkage
My Scirocco is 14 years old and has been driven
over 120,000 miles. That equals a very large number of shifts that
have taken place over the years. The shift linkage bushings wears
and gets loose over time and can make shifting difficult and even impossible.
The Scirocco has a mechanical linkage that consists of levers, shift rods,
and joints that all have bushings that wear out. For about $10 you
can purchase a set of shift linkage bushings that will GREATLY improve
the shifting. You can also replace the two connecting shift rods
with the plastic ends (one is 6 in. and the other is about 4 in. long).
The Bentley manual shows a good diagram of the linkage assembly.
This job can be done fairly easily in about an hour and will give very
noticeable results in shifting.