Engine Cover

[aledbeswick]

I went to change my spark plugs today thinking this would be a 15 minute job... I failed miserably!
I was pulling on the engine cover as hard as I could for at least half an hour and couldn't get it off (arrg!) - does anyone have any magic tips before I take it to a garage?

[Nodz]

Here's a link to how I do it

http://www.golfmkv.net/blog/archives/16

[RedRobin]

.
The stock engine cover is a nightmare! Even with the right technique it doesn't inspire confidence and there are many cases of breakages even if minor. I don't think Volkswagen/VAG wanted anyone to ever take the engine cover on and off, except perhaps a dealer with the trained know-how.

I have modified an Evoms cover for mine. The original Evoms design is bad too - You would have to undo pipework to thread it through!



http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,11702.0.html

[Nodz]

Totally agree Robin, first time I tried to take mine off I didn't read how to do it and pulled from where the oil cap is a cracked it from the top to the hole where the oil cap sits but got a new one now.

[56OctyVRS]

Each time I remove the engine cover I spray some silicone spray on the rubber grommets so the cover comes off easily next time

[aledbeswick]

I does seem like they didn't want it to come off, the mk4 cover was just a couple of plastic bolts, I don't quite know why they changed it.

Do you think it would help if I sprayed some WD40 or spray grease on the front left rubber grommet?

That is a nice cover Robin, shame its all hidden away!

[RedRobin]

That is a nice cover Robin, shame its all hidden away!

....Thanks, Aled 

Hidden but gives me pleasure whenever I open my bonnet for maintenance and occasionally enthusiasts ask to see what's under the bonnet. Any excuse for me to pose!

In answer to your question, I don't know the difference between silicone spray and spray grease but isn't WD40 a bit too thin and a grease better?

[56OctyVRS]

Ive never had any problems with silicone spray, always removes easily with it. Ive never used grease as it melts when the engine is hot and runs down. The spray does not.

[RedRobin]

Ive never had any problems with silicone spray, always removes easily with it. Ive never used grease as it melts when the engine is hot and runs down. The spray does not.

....That's good to know  Then silicone spray is the one.

[Saintsteve]

.
The stock engine cover is a nightmare! Even with the right technique it doesn't inspire confidence and there are many cases of breakages even if minor. I don't think Volkswagen/VAG wanted anyone to ever take the engine cover on and off, except perhaps a dealer with the trained know-how.

I have modified an Evoms cover for mine. The original Evoms design is bad too - You would have to undo pipework to thread it through!

Or a stock one modified to fit ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/6944304689/

[RedRobin]

^^^^
That's nice! Is that yours, Steve? - I'll have to see it in the flesh next time we meet 

[bacillus]

Do you think it would help if I sprayed some WD40 or spray grease on the front left rubber grommet?

I wouldn't recommend doing that...

[Saintsteve]

^^^^
That's nice! Is that yours, Steve? - I'll have to see it in the flesh next time we meet 

Yes it is Robin...I tooo have a matching spec to yours...except brakes of course 

[vRS_Pagey]

Robin, I love the OE engine centre section in carbon, is it a custom jobbie?

[RedRobin]

Robin, I love the OE engine centre section in carbon, is it a custom jobbie?

....Yes. Thanks for the compliment. All about it here:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,11702.45.html < Reply #52