In a message dated 9/27/04 1:25:14 PM, amanda@LAKEEFFECTDOGS.COM writes:

<< Question:  the original 1.9 was replaced with a 2.1; does that change the
plug I'm looking for? >>

Amanda,

VW specifies Bosch W7CCO spark plugs for a 2.1L Vanagon.  It has been years
since I had a 1.9L van, but the Bosch spark plug specified for it was a W7CO
which I believe was superseded by the W7CCO.  Although the W7CC has the same
thread, reach and heat range as the W7CCO, it is not the plug specified by VW.
The "O" suffix designates that there is some deviation in the basic form of the
plug.  In this case I believe it indicates more robust electrodes.

The W7CC is a little cheaper, but not enough to matter; my local parts guy
sells the W7CC's for $1.25 each whereas the correct W7CCO's cost $1.85 each.

From my experience, I would not use the platinum plugs.  Whenever platinum
plugs were the newest rage I started using them in every thing I owned with
wheels on it.  The only two spark plug failures I ever had were with platinum
plugs.  Call me superstitious, but I went back to spark plugs originally specified
by the manufacturers.

You mentioned that the plugs in your van might be the original ones and that
you were having difficulty removing them.  Tread carefully here for if it has
been a long time since the plugs were removed, corrosion and carbon might be
built up on the threads, especially the start (i.e., starting thread), causing
the plug to become thread bound as it is withdrawn.  Ignoring any undue
resistance as a plug is withdrawn could result in a stripped spark plug hole.  Use
plenty of penetrant and should you encounter resistance, STOP and thread it in
again.  Work it out incrementally threading it in each time resistance is felt
and flushing the thread with penetrant (kerosene might be even better) until
it is free.

George