James B

Tried on two occasions with 2 different sets of sparkplugs and my car will not run on em. Tried just now with a new set of NGK plugs and with all 4 in it just sounded like air sucking through then would just about fire up then run itself dead immediately and sounded terrible.

Tried changing plug by plug for all 4 and eventually eded up all 4 old plugs back in. Now runs but sounds like a tin full of nails rattling around.

It's a mk2 1.6 petrol engine. Old plugs are prob 2/3 years old but that's all the fussy cunt will run on, and now not very well.

Help please as I do 50+ miles a day in the sodding car.

Turbo Zetec

iTrader: (1)

I would suggest taking it to your local garage for their opinion, as spark plugs will probably not be the problem.

James B

It's been fine for the 2 years I've had it.

First attempt to change them was about a year ago and worked fine when I put old plugs back in.

But thought I'd try another brand new set different brand and they are awful aswell. Put old ones back in and it works but sounds bit tappity now.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

It should run on those plugs, however it's quite well known that Zetec's do not like NGK plugs, as said though it may be something else causing it such as bad coil pack etc.

Martin

Farmer Giles

coil packs are a common failure on the focus zetec engine..

RSargie

Also crank case breather is prone to spliting, does the car idle ok?

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

I would be changing spark plug leads and coil pack.

James B

Yeah idles fine, smooth at about 900-1000 rpm I think it was.

Wondering if I need new HT leads as they're was firmly in and was tough to get off perhaps I've damaged one in the process? But then wouldn't it make idle rough n lumpy?

Car runs as it did before I attempted to change them again but now quite tappity sounding

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

as said the coil packs can be to blame, i had one crack on the side, so off to motor factors and replaced it for Ł15.
leads can be to blame, sorted for Ł20-30.
plugs are unlikely unless the gapping is well out.

James B

Ok will replace them tomorrow now. Will it be ok to drive still, feels fine just sounds different

bigjohn0

I have run a 1.6 for 8 months now and its had 2 services in that time using ngk plugs and never had a problem with them. They do suffer with coil pack problems and leads shorting out so its most likley down to either one of them.

ford prostyle

it may be a cam or crank shaft sensor or coil maybe a throttle if it don't run of a cable had it on a fiesta mk6 on a 1.4 and it come out to be the throttle but the thing was had to find the right number to match up the old one unless u got plug leads running crap current let me no if u find out what it is

James B

Sorry but none of that made any sense to me.

ford prostyle

Get the coil pack leads checked out or change them or best way find a family member or a friend that has the same car and swap around the leads and try if it works like that or the coil pack if its one of them change that but I for got to ask have you got any dashboard lights flashing or on ??? If there is it will cost you about Ł40 to Ł60 to find the fault from a garage. but if its got to do with the sparking it won't tell you if it the coil leads or the coil pack it's self but I think it many be coil but get a 2nd hand coil leads from a ford scrap yard for a Ł5 and try that first and see how it goes to save you on money and time . I hope you understand this lol.

James B

Ohh I see that made more sense lol sorry.

No dash lights on. Gonna get a coil n leads tomorrow

James B

What plugs are worth getting then mate? Tried Bosch and NGK, both fruitless endeavours!

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

I always use standard Ford, and I extend that ethos onto other parts that the OE would have fitted.

Martin

James B

I replaced the coil n ht leads, also fitted the Bosch plugs that it refused before and worked perfect. Fussy bastard!

Plugs 1-3 was normal dusty grey white but plug 4 looked like it had chimney soot on it

Engine oil was on minimum so topped that up, but still sounds more tappity then I remember. Runs lovely tho.

Having the Cambelt done as per another thread, on Saturday.