my 1800cc zetec is only running on 3 cilinders i have checked that spark plugs and the leads and they are both sparking

anyone have any idea - i really miss driving my car

 

An igniton fault is unlikely to cause a ZETEC to run on 3 cylinders, its 4, 2 or none.

Use an LED tester or NOID light to check for injector switching. What oil are you using, if it is not the proper 5/30 valve problems are common.

 

i thought that 15/30 was the one to use. its definet;ly only the oone cilinder as i checked all the others and they seeem fine, ithought it may be a bent valvebut i am more yjan likely to be wrong

 

check compression on the cylinder thats missing and go from there!

 

If a valve problem it will just be sticking, if you have been using 15/30 then that is now a prime suspect.

 

check it aint the spark plugs just had my car fixed as that was missing and it had a cracked spark plug and broken maf!

 

I did check the plugs but i will check again,



Compression test will be later on tonight - haynes manual out again

If it is a sticking valve i do i solve it? - is it head off and new valve or???

 

15w30 in a zetec. Oh dear

should be 5w30 and nothing else

 

What about the coil? had that problem with my rs2000 and a coil had gone.

 

A coil would affect two cylinders not just one. Could be the injector wiring is faulty but the oil needs changing first.

You should be able to diagnose a valve sticking that badly by doing a compression test.