Spark plugs, Warning for everyone

mitch_lx · 07-03-2006, 03:09 PM

Hey everyone,

I just did an oil and oil filter change, and as part of the routine check i decided to have a look at the spark plugs.

Bloody hell.... not only were they all rusted but when i actually removed them they had a massive build up of black $hit, and the ceramic was all burnt to a crisp.

My brother is visiting ATM (hes a mechanic) and he said he would not let a car leave his workshop with spark plugs in that condition, he was concerned that it was abnormally burnt and was worried some of the ceramic might break off inside the engine.

Anyway my first thought was my car only has 19 thousand kms on it, ill ring ford and see what they suggest.. Service manager said it would cost me a FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS AT LEAST, for new spark plugs.....what a :ymca: he was..

I rung the ford spare parts dept and they quoted me only 4.60 for each spark plug. if i had gone through the service dept that would of been a profit of over $286 for them.

:

No point buying the cheap jobbies from ford so i rung around and got a price on Denso long life platinum plugs, $16.4 each. They are available specifically for the fiesta with the correct spark gap. Id suggest you all go out and check your plugs right away.

The difference in engine smoothness is remarkable between original $4.60 spark plugs and the denso platinums. Dont want to sound like a toss bag but its got more oomff

Scareybear · 07-03-2006, 03:49 PM

Cool, thanks, will check mine this weekend.

Danny · 07-03-2006, 05:02 PM

Maybe thats whats causing the general ИИИИtiness my car experiences from time to time....

mitch_lx · 08-03-2006, 01:48 PM

i cant believe the lack of interest of such an important part of your car... if it aint sparkin right it aint workin right.

Go out and check them !

08-03-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch_lx

i cant believe the lack of interest of such an important part of your car... if it aint sparkin right it aint workin right.

Go out and check them !

What petrol were you using?

MISTA FIESTA · 08-03-2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch_lx

i cant believe the lack of interest of such an important part of your car... if it aint sparkin right it aint workin right.

Go out and check them !

Oh sorry mumsey. Ill get right on it.

mitch_lx · 08-03-2006, 06:21 PM

From the day i bought it the car has only ever sipped on either Shell Optimax or BP ultimate. Nothing but 98.

Also ive changed the oil (Shell Helix ultra) and oil filter (genuine FoMoCo item) 6 times now. Just part of my routine maintenance for the car. With only 19thousand kms on the car im Shocked that the spark plugs were so shagged, they were NOT long life plugs but still... one would expect more than 19 thousand kms.

MISTA FIESTA · 11-03-2006, 11:33 AM

Well i think the pixs speak for themselves, but very disappointed in the condition they are in. Im not too sure if they are worse than mitch's but i think for a 1yr 2month old car 24202kms , they shouldnt look like this. So for now the car isnt going anywhere until i can get some new ones in.

11-03-2006, 11:46 AM

OMG did you get them plugs out of an old XY 69 model ford, thats a discrace ,I was under the impression you owned a Fiesta :eclipsee_

where has the water come from to cause that rust?

joshf2 · 11-03-2006, 11:50 AM

the washer jets on the bonnet leak

this problem has been seen many times on UKFN

MISTA FIESTA · 11-03-2006, 11:53 AM

Honestly i have no clue. Keep in mind that the fiesta has its airbox located on top of the engine, so you would think that no water would get in it right? There is also dust/buildup around the sprakplug hole.

Im very confident my washer jets dont leak, nor even hosed the engine bay.

mitch_lx · 11-03-2006, 01:25 PM

Well, At least i know i wasnt on my own on this one..

Glad you checked them now mista?!?!?!
A new car should NOT have plugs like this...

Ring a car place and ask for some 'Denso platinums'.
and clean things up a bit before you put em in.

RichieMK6 · 11-03-2006, 11:51 PM

this is intrestin mine are fine and i done 25000 ,

RichieMK6 · 11-03-2006, 11:52 PM

it may happen from the jorney from germany ????just a idea , sea salt ???

simonr · 12-03-2006, 12:27 AM

I get rust on the top on my spark plugs... i asked the guy at my mechanic he goes its common to get rust on the aluminum there becasue moisture gets in that lil resivor area... that in a focus tho.. he said the plugs are usually fine.. but i guess im gonna go check for myself ..

xurbanx · 12-03-2006, 01:47 AM

I'm not sure about mine, since I don't know what spark plugs are nor where they are located (:

Danny · 12-03-2006, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xurbanx

I'm not sure about mine, since I don't know what spark plugs are nor where they are located (:

LOL Ur so clueless helder. Good stuff! Seriusly though, Having seen damo's spark plus I've a good mind to check mine. Mines been running like crap lately, and with 35000 kays on it then id like to see how bad they are.....

Pieoter · 12-03-2006, 09:44 PM

Im due for the 30k service very soon so Ill tell the guys at ford to have a look at it.

cobrin · 14-03-2006, 10:40 PM

wow they look cactus. I'm gonna ave a look at mine tomorro. And yes moisture but mostly from the slow boat from germany. Have any of you seen the steel on the underside of the dash, or even behind the glove box when opened. Those two spots will open your eyes. Let me just say it has my attention now.

As for the oil yep the best stuff I've eva used is Shell Helix Ultra. Fuel BP Ulitmate 98. And if you are in Perth WA. get ya hands on Eliminates Friction
Oil additive. Some dont like it fair enough, your choice. I ran it for years in my ford probe. Loved the stuff. My bro sends some over to me in QLD, cause you cant get it here.

I will be changing my own spark plugs as well if ford charge like a wounded bull.
Typical, my last service (also my frist) was $220. I asked if they could change the wiper blades while they were at it , $30 they charged me for 3 refills and 3mths later when it rained here they chatter and streak. Lats time thats eva gonna happen.

Teki04 · 14-03-2006, 11:00 PM

Yea - My wipers are bad... but get better when they are soaked in the rain.

As for the Sparks - shesh that is bad! Luckily I only have 1 more day....

csv8 · 22-03-2006, 05:57 PM

How do you get to the plugs ?

kiwijohn42 · 22-03-2006, 11:34 PM

Take the air box off top. Should be under neath.

crispymk2 · 22-03-2006, 11:50 PM

Damn, thats pretty bad for such a fresh vehicle. If i do get this car maybe i should ask them to check the plugs before i take delivery?

LethalLeigh · 23-03-2006, 12:01 AM

Perhaps the spark plug drama is coming from being shipped over in the boat or being kept in storage yards here before they are sold. I'm thinking that if the cars are exposed to any of the sea air on the way over it could lead to certain parts of the car rusting early. It would depend on the metal used in the plugs as well, just some chemistry I seem to remember from school points towards certain metals oxidising when in contact with other metals.

csv8 · 24-03-2006, 06:41 PM

How does the airbox come off, removed the 2 ,10mm bolts and three hoses but only lifts up, won't come off. ? Seems to be hinged ? bolted ? at the back.
What is the Denso number ? thanks

Pieoter · 25-03-2006, 02:44 AM

You need to pull off the final 2 clips. It does require some force but it definatly is NOT bolted.

csv8 · 26-03-2006, 11:36 AM

Cann't see any clips anywhere ??

Pieoter · 26-03-2006, 02:29 PM

Just keep pulling till it comes off.

MISTA FIESTA · 26-03-2006, 05:50 PM

Just ordered my self some NGK platimums @ $22 each from Auto One. Sounds a bit much but they are guarenteed to last much longer than any NO FRILLS plugs.

frinik · 26-03-2006, 06:07 PM

anybody got some time to write up a step by step to get to the sparkplugs?