01 Focus spark plug change

kavanada · 26-02-2014 4:12pm #1

I tried changing the above on a 1.6L earlier. Got everything ready, the boot on number 1 came off fine but I just couldn't get the first spark plug out.

The tool I used is that 12inch wrench with the T handle I got in a motor factors. (Shown in the photo)

The plug was so jammed in, the T handle has now been bent.

What are the chances of getting the plug out? I don't want to pay a garage after my oil change fiasco last year. Pride and all that.

Thanks.

Wossack · 26-02-2014 4:47pm

not an area you should feel shame getting expert help tbh! if the head comes off it, or the thread strips, you're in alot of trouble, and you cant drive it to the garage then

though might just be the tool used.. Ive no experience with those, but doesnt look too great imo

kavanada · 26-02-2014 5:27pm

Cheers.

Would a small spray of WD-40 overnight help? Or ruin it?

I've put on 25000km myself and going by the state of the cabin filter I took out last year, they haven't been changed in a good number of years.

Not impressed with that removal tool at all. I think a good socket set would have been a better buy.

Wossack · 26-02-2014 6:29pm

Personally, I wouldnt put anything on - be a little worried about washing stuff down to the base of the plug, that may fall in then when the plug is removed. Not sure itll help too much either tbh (wd40 isnt that good as freeing siezed bolts either ime)

kavanada · 26-02-2014 7:02pm

Ok so.

I'll try sourcing a proper extension bar first before I hang up my tools for good

Wossack · 26-02-2014 10:01pm

I'd say you'll get it out with a good socket set, but just take it easy

kavanada · 27-02-2014 9:01am

Grand.

I'll post up a photo of the old plugs and maybe a small write up of how it went, for others in the future.

CJhaughey · 27-02-2014 10:23am

Focus have extra long threads and commonly seize.
If you snap it through force its a head off job to get it out.
Try putting 2 capfuls of coke into the spark plug tunnel and leaving it overnight.
Its a method that a company that specialises in head repair recommended to me.
They have tried all kind of special penetrating fluids but plain old Coca Cola works the best.

kavanada · 27-02-2014 11:46am

Blimey!

I'll give it a go. I can't do it today and then I'm away for a few days.

The spark plug tunnel, I have to say, was perfectly clean. Looked like aluminium. I was expecting more of an oily mess.

If it comes out, do I need to clean the coke off? Albeit, two small capfulls.

Yeah, the ford plugs I got have threads very tightly spaced.

Cheers.

biko · 27-02-2014 12:57pm

Coke and wd40 will burn off, add just a tiny bit.
Some tissue on the end of a screwdriver can help soak up before you start removing plug.
Coke is good to clean up the plugs after you got them out too. And yeah clean coke away from everything before you assemble.

Hoover the plug holes and clean what you can before adding a tiny bit of coke/wd40.

CJhaughey · 27-02-2014 1:23pm

There won't be a sufficient amount of liquid left to do anything to the engine.
If you are paranoid then yes use some rag or tissue to soak whats left up but it won't really matter once you start and run the engine.
I don't think WD40 works on these, I have tried a few times and it doesn't seem to do anything.
The acid in the Coke seems to make much shorter work of whatever it is that seizes the plugs in place.

Wossack · 27-02-2014 1:29pm

presume its steel threads on the plug reacting to the aluminium block? could be worthwhile putting a bit of copper slip on the threads of the new plugs to avoid (or reduce) it in future

CJhaughey · 27-02-2014 2:59pm

Wossack wrote: »

presume its steel threads on the plug reacting to the aluminium block? could be worthwhile putting a bit of copper slip on the threads of the new plugs to avoid (or reduce) it in future

I think you have to be careful with copper based antiseize when its in contact with aluminium, Better to use a ceramic or aluminium based antiseize I think.

kavanada · 27-02-2014 3:01pm

Cheers wossack, biko & Charlie.

I'll give the coke-only option a go first and then the coke & WD-40 together.

I have a tube of copper paste alright. (A whole other argument in itself!)

kavanada · 27-02-2014 3:03pm

Ah! Too tardy!

kavanada · 08-03-2014 12:39pm

Just wanted to say a big thank you to the various contributors on this thread.

I did the plugs just there. All came out easily enough.

I had wd-40 in the garage so applied two squirts into each plug and left it over night. They all came out with not much more than a slight yank.

They looked in ok condition actually. Unless you think otherwise from the photos?

They came pre-gapped at 1mm but I still checked. They were all exactly 1mm with a slight scrape/grip on the gapping tool.

I opted to apply a light coat of copper grease to the new threads.

I then torqued them to 10Nm which is, I believe, at the lower end of the scale for these Focus plugs.

I didn't apply dielectric grease to the boots. They were clean and dry when I took them off and also came off with a slight pull, no problems.

I started it up and it sounded just perfect.

Thanks again for all the help. You saved me a days pay on labour.

I put up some photos. The plug socket thing with the handle, I'd give it a 1/10 for use. And 0/10 for value for money. A good socket set with extension handle is what worked in the end.

kavanada · 08-03-2014 12:42pm

First 3 out....

kavanada · 08-03-2014 12:44pm

Copper grease, gapping tool, old spark plug.

kavanada · 08-03-2014 12:49pm

Torquing them up. It took a further 30 degrees or so.

kavanada · 08-03-2014 12:51pm

Next stop is to learn how to upload multiple photos!

01 Focus spark plug change

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