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how to service my 00 1'4 focus

  • 24-01-2013 12:03am
    #1
    house45
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 290 ✭✭


    How hard is it to change spark plugs,air filter,oil filter and coolant thanks any advice:)


Comments

  • #2
    StompToWork
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 905 ✭✭✭StompToWork


    Spark plugs and air filter are easy-peasy, no more difficult than any other car. Standard precautions with spark-plugs apply, check the gaps of new ones, and be careful of cross-threading.

    Oil filter is not so bad. If I remember, it's at front of engine block, but is best accessed from under the car. There is plenty of room to get your hands around it, or a filter tool if it's more than hand-tightned.

    I have never flushed the coolant on a focus, so I can't comment, but if you are only talking about checking level and topping up, then that's dead simple.


  • #3
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    How to service a car

    Tbh, the first time it's a bit daunting but after having done it you'll think it was much easier than you originally though. My GF does her own services now (Micra).

    What car is it? Do you actually need to change the coolant, or just top it up?


  • #4
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,190 ✭✭✭cletus


    Ford have a 10 year coolant, so if it hasn't been changed before, or its been topped up previously, you may need to change it


  • #5
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I agree with ^^^.
    If you don't know when a fluid was last changed, then you should change it.
    With this cold it would be prudent to know you have the right mix so the radiator water doesn't freeze.


  • #6
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    The plugs are an extra-long thread and can be tricky enough to get out as they seize in place.
    Be careful removing them as too much torque can snap them off and result in the head having to come off to get them out.
    If they are tight then pour a little coke into the plug well and wait overnight if necessary.
    The front of the block has a plastic outlet that forks for the coolant, its very easy to break this if you aren't careful.


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  • #7
    house45
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 290 ✭✭house45


    Are the parts expensive to buy for the service?


  • #8
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    CJhaughey wrote: »
    If they are tight then pour a little coke into the plug well and wait overnight if necessary.
    That's a first :D Did you do this yourself? Wouldn't the coke enter the cylinder when you remove the plug and prevent the engine from starting?
    I'd use penetrating oil instead but hey, maybe coke works too...

    As to parts cost, it's fairly cheap.
    Oil - 40 euro
    Oil filter - 10 euro
    Air filter - 10 euro
    Tools and oil tray - 25 euro
    Sense of accomplishment - priceless.


  • #9
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    biko wrote: »
    That's a first :D Did you do this yourself? Wouldn't the coke enter the cylinder when you remove the plug and prevent the engine from starting?
    I'd use penetrating oil instead but hey, maybe coke works too...
    .
    Penetrating oil doesn't work as well.
    You don't have to flood the plug hole just a few tablespoons of coke will do.
    If some does go in, no big deal just crank the engine over with the plugs out and it clears the cylinder.
    Coke was recommended to me by a company that specializes in head rebuilds as being the best out of all the different specialized chemicals available to them
    4 of them done now using coke and its still the best way IMO.
    If you still think penetrating oil works better then work away, but don't blame me if the plug snaps.;)


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