hi all, wonder if anyone can help.

i have a 2004 1.4 ford focus. the engine started loosing power and shaking alot, and i found it hard getting to 30mph. i told my mechanic who thought it may be an ecu fault, so had that sent off. it came back all clear.

i then tested the spark plugs, plug 1 and 4 wernt getting a spark. so i replaced all the spark plugs, all HT leads and got a new coil pack. i also changed the air and fuel filter. i then tested the spark plugs again, with the same fault happening.

the cars engine doesnt seem to shake as much now, but there is still no power and its still quite loud.

any info or suggestions would be gratefully recieved, i have spent alot of money on this now replacing parts and having ecu tested, but i dont want to give up on it!

thanks in advance

When you take the plugs out are the plugs for 1 and 4 wet with oil? You may have oil leaking onto the plugs preventing them from sparking. You mechanic shouldnt have suggested evil first! The plugs are the first port of call with something like that and then you work your way back!

yes the plugs are wet, and smell strongly of fuel. but even when cleaned and left out to test the spark, they dont spark.

Hmm that's a strange one. Have you tried swapping the ht leads and the plugs with each other to make sure they are all ok an?d not did parts

yes, i swapped the HT leads with another focus a friend owns, and its still the same, i havnt tried swapping the spark plugs though as they where new, i will try that tomorrow, just in case

You dont need another car just swap plugs from one to another and see if the misfire moves. I.e swap 1 for 2 and check if the fault stays in 1 or moves to 2

ok will try that tomorrow, thanks

have you changed anything else on the car previous to the fault?

Only asking cos you say it is noisey so was wondering if you have changed the exhaust cos this can affect your engine with different back pressure etc

We had very same problem with our Focus. Told there is a know fault on the washer jets for the windscreen wipers. Apparently the seals corrode on them and drip directly into 1 and 4 spark plug. Causing car to be sluggish and miss fire. We had new seals dried out plug sockets and all sorted. Ford apparently recalled the cars for this reason but neadless to say we never got one. Just a bill for £130.

If you got the plugs from Halfords, that could be the problem, something about Fords and Halfords plugs and ignition leads that doesn't seem to gel. Basic question also are the leads connected in the right firing order?

Compression check is first port of call with a missfire situation, otherwise could be a dodgy new coil, or wiring loom fault

Genuine Ford plugs only should be used on the Focus and they are only just over ten quid, It is not always beneficial trying alternatives, same goes for ignition leads, but they are nearly 60 quid.

Ford Focus Spark Plugs Set
Motorcraft AYFS 22F1
Fits 1.4/1.6/1.8 & 2.0 Zetec Engines
From 1998 To 2005

http://www.fordpartsuk.com

PB