Replacing spark plugs after at least 60,000 km of run

In terms of maintenance, Ford requires the replacement of spark plugs every 60,000 km. But if your car with old spark plugs starts up more reluctantly than before, or twitches after starting, then the candles could go on strike, for example, due to burnt electrodes or because of invisible cracks in the ceramic insulator - these cracks are readily saturated with condensate when starting a cold engine fuel. And since the ignition spark always chooses the path of least resistance, it is already laid through the spark plug electrodes. If you don't trust your old spark plugs, give it a try with a new set of spark plugs. Always change spark plugs only when the engine is cold and with a special spark plug wrench or spark plug wrench «nut».

Stages of work

Disconnect the spark plug connectors.



Well shielded: in order to get to the spark plug connectors, in 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines, you must first disconnect the fuel lines on the cylinder head cover and remove the cover (six bolts) On 1.8L and 2.0L engines, carefully remove the spark plug connectors from the spark plug holes in the cylinder head cover. At the same time, rotate the plug connectors by about 25°, so they are easier to remove.


Loosen the spark plugs about three turns and carefully blow out the spark plug holes with compressed air. So when dismantling, you will avoid getting dirt into the holes and then into the cylinders.

Unscrew the spark plugs using special keys and arrange them in the order of the cylinders outside the engine compartment.

Lightly coat threads of new spark plugs with copper paste before fitting and screw into holes by hand (without warping), then use the spark plug wrench to tighten another quarter turn (90°). This roughly corresponds to the prescribed tightening torque (25 Nm).

If you trust used spark plugs, thoroughly clean the threads of the spark plugs with a brass brush before installation. Otherwise, the installation is the same as with new spark plugs, but turn the spark plug wrench only 15° (the o-ring in used spark plugs is already crushed).

Practical advice

To remove a stuck spark plug, do not use force, otherwise you may rip in the cylinder head (light metal) carving. In this case, warm up the engine and then try to remove the spark plug. Be careful - with a hot engine, you can quickly burn your hands. Therefore wait until the engine has cooled down before mounting. Our recommendation also has a technical reason, cold plugs installed on a hot engine will then sit as if welded. The next time you change the spark plugs, it will be easier to dismantle if you lightly lubricate the threads with a heat-resistant copper-containing grease before installation.