CAR problems after changing spark plugs

robmcdougal90

I changed the spark plugs on my ford ka, and now the car is quite loud, like it is struggling for air, the noise from the exhaust is like a bumbling noise. I put the old spark plugs back in but no difference. Could it be the MAF sensor? dont want to take it to the garage if its something small.

Thanks in advance

harveybobbles

Check the air filter housing hasnt come un clipped...?

robmcdougal90

i did check the air filter an put it back and it all looks ok, definately sounds as though air is being lost

Strider590

Sure you didn't drop lose any crap down one of the plug holes? (could have damaged a valve)
Are they in tight and sealed?

Did you buy NGK plugs? For some reason older Fords can get temperamental if you don't fit NGK.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Long shot and i'm not being cheeky cos we've all done it some point, are you sure you've put the leads back on in the right order.

Second thought is that a plug lead has detached, use insulated gloves/pliers and pull the leads off one at a time whilst the engine is ticking over, that will soon find which cylinder if any is not tickety boo.

anewman

Also assuming the plugs were torqued up correctly in the cylinder head.

maloneos

I'm with Gilbert and Sullivan. If you did nothing else but change plugs, I'd guess the plugs leads are not all on the correct plugs.

However now identifying which lead goes on which plug is not easy. I'd first check that no leads are unusually stretched or seem to be too long; each lead should be of similar looseness. The leads start from two coils on the back of the engine so not easy to identify which goes where.

If still a problem later today, and you can trace leads from back of engine, I'll check my wife's Ka tomorrow and let you know sequence.

ALL KA OWNERS NOTE THIS
You must change you spark plugs regularily - recommended mileage or once a year. This stops the plugs being rusted into the cylinder head which is cast iron and so corrodes. It happened to my wife's Ka and it took 4 days, a set of bolt extractors, lots of Plus Gas,............and lots of swearing!!

Cheers,

Keith.

anewman

A little copper grease on spark plug threads can help prevent them seizing into the cylinder head.

robmcdougal90

A small amount of crap fell down one of the holes. Is there anyway of flushing it out? Would this be causing it?

robmcdougal90

Have checked the cables and there in the correct order. I drove the car fir a couple of hours and It worked just loud and struggled for air

johnnyroper

robmcdougal90 wrote: »

Have checked the cables and there in the correct order. I drove the car fir a couple of hours and It worked just loud and struggled for air

what do you mean by "struggled for air"?

also what crap fell down plug holes?