Ford focus - juddering - engine light - core plugs

catoutthebag

Engine light flashed & stayed on on my mk2 focus last week & engine was mis firing

Road assistance said there was a leak somewhere. Said a garage would need to take a deep & proper look at it

The bits where the core plugs go in were drenched - he thinks mix of anti freeze & rust - anti freeze appears low - ish but I can't recall how far it was topped up

Local garage yesterday replaced 2 core plugs I believe - said they were leaking. no further info despite me tryinh. £72 charged. They were unfriendly & rude & I don't have much faith they properly investigated

Today the engine light is not on, but after 15 miles driving I did feel
A slight judder

A) is this nothing to worry about

does it sound more serious & should garage have done more?

C) if engine light comes on in the next week or two , do I have comeback for the garage to fix the problem free?

D) is replacing core plugs sufficient?

Any help is great

Car_Complaints

I take it this is a zetec engine

catoutthebag

Yes 1.6 zetec

catoutthebag

Just read, is it washer jet issue?

Car_Complaints

I am really digging into the grey matter for this one, Ford had a major concern with a couple of core plugs leaking into if I remember rightly 3&4 spark plug holes, this caused the spark plug to short creating a misfire.

Someone else maybe able to give better details but I understood it that the cylinder head had to come off to repair the core plugs that were leaking, so £72 wouldnt cover that...they could of replaced two leaking core plugs but the culprits for the misfire may still be leaking

It could also be that they havent got rid of all the water down the spark plug holes and its just spluttering a bit or the Spark plugs us.

colino

There was another fault where the windscreen washer jets dribbled under the bonnet and soaked the plugs. Replacements with a newer design is cheap and sealing with silicon sealant even cheaper.

catoutthebag

So I went in a 20mile round trip
Towards end of 1st half it was definitely juddering
Second half no real juddering but a noticeable lack in power
Engine light didn't come on
DH taking car back tomorrow what shall we say? Did you clear all water out? Did you removed the head gasket?

Car_Complaints

Like mentioned dont quote me on having to remove the head, It has been many many moons since I have come across this fault, I really cant honestly remember if you do remove the head to replace the core plugs, A ford Tech may be able to enlighten you more on this one.

I would certainly ask if they removed and checked the plugs also see if the leads are breaking down

catoutthebag

Gf took car for 2nd opinion, ill get more detail soon
Pressure check fine, leads fine, coil pack fine
Still leak somewhere, maybe coolant. Possibility of wrong size core plugs fitted
Original garage getting shirty but apparently will replace core plug & pressure test by tomorrow