Zetec engine starting on damp mornings

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Mon 18 Feb 2002 16:03
Zetec engine starting on damp mornings - John Bullen
Dear All,

I own a 1.6 16V N reg Ford Escort Ghia with the Zetec engine.
>
The only problem that I've experienced with it is that on occassions when
its damp the car will start, but clearly only on three cylinders. It ofetn
runs for a bit never seems to "clear itself" and then dies.

Further attempts to start the car only result in you spinning the engine.
If it's then left for a few minutes it starts OK.

Do you know what could be the cause of the problem?

A second question, "What's the recommended spark plug gap for this car 1mm
or 1.3mm?"
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Mon 18 Feb 2002 18:31
Re: Zetec engine starting on damp mornings - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up Ltd.)
You have possibly a couple of problems regarding the non start. I would suggest that the oil you have in the engine is either old or slightly too heavy a viscosity causing the hydraulic lifters to hold the valves open. The valves may be sticking due to gum from cheap petrol and stop-start driving. You may also be suffering from deterioration of the plug lead insulation particularly on cyls 3 & 4. Evidence of this will show up as brown 'tracks' down the insulation. If this is evident replace leads AND plugs with OE parts. Plugs should be gapped to 1.3 mm.
HTH
Andrew
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Tue 19 Feb 2002 12:33
Re: Zetec engine starting on damp mornings - Honest John
I've answered this guy already, mentioned the 30,000 mile life of leads and told him that Ford dealers now routinely replace spark plugs every 10,000 miles instead of every 30k.

HJ
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Wed 20 Feb 2002 12:34
Re: Zetec engine starting on damp mornings - John Bullen
HJ,

Your reply was appreciated, it's just that the leads are less than 10,000 miles old and the plugs have only done 5,000 miles. I replaced them both at the first sign of trouble but it did-not solve the problem. Someone has suggested it could be the ECU, but that sounds very expensive,



John
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Wed 20 Feb 2002 17:01
Re: Zetec engine starting on damp mornings - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up Ltd.)
Other problem that seems to be manifesting itself is the coil pack developing cracks underneath. Worth checking!
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