Ford 1.8 Zetec probs

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Mon 9 Jun 2003 23:25
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Wales Forester
My 1997 Escort 1.8 Zetec has started to stutter and doesn't seem to be running at it's best, fuel consumption is normal, all fluid levels fine.
The vehicle has 53000 miles and a full Ford service history.

The problem is quite difficult to describe but it seems to hesitate at certain revs and when travelling on the Motorway it feels like it's holding back intermittently when I'm maintaining a steady speed.
The problem seems to disappear if I accelerate briskly.
I've tried a couple of Redex treatments but with no change.

Any ideas please?
Charles old chap, u seem to be full of Ford info, can u shed any light?

PP
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Mon 9 Jun 2003 23:38
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Ben {P}
Have you changed the HT leads? I would try this first. They are not expensive from a ford dealer. Halfords also stock some for about £25.

Ben
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 04:31
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Blue {P}
Agreed - sounds like HT leads, my mate's Mondeo 1.8 had exactly the same symptoms and was cured by new leads.

Blue
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 06:48
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
Leads will show up as a stutter under acceleration and will usually affect cyls 3 or 4. Obvious signs are brown burn marks down the insulator of the affected plug. Sounds more like the Lambda sensor is getting tired and switching slowly, this has the effect of running the engine too lean at times. The output of this sensor needs to be observed with an oscilloscope.
NDREW


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Tue 10 Jun 2003 09:48
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Chas{P}
PP

Ditto the three other replies but one other thought....

Do you have air conditioning??

When the compressor is cutting in and out you can sometimes feel the effect of an intermittent flat spot at steady speeds.

HTH

Charles
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 18:15
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Wales Forester
Thanks for the replies so far, I'll try the HT leads as they seem to be a fair price to start with.
In reply to Charles, I do have aircon but the problem is there regardless of whether it is switched on or not.

Andrew, if it is the lambda sensor where is it, how easy is it to change and what cost roughly?

Thanks again,
Pete.
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 18:23
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - David Lacey
Throw in a set of new plugs at the same time, it'll be money well spent.

Universal lamdba sensors are available from motor factors at about £45+VAT whereas the genuine article will be much more expensive.

The universal sensor will require some wiring/soldering/adapting to fit but it will perform the same job, whereas the genuine article will plug n' play....you pays your money and takes your choice.
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 18:51
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
The Lambda sensor is in the exhaust downpipe near the bottom of the radiator 22mm Hex. Use a universal one if you like but I will only fit genuine items.
Andrew


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Tue 10 Jun 2003 18:53
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - David Lacey
.....even if the OE sensor is £175-£200 more expensive??
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Tue 10 Jun 2003 22:14
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Ben {P}
Aren't the plugs on these quite expensive? If the car has a full ford history, and is a 97, would they have been changed? I cant remember-is the service schedual on the plugs 30k?
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Wed 11 Jun 2003 05:24
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
Genuine Lambda sensors from Ford are about £70-£90 iirc.


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Wed 11 Jun 2003 09:39
Ford 1.8 Zetec probs - Chas{P}
PP

Assuming you have a 105PS engine the Ford part numbers and costs are as follows including VAT:

Lambda sensor (get it tested first!) 6847908 £93.01
Spark Plugs 1077002 £25.72 for 4.
HT Leads 1012436 £34.24 a set.

Charles
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