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Topic: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded (Read 1669 times) |
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« on: May 26th, 2008, 11:44pm » |
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Hi there
I wonder if anyone can help me as I am truly at a loss as to what to do next - I am not mechanically minded.
I had always wanted a Ford Granada - could never afford one (even secondhand) and then the Scorpio came out. As ugly as it is, you can't help loving the car.
Finally bought the 12V 3.0 Ultima and never looked back. One night, a bunch of muppets thought it would be funny running down the street keying all the cars. Mine was a write-off!!!
I had always wanted the Cosworth version and wow, what a difference! I had found true love!!!
Unfortunately the car had a cracked water pipe, so I took it to the garage. I was assured that I could have the car back that night as we needed it to go on holiday.
A few weeks later, they phoned to say that they had finally put the engine back together but could not get the car to start. They had to phone Ford to see where they had gone wrong!
After paying the £600.00 bill for the car, I found my little cossie in a terrible condition. They had split a couple of the air pipes; air con and power steering and damaged the alternator.
Jan 2007, I had owned the car nearly half a year and only driven it for six weeks!!
It went off to a recommended mechanic who fixed all but two faults (at the time it was thought that the power steering pump was on its way out - not the pipe). The car came back in June 2007.
I loved driving the car but was worried about the pump. I dropped it off to the same mechanic in Oct '07 and it is finally coming back this week (he has only spent five hours of labour on it in all that time!).
He found the power steering pump was fine; it was the pipe. He didn't know how to fix the cruise control (have read the posting about relay 10). The lights come on but it won't hold the speed.
The other issue was with the full service. He has only changed two of the plugs. The rear two plugs on both sides are cross-threaded and he didn't want to try and get them out in case it added another 2k to the bill. I believe he can turn them a little bit before they stick.
I truly love this car - despite it being a long distance relationship - and don't want to get rid of it.
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
I notice Ford have a special tool for broken spark plugs...
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1/page_13119/rotunda_303_1203_broken_ separated_spark_plug_remov.html
but that is for a completely different engine.
I have also seen mention of ?Easy Out? tools but am not sure of what they are.
My mechanic appreciates that he had the car way too long - hence not charging me any labour. With an actual time deadline, I know that with some guidance, he would do what he could to get them out instead of just trying to rack up a bill.
I want to arm him with as much information as possible and buy any tools that would help with the job.
Am I crazy to continue or should I let this beautiful car go to the breakers? I need the plugs to be 100% for a LPG conversion and lots of other plans too. I just don't want to waste my money on a car that could be beyond repair.
Thank you for any advice that you can offer.
Dave.
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #1 on: May 26th, 2008, 11:51pm » |
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Forgot to mention that this is a 1996 (N) model.
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TiberiuS
Senior Member
Ex. 1996 2.3 Ultima - RIP P789 KHJ
 
Posts: 2257
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #2 on: May 27th, 2008, 12:24am » |
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Getting some deja vu here 
Honestly mate, if all this is really true then you need a better mechanic
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Bruce - '07 Jaguar XKR coupe, '95 Jaguar XJ Sport 4.0, '82 Ford Capri 2.0 Ghia, '15 Honda Civic (sloooooww..)
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martin_rowe
Full Member
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 879
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #3 on: May 27th, 2008, 1:01pm » |
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what ever happens you need the plugs out, if they break you can get an 'easy out' to remove the broken part, worst case is cylinder heads need to be removed. if threads stripped in head, you can get a heli coil thread insert repair kit specially for spark plugs.
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Rally Drivers Do It Sideways
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #4 on: May 27th, 2008, 5:25pm » |
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Hi martin_rowe
Thanks for your response. Unfortunately being non-mechanical, I don't have the aptitude to attempt it myself and no other garage really wants to touch it - keep quoting anywhere up to £2000.00 for the plugs to be changed.(!)
I will read up on the cyclinder heads and have a look as to what is involved - and then consider the possibility of attempting it myself.
Ford said that if the bits drop into the engine, I will ned a new engine.
Wish I studied mechanics instead of computers!!!
With thanks
Dave.
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workshopboy
Newbie
98 2.3 Ultima Estate Facelift
Posts: 46
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #5 on: May 27th, 2008, 9:17pm » |
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Hi
Where are you by the way? 
regards
Andy
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" You can't close what you haven't opened."
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #6 on: May 27th, 2008, 9:27pm » |
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Hi Andy
I am near Stansted.
Had quite a few garages who wouldn't entertain working on the car but spoke to Specialised Engines Ltd in Grays. They have been working on Ford engines for the last 40 years.
They obviously didn't want to fully commit themselves to a total price but they do have a few tools.
Discussed worse case scenario and that would probably be £800 which is a bit less scary.
Will start saving.
With many thanks
Dave.
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gozz
Senior Member
Been around awhile
Posts: 3475
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #7 on: May 27th, 2008, 9:28pm » |
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Dave.
Now is the time to add another string to your bow,study mechanics ! Get your car in a comfortable position and start stripping the top off it,no need to rush,if you come upon something baffling,it's all on here and there are many dyed in the wool 24 valve addicts to help you.Of course you've picked the most complex Scorp engine to work on,but they are not rocket science,and if you tread carefully taking a few notes for reassembly you'll surprise yourself.The heads should really come off if you repair the plug threads,but you can blast small pieces back out of the plug hole with compressed air and an extended blow gun that touches the piston,which must be on top dead centre on the firing stroke eg all valves in that cylinder closed so that no debris gets into the ports.Obviously dont dismantle the timing gear before doing it.
Never say die !
If you start to get fed up,have a cup of tea and return later.
Good luck GOZZ
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martin_rowe
Full Member
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 879
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #8 on: May 28th, 2008, 8:49am » |
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You should be able to remove broken spark plugs without dropping anything in the cylinders, also possable to do helicoil repair to thread, hardest bit is removing plugs. if heads need to be removed, it is not for the faint hearted, very complex even for those with knowledge of this engine.
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Rally Drivers Do It Sideways
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Jonnycab
Senior Member
Former owner of 2.3 Ultima Facelift saloon
Posts: 3900
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #9 on: May 28th, 2008, 9:53am » |
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Why is it so difficult for any garage to get the plugs out & why do they want to charge up to £2000 ? 
How did the plugs get cross threaded in the first place ?........Who ever fitted them must have had a hell of a job getting them in 
Sorry if I'm being a little thick here or missing the point
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mr._floppy
Junior Member
Posts: 100
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #10 on: May 28th, 2008, 11:35am » |
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It's easy to let your heart rule your head when it comes to your pride and joy, is it worth shelling out a £800 repair on a car that would struggle to achieve that selling price even if it was in pristine working condition ?
Mechanics aren't interested in fixing other mechanics balls-ups, because
(1) It's too labour intensive.
(2) It's beyond their skill level
(3) No guarantee of success
Sometimes it's wise just to admit defeat.
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TRACEYS_LIMO
Full Member
I'm a YaBB newbie
Posts: 377
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #11 on: May 28th, 2008, 6:34pm » |
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hi wot a bad time you have had what may help is there always, a person who will point you in the right direction, if you look up cylinder head repairers in your area and pop round and see them they should be able to recommend a good mechanic, who will be one of there customers to help you out.
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #12 on: May 28th, 2008, 8:17pm » |
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Hi everyone
I have no idea who would have first put the plugs in - unfortunately. Garages wanted around £2000 because they deem it to be both labour intensive and a difficult job to carry out.
Spark plugs seem to be my thing. Whilst the scorpio was being repaired, I bought the Renault Laguna 3.0L V6 Monaco - not a patch on the cosworth.
The spark plugs needed replacing on that engine and it is a 17 hour job!!! The Renault service department couldn't believe it when they read it!!! If you want a laugh, phone Renault and ask them... it was a 2000 on a 'W'. They will say £1,017.00
Despite being a newish car, I simply scrapped it. (£2500 for 3 months driving. Should have got a bus pass)
Will be taking a mechanics class in September!!!
Actually drove my car today for the very first time in over 8 months. Steering wheel was very shaky and pulls to the left. Will need to get the tracking sorted.
It passed its MOT. Had an advisory on rear tyre and brake pipes are beginning to perish. Only charged £35 for the MOT.
So strange to drive it again. Poor little thing was a bit lumpy but just needs a good run.
God bless Ford for the Scorpio.
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Jonnycab
Senior Member
Former owner of 2.3 Ultima Facelift saloon
Posts: 3900
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #13 on: May 29th, 2008, 2:16am » |
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17 hours to change the spark plugs  .....
....Please, no more, I can't take it .......my sides are splitting
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Tons_of_fun
Full Member
Mmmm...Xena !
Posts: 978
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #14 on: May 29th, 2008, 6:37pm » |
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Ah yes but dont forget the book time is based on FRENCH mechanics  .Start @ 9 am...9.05 = coffee break 9.15 =fag break, 3 hour luch breaks etc etc .You get picture  
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Lord...Sometimes im not that bright
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TiberiuS
Senior Member
Ex. 1996 2.3 Ultima - RIP P789 KHJ
Posts: 2257
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #15 on: May 29th, 2008, 6:54pm » |
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Bonjour tonnes.
Don't oublient que le cahier de travail français inclut également un mi voyage d'après-midi pour bloquer tous les ports pour se plaindre au sujet du prix en hausse des bougies et des écrous d'allumage..
Imbéciles d'avril?
Oui !
Sacre bleu! Le merde!! 
Regardes, Le Tiberierre
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Bruce - '07 Jaguar XKR coupe, '95 Jaguar XJ Sport 4.0, '82 Ford Capri 2.0 Ghia, '15 Honda Civic (sloooooww..)
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mr._floppy
Junior Member
Posts: 100
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #16 on: May 31st, 2008, 4:34pm » |
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Que ?
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #17 on: May 31st, 2008, 5:01pm » |
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I am so angry/upset, I can't even shout or swear. I am ready to flip.
Car past MOT, but a bit lumpy. I have only done 25 miles and the <rude words> car has broken down. Eight months of that <*&^%$£"$%^&*> mechanic having my car!
I took my parnter out in it - along with our dog. The dog was acting up and so we decided to turn around. Stopped the car in the sainsbury car park round the corner; got the dog out of the car and then........ noticed a tidal wave of a reddish/mauve fluid rushing towards my feet!!!!!!!!!!!
The google god says that the colour matches the power steering fluid - which was one of the reasons why the mechanic was given the car. Anyone have a spare shotgun I could borrow?!
Can't type anything else at the moment... just taxed and MOT'd the bl%$£y thing as well. I truly hate cars!
Sincerely sorry for my ramblings...
A very upset Dave.
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davidwilkins
Newbie
1996 Scorpio Cosworth
Posts: 8
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded - FINAL UPDATE
« Reply #18 on: May 31st, 2008, 5:02pm » |
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Once again, sorry for my ramblings. 
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TiberiuS
Senior Member
Ex. 1996 2.3 Ultima - RIP P789 KHJ
Posts: 2257
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Re: 4 spark plugs cross-threaded
« Reply #19 on: May 31st, 2008, 6:05pm » |
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G'day Dave.
Check the connections to the flux capacitor. Sometimes they get a bit leaky with age.
Regards, Bruce.
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Bruce - '07 Jaguar XKR coupe, '95 Jaguar XJ Sport 4.0, '82 Ford Capri 2.0 Ghia, '15 Honda Civic (sloooooww..)
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