I've got a 10-year-old Fiesta with the 1.3 Endura engine. The spark plugs are probably rusted into the cylinder head, and may snap if I try to remove them, a known issue with this engine. They were probably replaced 3 years ago. The engine runs fine at present, so I haven't forced the issue by applying lots of torque to them.
I will probably get rid of the car within 2 years, so what's my best strategy? Should I just keep using the car, while watching out for misfires and lumpiness? Is a spark-plug likely to fail suddenly and leave me stranded? At present, I'm periodically putting a bit of engine oil in each well, in the hope that it might penetrate over time.
If I am forced to replace the plugs, my steps will probably be:
- Apply lots of Plus Gas, wait a day.
- Get the engine warm.
- Apply freezer spray to plugs.
- Try to get the plugs out.
- If they snap, learn about and buy stud removers, etc.
- Call scrap yard to arrange collection.
Any suggestions?