Spark plug socket for focus

I mean deepan than 6" which is the longest bar I have lurking about.

six inch extension is easily enough, iirc the socket is a 5/8 or 16mm. but if I were you I would buy the right plugs and then get the socket that fits the plug and your socket set. It is a good idea to buy a dedicated single hex plug socket, and keep it perfectly clean.

Thanks, Excellent idea. I'll pick the plugs and work it out from there.

*thumbs up*

I did my plugs at the weekend, 55 plate 100HP 1.6l Focus. Needed short extension bar to plug socket (imperial measurement, didn't check the actual size) and the only issue I had (apart from worrying whether I'd snap the plug!) was extracting the plug once it was loose. Maybe it's my socket set, but a couple of times the plug and socket came off the extension bar. A little sideways pressure (once loose) helped keep the extension bar in the socket as I removed it. Oh, that and a extending magnet to help lift it! I don't know if you can get spark plug sockets with built in extension bar which fit normal socket sets?

The reason I was concerned about snapping the plug was that last time they came out, the Ford dealer doing the work snapped a plug. Granted, the plug wells had previously been filled with water, and so may have rusted in place. Was just worried that snapping plugs may be a bit easy!

D

Only if your ham fisted, trick is to tighten them slightly before releasing them after giving them a good soaking wih something like plus gas.

Plugs rarely break if inserted correctly many people however overtighten them onto the washer

focus has taper seat plugs, no washer. tightening them further would not be a good idea. they rust in because a design fault filled the area around them with water.

[...]

The other problem is the service interval is so long - 40,000 miles.

If owner maintained, it's best to remove them, *carefully* apply Copaslip to threads and seating, then refit them to the correct torque.

Chris

Were not talking winding them up to silly torque here just a fraction to break the rust joint after a good soaking with plus gas

It amazes me how many people do not use torque wrenches on such critical items

[...]

...and when you do, you will be amazed at how little force is correct...

Chris

I understood what you meant, but, IMO: tightening a 'nut' further makes sense because the bolt or stud may stretch a little and relieve the pressure, but a taper seat plug or a bolt into a thread will just be hoping to snap off just below the taper/head.

focus has taper seat plugs, no washer. tightening them further would not be a good idea. they rust in because a design fault filled the area around them with water.

I think that design fault for anyone interested was the washer jet, basically water dribbles down them on to top of engine in to plug and eh walla rusted plugs. I think they sell an new washer jet to correct this or some heat resistant silicone ? should do the job.

I not sure what models or years were applicable to this fault.

It amazes me how many people do not use torque wrenches on such critical items

I doubt many garages do. Most do it by feel once tight a slight nip job done.

The problem with that is a slight nip to me may be a two handed teeth gripping brow furrowing operation for others

The problem with that is a slight nip to me may be a two handed teeth gripping brow furrowing operation for others

The ham fisted may well be better using a torque wrench but usually those types don't.

I did my plugs at the weekend, 55 plate 100HP 1.6l Focus. Needed short extension bar to plug socket (imperial measurement, didn't check the actual size) and the only issue I had (apart from worrying whether I'd snap the plug!) was extracting the plug once it was loose. Maybe it's my socket set, but a couple of times the plug and socket came off the extension bar. A little sideways pressure (once loose) helped keep the extension bar in the socket as I removed it. Oh, that and a extending magnet to help lift it! I don't know if you can get spark plug sockets with built in extension bar which fit normal socket sets?

The reason I was concerned about snapping the plug was that last time they came out, the Ford dealer doing the work snapped a plug. Granted, the plug wells had previously been filled with water, and so may have rusted in place. Was just worried that snapping plugs may be a bit easy!

D

Thanks for the post.

I've read quite a few posts on here about spark plugs snapping on ford ka's. Although I've not known the entire history. I wonder if taking them out ever

10k to put a little copperslip on and put them back in would be good practice.

I know ford say change them every 40k which is far to long I usually do mine every year, but might spread it to 2 yearly if theres no issue, but take them out once a year for a lube.

Im not ham fisted. I have a couple of short scale torque wrenches, far more accurate than the one size fits all jobbies

Modern spark plugs do have a longer service life than those of years gone by i wouldnt take them out just slacken them off and retorque up every twelve months should do the trick

It is quite surprising how much muck accumulates around spark plugs, which if it is not blown away first, drops straight into the cylinder, hopefully most gets blown out on the first start up. I use an airline first on some vehicles to get the dirt away, especially push rod fiesta and KA