Bad idle

Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD FOCUS
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 106,000 MILES
I have the car listed above MK2, I have changed plugs, HT leads, and coil pack I have checked for vacuum leaks. I am getting petrol on two of the spark plugs. When starting idle is at 1,200 then drops to 800 when I hit 50 MPH the car vibrates. No fault codes are coming up.
Friday, April 15th, 2022 AT 10:06 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure what you mean by getting fuel on the plugs. Also, do you have a live data scan tool? If you do, can you let me know what the short-term fuel trims are? Also, if you are seeing fuel on two of the plugs, that indicates they are not firing. Have you confirmed they are getting spark even though everything is new? Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, April 15th, 2022 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Joe, thanks for getting back to me. I found out it's a core plug that needs replacing. Thanks for your help.
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the update. When you say core plug, are you referring to a freeze plug/expansion plug?

I know they can cause a coolant leak but I'm not sure how they would cause a poor idle.

Let me know. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Joe, well, got the freeze plugs done, but my mechanic is having issues with one still leaking coolant. Do you have any ideas how to stop it?
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Monday, May 9th, 2022 AT 1:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If it is leaking, it may have bent when installation. If he can't get it to stop, I would suggest using an expandable rubber one.

I attached a pic below showing what I'm referring to. Let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Monday, May 9th, 2022 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Joe, just to let you know core plugs are done but idle still starts at 1,200 and the car juddering plugs changed coil pack changed and HT leads changed I am out of ideas. Anything you can help me please?
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Saturday, May 14th, 2022 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Are you still getting fuel on two of the spark plugs? If so, confirm the spark plugs are getting spark. Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, May 14th, 2022 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I found out it wasn't fuel it was water from core plug/freeze plug.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2022 AT 11:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, so all problems are now solved. If that isn't correct, let me know.

Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 15th, 2022 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
Okay, so all problems are now solved. If that isn't correct, let me know.

Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 15th, 2022 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
CHRISJ1980
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Joe, have an issue with my Ford Focus 1.6 MK2, it's starting to shake when you go over 50 MPH have you got ideas?
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Friday, May 20th, 2022 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That sounds like it is a balance issue or axle joint issue.

I need to ask a favor. I need you to start a new post with this question. We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so it is more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Simply copy and paste your new question to a new post. Here is the link to start a new post.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Again, hope you understand. I will watch for your post.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, May 20th, 2022 AT 9:25 PM

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