2000 Ford Escort

Tiny
BILL ASTURIAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
The car has had the spark plugs changed twice in the last month, it runs well for about two weeks and then it starts to misfire, once I change the spark plugs it runs well for two to three weeks and then it begins misfiring again, I changed the air sensor, plug cables and it is still doing the same thing, it works for two to three weeks with the new plugs and the same problem happens again, should I use hotter burning plugs? Any suggestions?
Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 7:42 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
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What do the plugs look like that are going bad? Heavy carbon?

Any codes listed?
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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The plugs do not look dirty at all, I'm using Champion plugs RS14LC, I do not know if those are the right plugs for this make and model car. Should I try different spark plugs?
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
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I don't use champion myself. I know the suffix digits of the plugs for MGK mean a much different plug, not sure on the champion.

Did you use dielectric grease in the wires when changing them?

Need the codes.
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
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Negative on the dielectric grease when the wires were changed.
Would you know what NGK plug could be used for that particular car?
I do remember two of the Champion plugs were cracked when I changed them, and the engine feels extremely warm even though the temp. Gauge shows normal engine temperature.
Could a hotter burning plug solve the problem? Perhaps a better quality spark plug?
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Sunday, August 31st, 2008 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
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IF it was mine, I would have used Autolite iridium plugs and dielectric grease in the boots at both ends. I wouldn't change the heat range.

The iridium spark plugs are designed to remove more heat out of the cylinders.

Which two plugs are misfiring? Did the plugs look like?

I should have asked if this is the ZX2-dohc or the SOHC engine.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 7:05 AM
Tiny
BILL ASTURIAS
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It's the SOHC engine, the spark plugs that were changed two weeks ago all look like number 23 on the chart you sent me.
The misfiring occurs when you accelerate from a dead stop, specially if you do a quick start, it doesn't do it if you go easy on the gas pedal, but it will do it as soon as you press on the gas pedal to increase your speed.
I believe the plugs from cilinder 3 and 4 were misfiring.
Also when reving up the engine the car begins to misfire above 3800 RPM.
I will follow your advise and try the autolite iridium spark plugs, can you suggest the proper autolite iridium plug for this model car?
Thanks.
Bill.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
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Okay so it's on the lean side, check for a vacuum leak with some carb cleaner around the intake and note for a change in idle. Also check for any vacuum lines that are collasped or deteriorated.

I don't think changing the plugs are going to change much. IF you swap the plugs in question with the other two, that should confirm it. XP5144 is the part #

Fuel pressure being low can cause a lean condition.

Again checking for codes may open this up better.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
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I'm leaning more that the fuel pump is not working properly, what is the normal fuel pressure for this make and model?
I'll have the fuel pump tested.
All vacuum lines appear normal.
Thanks.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
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Mitchelll shows this...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_ford_fp_1.jpg



I wish it would separate the ZX2 from the escort. IT would appear they are the same.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
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I still have the problems I've mentioned before, I took the car to get a computerized diagnostic and
the reading that came out was: Ignition coil B Primary/Secondary circuit malfunction.(PO352)
Does this have anything to do with the misfiring of the cilinders?
I have changed the crankshaft sensor, the O2 sensor, the spark plugs, checked the gas pump, and gas filter(they are ok.)Also the plug wires were changed.
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Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
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Check the coil pack, It directly has to do with the misfiring.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_po352_1.jpg

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Friday, September 5th, 2008 AT 6:54 PM

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