3 questions regarding my ZX2

[JD66]

Hi, I bought a '98 Ford Escort ZX2 (84k) a week ago. I do not have a manual, and I am having a little bit problems with my car...

1. Why does the engine/car sometimes jerks/tugs in slow speeds, or very slow speeds? Is it transmission or ignition?
2. What is the correct tire pressure?
3. What is the correct SAE/motor oil I should use?

Please help me.

Best, Jennifer
jennifer_dewitt66@yahoo.com

[zx2srdotnet]

1. Might be the transmission going or clogged filters, teh stock ignition causes a lot of vibration, much of can be fixed with a set of FordRacing ZX2 spark plug wires(noticable difference)

2. assuming you have the 15in (swirlie) rim its 32psi front 35 rear(should be posted on a lable on your passesnger door hinge

3. 5w30 or 10w30(maybe its 20 not 30 cant remember) (in 2000 they changed teh recomendations to 5w30 but it was just to get like .005% better gassmilage) and yes synthetic is ok

and just so you kow the ZX2 Zetec is different from the Focus Zetec

[JD66]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

1. Might be the transmission going or clogged filters, teh stock ignition causes a lot of vibration, much of can be fixed with a set of FordRacing ZX2 spark plug wires(noticable difference)

2. assuming you have the 15in (swirlie) rim its 32psi front 35 rear(should be posted on a lable on your passesnger door hinge

3. 5w30 or 10w30(maybe its 20 not 30 cant remember) (in 2000 they changed teh recomendations to 5w30 but it was just to get like .005% better gassmilage) and yes synthetic is ok

and just so you kow the ZX2 Zetec is different from the Focus Zetec

*****

Thank you! My car is automatic, and I guess relatively in pretty good condition. Where from should I buy Ford Racing plugs wires, and what are the best spark plugs available? Do you have any other suggestions how do I get rid of the "jerkyness" in slow speeds (for example: this appears when I am accelerating after Traffic lights). One tec said the car needs a new valve cover too, and gasket of grossunit or something, please explain why do I need them? Thank you very much!

Best, Jennifer
jennifer_dewitt66@yahoo.com

[zx2srdotnet]

new valve cover? never heared of a z needing a new one of those and ive never heared of a gasket of grossunit lol

you can get the wires at www.zxtuner.com or any place that sells fordracing parts(loacal dealer), just make sure teh shop kows teh zx2 is NOT A FOCUS lot of stupid people out there. They will help on the rough idle of the car but not sure if it will help your problem, its sounds more like a tranny people wo me but it might be leaks or somethign else in the motor.

Home you get it cleared up

[jeffcoslacker]

I've noticed on these and other small engined Fords, there is a very noticable loss/gain of power as the A/C compressor cycles in and out. Most noticable at low speed, and cruising at higher speed. Feels like the power cutting in and out in surges. I'm not sure why it is so much more abrupt feeling on Ford models.

[zx2srdotnet]

well at least the A/C shuts off when you go WOT lol, but i dont feel it much on my car, you only really feel it on automatics

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

well at least the A/C shuts off when you go WOT lol, but i dont feel it much on my car, you only really feel it on automatics

You are right about that. I drove a Focus twin cam when they first came out, that was one of the things that made me decide to keep the Cavalier. That and the upright, mini-van feeling seating position.

[ZX2000]

good spark plugs are NGK's. be prepared to pay $9 a plug though. if you want an alternative, go w/ Autolite double plats.

your tech's are jerkin you around cuz you're a girl. don't let em do it. go to a private mechanic and get info from them. best way to find one of them is to ask a friend who they trust.

as far as the rough idle, yes plug wires may help a bit but you should also check your air filter, fuel filter, clean your injectors and put a volt-meter on your alternator to make sure the juice is flowin good. every little bit helps on this car and the closer you get all the little stuff the less you gotta worry about the big stuff breakin down.

matt

[zx2srdotnet]

Motorcraft are a very good plug also. and cheaper