Question about spark plugs for my car.....

I purchased my current 2002 Ford Escort from a private seller. It has been in his family ever since 2002. He had the paper work to show proof. But sadly I had to spend about $1,500 to fix it up. One of the first things I did was to get a tune up at my local Big O Tires shop.

They did a tune up and actually put new spark plug wires in the car. I saw the old ones and they were BAD. Of course they put in new spark plugs too. Bosch Platinum to be exact. I wished they put in NGK Iridium spark plugs but oh well. Cause I heard they are the best spark plugs.

My question is how can I go back and make sure they put in the spark plugs in the correct order and make sure its snug? I have a hunch that the technician working on my car did not put the spark plugs in the correct order and did not make sure its snug. Since they don't make a service manual for my car. I can't really find out.

Can I go to a local Checker, Napa or Auto Zone to have the spark plugs checked out? Also if I take it to another mechanic how will he know which plugs go to the right slot and in the correct order?

The reason I ask this is because after driving my car and recording the miles on paper. The gas mileage is about the same when I first got the car before all the services I have done on the car. My wife accidentally threw that paper away so I can't put down exact numbers in this forum post.

Linuxguy0481

There is no special order to install the spark plugs. If you are talking about putting the right wire on the right plug then you would know immediately because the car would barely run or not run at all. Since you get the same mileage with the new plugs that just proves that the 'fancy' more expensive plugs are not any better than standard plugs. If you went to a reputable shop then there is no reason to believe the mech did anything wrong. :2cents:

Agreed. Did they also change your air filter when you had it tuned up? That may help improve your mileage a bit. If not change the filter.

Stick with Autolites or Motorcraft plugs.NGKs are best for Asian cars only.Avoid Bosch plugs,cheaply made plugs and do not last.Bosch plugs are good for European cars only.Another thing to change during a tune up is the fuel filter,the most neglected part since no one changes it.A plugged up fuel filter with put a huge strain on the fuel pump and kill it

Okay I feel better now. Thank you for clearing that up. I was about to go another service shop to get a diagnostic done on my car.

In regards to the air filter. I have a Trueflow air filter.

http://www.trueflow.com

I may have to check it in a week or so. Take it out and clean it myself. Let it dry for at least 24 hours and put it back in. You know I am glad I joined this forum. Always knowledgeable people and always willing to answer questions.

Linuxguy0481

Everyone gave you good points to look at but I didnt see what I think is most important, Check/change the O2 sensors. On my 99 I'm told there is 2 of them. Also replace your pcv valve.

And, as far as plugs go if you search my screen name you'll see I have talked before about plugs and what others claim. I however stayed with the motorcraft -with this thought, if they came with them from the line must be a reason.

I Personally called the company tech line that makes the +4's and I was assured the bad claims mentioned on this board are false.

You seem like a numbers type guy, have you thought of getting a code scanner that gives real time information? That could tell/show you a lot.

chevyn0va1,

Thank you for your advice. I am not sure on where to look for my o2 sensor and pcv valve. I do plan on changing this on my 2002 Ford Escort. I went to Checker Auto parts and Autozone both don't have a service manual for my the year and type of car. I would love to get a service manual but I can't find one.

I tried taking my car to a Big O Tires and were reluctant to change my o2 sensor. They said only if you get "service engine soon" will they able to change it if not then they won't do it. Know any good websites that may teach me on how to change my pcv valve and o2 sensor?
I have the tools by the way. I just don't want to pay a mechanic a lot of money that I can do in a half an hour or an hour.

I will save up money for a car scanner.

Linuxguy0481

Search http://www.ebay.com/ for a manual for your car.

There is no special order to install the spark plugs. If you are talking about putting the right wire on the right plug then you would know immediately because the car would barely run or not run at all. Since you get the same mileage with the new plugs that just proves that the 'fancy' more expensive plugs are not any better than standard plugs. If you went to a reputable shop then there is no reason to believe the mech did anything wrong. :2cents:


I recently installed iridium spark plugs and man do i see a difference, it starts right up in the cold Canadian -32 winter and better acceleration. But then again not to sure about the platinum’s.

i say get the haynes manuel its the best one out there for our cars and autozone.com has a few repairs guides also..

i say get the haynes manuel its the best one out there for our cars and autozone.com has a few repairs guides also..

Good point I was just going to suggest that too. Advance auto also has how to guides. Another good avenue is the public libary has these type of books.

Be aware you would need a special socket tool to take off the 02 sensor.

Most other shops would replace for you midas, monroe, maybe even walmart does minor repairs. Proberbly not a tire shop.

You can find the 02 when you open the hood and look at the manifold and you'll see what resembles a spark plug scewed into into it and should have like 4 wires and a plug. Send me your Email I'll take photos for ya.

Used factory service manuals for older cars routinely sell cheap enough on eBay. Get one. I paid something like $30 - $35 for the last one I boguth shipped. And yes, they do make then for your car. Do not use Bosch plugs on these cars! Do use Bosch oxygen sensors, they are good.

How many miles are on the car?