1.25 Zetec problems

[firman]

My mates 98 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec is playing up badly and I need some ideas as to what might be causing it. The symptoms are when cold it ticks over fine but under acceleration it splutters and misses really badly.
I am thinking it could be an injector problem but dont know how to find out.

Any help or ideas will be gratefully recieved

TIA

[trickywoo]

Could be any number of things but missing under load is a typical sign of weakness on the ignition side.

Try new spark plugs then maybe HT leads. If its not that get a fault code reader or have the codes read.

[firman]

Ok guys thanks, Just seems strange that once it has warmed up it seems much better. Will start with plugs, leads and coil pack then.

[Si_steve]

Check for oil in the spark plug recess on the head.

[firman]

Si_steve said:

Check for oil in the spark plug recess on the head.

Ta, how and why?

[Squabbler]

firman said:

Ta, how and why?

By screwing out the plugs

[Si_steve]

Just pull out the plug leads and if they are soaked in oil the rocker cover gasket needs replaced (10-20min job) It can cause arcing between the plugs/leads to the head under load as my old Fiesta SI 16v had this problem. Failing that the above mentioned ignition components will be the problem.

[RobCrezz]

As everyone else says, plugs, then leads, then coil. My mate had a 1.25 that went like this and it was the coil.

[firman]

Squabbler said:

By screwing out the plugs

Asked for that I guess! I have had the plugs out they are a bit sooted up but no oil anywhere. So coilpack, plugs and leads it is thanks guys

[firman]

Si_steve said:

Check for oil in the spark plug recess on the head.

Having just changed the plugs in chamber 3 & 4 there was a bit of oil round the body of the plug, the car has just been on a long run over the weekend instead of just to and from work and it has nog got me thinking ths could be the problem or part of it at least, Apart from changing the gasket how can we get any oil that has got in out or will it just burn off eventually?

[RobCrezz]

firman said:

Having just changed the plugs in chamber 3 & 4 there was a bit of oil round the body of the plug, the car has just been on a long run over the weekend instead of just to and from work and it has nog got me thinking ths could be the problem or part of it at least, Apart from changing the gasket how can we get any oil that has got in out or will it just burn off eventually?

Change the Rocker gasket, then it should burn off. Might ruin a set of plugs until its burned off, but they are cheap.

[reado10]

From memory, MAF sensor is a common problem on these too. If none of the above works, consider lamda sensor etc. Although as mentioned, does sound like HT breaking down, so coils, leads etc.