OEM 2005 Ford Focus Spark Plug

2005 Ford Focus Spark Plug Parts Q&A

• Q: How to inspect a spark plug for issues such as bridged gaps, fouling, and overheating on 2005 Ford Focus?

  A: Examine the spark plug to verify if its gap is properly bridged then check for deposit accumulation that blocks the electrodes gap due to oil or carbon fouling. If necessary perform cleaning on the spark plug. Check for oil contamination by inspecting the insulator shell bore electrodes for black wet deposits since wearing rings and pivots and valve-guide gaps or loose and worn bearings permit excessive oil to enter the combustion chamber. All oil-related problems must get fixed before putting in a new spark plug. The spark plug installer should inspect surface carbon deposits on the spark plug tips and electrodes and insulator tips and shell exterior to detect an incorrect heat range or air cleaner contamination or fuel mixture imbalance or idle time resulting in carbonaceous fouling that needs new plugs. The inspection of normal combustion shows itself through the appearance of light tan or gray substances on the firing tip. The spark plug reveals pre-ignition conditions through melted electrodes as well as damaged insulators combined with metallic deposits because of incorrect ignition timing or unauthorized heli-coil insert usage that requires a new spark plug. Seek signs of overheating which present as white or light gray spots and bluish-burnt electrodes because of engine temperature rise, incorrect fuel type, spark plug looseness, improper heat range of spark plugs, and low fuel pressure or incorrect ignition timing will require replacing the spark plug. The final inspection should check for fused deposits that manifest as bubbles or blisters because sudden acceleration causes these melted or spotty deposits requiring replacement with new spark plugs.