8 replies to this topic

[Shiplu]

Hi Guys, Any idea from where Pink Coolant is very slowly Leaking and filling up spark plug hole in 2005 1.6 Ford Focus Zetec Climate Auto? Could it be rocker (valve) cover gasket? Or something elese? This is causing rust in cylinder head where spark plug fits. Ccan it lead to a serious problem?

[btmaldon]

Not sure where the core plugs are on the Focus, as Ive never had to look, but I remember on my old Puma, these were between the spark plugs and had a tendancy to leak.

Its best to remove and replace, as they are not likely to be tightened. Also, you may have to get the local garage to do it, as they can be a real mare to undo.

[stef123]

are you sure its coolant? there is known issues with the washers leaking and allowing rain water in..

EDIT: just realised you said pink coolant..duhh.

Hope its not a cracked head

[Shiplu]

are you sure its coolant? there is known issues with the washers leaking and allowing rain water in..

EDIT: just realised you said pink coolant..duhh.

Hope its not a cracked head

Ya i know about the water jet issue and i have made a DIY engine cover, but its not the washer jet leak, its pink coolant that worries me!

[Shiplu]

Not sure where the core plugs are on the Focus, as Ive never had to look, but I remember on my old Puma, these were between the spark plugs and had a tendancy to leak.

Its best to remove and replace, as they are not likely to be tightened. Also, you may have to get the local garage to do it, as they can be a real mare to undo.

What is core plugs between the spark plugs? I think there is something between two plugs on each side and looks really rusty and have more water on it.

[btmaldon]

What is core plugs between the spark plugs? I think there is something between two plugs on each side and looks really rusty and have more water on it.

Its usually a round silver bolt/screw that is about an inch in diameter, with a hexagonal hole in the top for a large allen key to fit into it.

[jeebowhite]

as stupid as it sounds, pour a bit of coca cola onto a sponge and leave it to sit over the rusty bit for a while, then wipe off and pour cola straight onto it, that should loosen it up, and take off enough rust to give you more of an idea as to what it is!

I havent heard of coolant in the plug holes so I hope its nothing too serious, hopefully a case of a clumsly last owner who stood a bottle of coolant on the engine block and it spilled onto the head and drained into the plugs?

[btmaldon]

as stupid as it sounds, pour a bit of coca cola onto a sponge and leave it to sit over the rusty bit for a while, then wipe off and pour cola straight onto it, that should loosen it up, and take off enough rust to give you more of an idea as to what it is!

I havent heard of coolant in the plug holes so I hope its nothing too serious, hopefully a case of a clumsly last owner who stood a bottle of coolant on the engine block and it spilled onto the head and drained into the plugs?

Its amazing what you can do with Coca Cola. Does make you wonder what it does to your insides though.

[cagohash14]

I have a 1.6lx that had the same problem; it was the core plugs that were corroded, they cost 87p each from Ford and took a garage to 2 hours to fix; replaced my ht leads and spark plugs and blasted the car on the motorway problem fixed