I don't have the service history for my fiesta, so I'm planning on doing an oil change and flush, new spark plugs (and HT leads), air and oil filter(obviously), Cam belt and water pump, gearbox oil change and some other bits. Anyone have any tips for removing the spark plugs? I've heard horror stories of them snapping in the block and don't want to be without the car. And any other big things to do while im at it. Tia

 

Depends how old it is. You’re best off having the engine warm, and to have them soaked in WD40.  They can be tough but chances are they’ll be fine. 

9 hours ago, Connor Wetton said:

I don't have the service history for my fiesta, so I'm planning on doing an oil change and flush, new spark plugs (and HT leads), air and oil filter(obviously), Cam belt and water pump, gearbox oil change and some other bits. Anyone have any tips for removing the spark plugs? I've heard horror stories of them snapping in the block and don't want to be without the car. And any other big things to do while im at it. Tia

 

Which engine?

Get some penetrating oil and spray the plugs every night, after switch off, a week before you want to remove them.

They should come out ok, with the correct tool

It's usually rust that seizes them in.  Washer fluid can come from leaking bonnet jets or coolant from leaking core plugs can cause that.  If they look very rusty, it might be better left to a garage. 

4 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Which engine?

Get some penetrating oil and spray the plugs every night, after switch off, a week before you want to remove them.

They should come out ok, with the correct tool

Oh, and then when you do try to remove them, make sure the engine is hot

I'll 2nd that about getting the engine hot... really hot! And after changing 2 plugs, run the engine up again to get it really hot again. The alloy head expands at a gr8er rate than the sparkplug metal, so your best chance at getting 'em out without mishap is with a hot engine. And take your time unscrewing them.. a bit at a time and back and forth very gradually. I'd recommend putting copperslip on the threads of the new plugs too. Let us know how you get on! 👍 

10 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Which engine?

Get some penetrating oil and spray the plugs every night, after switch off, a week before you want to remove them.

They should come out ok, with the correct tool

Petrol 1.4 ghia on a mk6 pre facelift

always been recommended not to use copper slip on the threads of new spark plugs

Well OK, fair comment, your choice of course, but I never recommend anything I don't do for myself. 

Yeah, don't use copper slip, just fit the new plugs

Use an 1/2" extension bar rather than 3/8" if possible, less likely to flex and will give you more control over the torque that you're applying.

If you spray penetrating oil on them for a week before, they will undo OK. Gentle torque, as said, for removal, no short, sharp shocks, good solid tool.

Penetrating oil NOT WD40 and hot engine

If they tighten up as you unscrew, don't try to force it! Screw back in and very carefully screw back and forth to try to get past the tightness but very gradually else you risk stripping the threads in the head. Oh, and try to avoid PUSHING on the tool use a very light touch so that you're just turning the socket and not putting your weight behind it. (Sorry if that's obvious!, but it reduces the risk of stripping the thread in the head) also, Can't stress enough about having a VERY hot engine too! 

Only advice I will add, is to get a magnetic spark plug socket.

IMHO the ones with a rubber insert to hold the plug are crap.  More than once I've had the plug socket remain in the head attached to the plug. 🙄