Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Swapped spark plugs, idle is ok, starts hesistate

So I went along with my gut feeling and decided to replace the spark plugs (that our mechanic supposedly replaced).. WHEW! First time I've ever fixed anything on a car..

That was actually kinda easy Gapped em to 0.50, used just enough anti sieze (though probably a little less on #1), and they went in just fine (though getting my wrench's socket off the plug was tricky LOL)..

Then the moment of truth came, oh yeah and the old spark plugs were TRASHED. [censored] sonofa.. well.. you know what I mean.. I knew this though as our friend checked em and said so.

So I fired the car up, thankfully it started wonderfully. Shoot, the idles are NORMAL! That's right! I started it, it went to about 1500, maybe 1800 or so, then went back down to the usual 800-900 or so range (for a slightly cold engine that seems okay), and such (can't remember exactly) - but it stayed at what it stayed at STEADY no surging. YES!

Maybe I won't have to use that can of carb cleaner after all.

However, the car's still slightly hesistant to start, takes an extra few cranks. I guess I'll have to get a scanner and see what that is (that, or take the time to count the flashes of the ole' CEL light - it's a 95 mystique so.. EEC IV for teh win!).

Err.. and yeah, had a funny little story about the last part (anti seize compound), went to kragen and realized I had no idea what this stuff looked like (wasn't sure to expect a can or a tube. D`oh!). Aaaand I asked a guy where it was, he nicely told me, I went there, still couldn't find it (was hunting by name), so the guy comes back and asks if I found it..

No

He points at the package about 2' from where I was standing

And as I was at the register with someone else, the guy notices my other car parked out front (300c) and goes out to admire the car. Ouch. When he walked out I think he was thinking , but hey I showed him the goods. It is a sweet car at that, but hey what can I say?

I guess that story isn't as funny now as when I first IMed it to a friend. Oh well!

which brand of spark plugs did you use?

After I changed my spark plugs, ignition wires, and air filter. My car felt like a it had 20k on the clock. Better throttle response, better gas milage, and possible a couple more HP.

Ford Racing wires, Autolite APP5364, and a K&N panel filter later, best maintance ever.

Okay so it seems like I'll still be getting the IAC valve out for a cleaning. Someone told me to use a coat hanger when getting it back in and that it's way down in there, the only thing I wonder though, is where the damn thing is?

Aside from knowing that I have to remove the air cleaner and all that, and that it's down in that area, I have no idea where it is. Could someone take a pic of the engine bay (preferably with the air cleaner stuff removed) so that I can see where it is? Much appreciated!

Oh yeah and how many 12" extensions do you think I'll need for my socket wrench?

Oh yeah the plugs were autolie platinum 5364s gapped to 0.50 (had a slider gapper, where the manual suggested a wire one, but it worked fine).

iac valve is on the bottom of the intake manifold i think. I think accesible easier from the bottom of the car.

I just took mine out and cleaned it. 96 contour zetec atx, and you take one bolt from top and one from bottom. It is fairly hard to get to. I removed the air filter and plenum/Intake to get better access as well as let the vacuum hoses loose to reach in to get to the IAC. Search for IAC and you will find the right pics to help. I used carb cleaner and wd 40 do to reading alot of threads, helped idle greatly. I need to change plugs and wires as well but I have never done this before.