2002 Zetec Engine Ticking/ Misfiring?

[vermen1993]

Hi everyone,
I searched the forums and couldn't find anything like this. A couple days ago we got hammered with snow (2' ish), and I had to move my car to a different parking spot on campus to avoid getting a ticket. In doing so, the snow managed to get into my engine bay, like way up onto the valve cover, spark plug wires, coil pack, you get the idea. Ever since then, it hasn't run right, it sounds like its misfiring and has a very mild tick at idle. I checked the oil, I have enough, so now my thinking is I got the coil pack wet, and it shorted a wire or something, so it's not sending spark? I really need to get this taken care of so any information or insight would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
Stefan

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[jetrinka]

Is the CEL on? It kinda sounds like your on the right track in snow getting up there, getting ignition parts wet and causing the miss. If its outright missing, using insulated pliers or gloves, pull one spark plug wire at a time. If the engine runs worse, its not that cylinder causing the problem and plug it back in. If it doesn't change with a wire pulled, that cylinder is the one missing and further inspection of the plug and wire is called for.

[iminhell]

Similar threads would be something about 'washed engine and now won't run correct'.
Generally when the engine (DOHC) and water are involved, the problem will be water in the spark plug wells.
Pull the spark plug wires at the valve cover and check for water. If you find some, remove as much as you can. That should help some if not sure the problem altogether.

I've not heard of water getting into a good ignition coil/wire connection. If it has made it's way in there odds are the plug wires are bad or the coil is cracked. In both cases replace with Motorcraft parts (believe I seen we have a new Ford Parts sponsor, check their prices first).

[vermen1993]

I honestly don't know what could be causing it, so I'm gonna replace all the plugs anyways, they're oldish. And especially since it happened right after I got snow in there, everything points to that. It was really bad when it first happened, but now it's gotten better, but has stopped getting better and kind of plateau'd.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Originally Posted by vermen1993

I honestly don't know what could be causing it, so I'm gonna replace all the plugs anyways, they're oldish. And especially since it happened right after I got snow in there, everything points to that. It was really bad when it first happened, but now it's gotten better, but has stopped getting better and kind of plateau'd.

That would be plugs and plug wires. Don't forget to put anti-seize on the plugs, and I would not suggest Bosch plugs. Stick with Motorcraft, Autolite, or Champion.

[vermen1993]

Originally Posted by whynotthinkwhynot

That would be plugs and plug wires. Don't forget to put anti-seize on the plugs, and I would not suggest Bosch plugs. Stick with Motorcraft, Autolite, or Champion.

Alright, I'm about to run out to advanced and grab new plugs, I'm not sure if they have wires or not but I have an msd coil pack and wires so I would need to swap it all out.

Sent from Stefan 's Phone