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This year after starting my '02 (w 32,000 miles) up for the first time (had to use starter fluid with a long 1/2" flexable hose thru the air filter box) the car had an awful miss. I figured it had to be COPs AGAIN. Took the car to a great shop (James Herr in Steger, IL) and told him I what thought it was, my fourth time with bad COPs. I was expecting the usual near-$2,000 repair bill.
Turned out it was $1,050 and he said ALL the COPs were fine, but said five plugs were fouled. He said our engines are notorious for leaking fuel injectors after sitting for an extended time! I dont ever remember seeing this problem mentioned before! He replaced five injectors, eight plugs, and zero COPs. (FYI, I would have replaced all 8 injectors if they were available but the last three were going to take several more days)
His solution seems to explain the great deal of difficulty I've had starting the car for the first time the last three years. Even with a full battery and extended engine cranking, it wouldn't start. Two years ive had it towed to the dealer and both times it appears the very act of pulling it up the tow truck incline, leveling for transport, and rolling off the platform "fixed it". Car started right up after being towed even before Ford mechanic got it into the garage.
Note: yes i start the car a couple times a winter, but we had a warm early spring and it may have sat for over three maybe four months without starting.
Turned out it was $1,050 and he said ALL the COPs were fine, but said five plugs were fouled. He said our engines are notorious for leaking fuel injectors after sitting for an extended time! I dont ever remember seeing this problem mentioned before! He replaced five injectors, eight plugs, and zero COPs. (FYI, I would have replaced all 8 injectors if they were available but the last three were going to take several more days)
His solution seems to explain the great deal of difficulty I've had starting the car for the first time the last three years. Even with a full battery and extended engine cranking, it wouldn't start. Two years ive had it towed to the dealer and both times it appears the very act of pulling it up the tow truck incline, leveling for transport, and rolling off the platform "fixed it". Car started right up after being towed even before Ford mechanic got it into the garage.
Note: yes i start the car a couple times a winter, but we had a warm early spring and it may have sat for over three maybe four months without starting.
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