Sparking trouble

DURING the 150,000km service on our Ford one-tonne ute, the mechanic broke off two spark plugs in the head while trying to remove them. We were told they were hoping to remove the broken bits, but were concerned that small fragments may fall inside the head so they would most likely have to remove the head. We were also told all costs would have to be paid by us. We were not happy about this and told them so, but because we needed our vehicle we told them to do what they had to do. Our mistake. We were then told that the mechanic had broken another three spark plugs and that the heads would have to come off. A solicitor advised us to contact Ford to see if it was a mechanical problem with the vehicles or if it was poor workmanship by the dealer. Ford told me it was not a problem, and that because it was out of warranty we would have to pay the costs. Yet the Ford dealer said it was a problem. My husband called Ford and spoke to someone who was a little more obliging, but with the same result. The problem is the spark plugs do not have to be removed until the 150,000km service and that is why they are having trouble getting them out. We are totally disappointed with Ford and our local Ford dealer will never get to work on either of our cars again.