Quote:
Originally Posted by thekovac
Sorry yes its a WF model - it has clear indicators and is a 1999 model GLXi auto.
I was under the impression its the more common B5 16v ME. Didn't realise the Bastards at ford/kia downgraded the engine to the 8v one. Was there problems with the 16v to justify fitting a lower power engine?
At least there's less seals to replace then!
There must be some confusion even between mechanics too. I've been trying to get to the bottom of why her car is very hard to start in the cold morning, blowing smoke even at warm idle, and also burning quite a bit of oil. Did compression test, came up 115-130 psi across the cyclinders (which isn't too bad for a 160,000km engine) but doesn't lead me to think head gasket or piston ring failure. Pulled out spark plugs to find nasty white burnt plugs - why? because someone fitted the 1.3L BP5EY plugs.
I'm certain that she's got busted stem seals though now. All the signs point to it.
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Probably cost cutting? The 99 model was the last one made so they probably just raided the parts bin.
The 16 valve engine did make the car much more responsive, I drove one and the difference was very noticeable - the trade off was that the lower spec engine used less fuel.
Having said that, the engines when treated right are bullet proof. Mine got to 206,000km with not a single issue (as new) till someone decided to drive into my font end and kill my perfectly good car.
Regarding starting, my Festiva would start within a 1/10 second of turning the key. Don't know how or why, but you could sneeze on the key and it would start.
Really miss that thing....