Author Topic: Non Vw - Ford Focus Owners. (Read 1550 times)

AlanU · « **on:** December 22, 2007, 12:11:02 AM »

I'm bored so I felt like spreading info.

Many split port (non zetec / dual overhead cam) engines found in many Ford focus's are siezing. Alot of engine builders are seeing the bottom ends grenading.

Use 5w20 if it calls for it. Thicker oil (especially thicker viscosity dino oils in cold ambient temps) are cavitating the conrod bearings and siezing split ports everywhere.

2 customers that get oil changes from quick lube shops throw any type of viscosity in their cars. Both bought their cars new. Both are 2002 split port Focus makes (1 with 100,000kms and the other 130,000km). 2 siezed motors in non abused grocery getters.

Dont mess with recommended viscosity suggestions. Tighter bearing clearances are not like the old days.

dannyboy · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2007, 10:51:03 AM »

seen any issues with the zetec motors alan?

AlanU · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2007, 12:34:20 PM »

Quote

seen any issues with the zetec motors alan?

coolant adapter for the upper rad hose (found on driver side of engine head)will collapse internally and the o ring gets sucked it. Coolant leaks are very common.

Clutch components are extremely expensive considering its a ford. Easy 700+ bucks for clutch kit...parts only. One of the most rediculous release bearing systems I've seen in years (release bearing is an input tranny seal) O rings can be had for 20+ bucks from the dealer....heheheh ford for ya.

NOt sure if you can buy an aftermarket tensioner for the t belt. Ford mechanics NEVER change them when you get a T belt job..... screaming for failiure. Also alot of fun getting to the starter. the list goes on.

blarneyman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2007, 05:31:44 PM »

I have a Taurus with a 3.0 v6. It calls for the same oil. I have to wonder if the shop that did one of my last oil changes used some heavier oil. I had to take it into my mechanic to replace the oil pan gasket because the gasket was bulging out and ready to blow. Don't know if this would be related or not (thicker oil higher pressure?)

AlanU · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2007, 08:34:54 PM »

Quote

I have a Taurus with a 3.0 v6. It calls for the same oil. I have to wonder if the shop that did one of my last oil changes used some heavier oil. I had to take it into my mechanic to replace the oil pan gasket because the gasket was bulging out and ready to blow. Don't know if this would be related or not (thicker oil higher pressure?)

thicker oil would be unlikely a cause for a blown out oil pan gasket unless you have some serious PCV issues.

3L are known for warping banana heads not siezing issues. Ford dealerships typically install new headgaskets and torque the warp heads down and pray it doesn't come back in 1yr.

blarneyman · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2007, 02:21:05 PM »

Quote

thicker oil would be unlikely a cause for a blown out oil pan gasket unless you have some serious PCV issues.

3L are known for warping banana heads not siezing issues. Ford dealerships typically install new headgaskets and torque the warp heads down and pray it doesn't come back in 1yr.

With 110k miles on the car I've been thinking about getting rid of it. Might be a good choice. :unsure:

GMB · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2007, 10:13:50 AM »

I had a 91 sable wagon with the 3.0 and got 280 thousand K out of it. One of the best cars I've ever had. I always drop the thermostat down 5-10 degrees and make sure to add radiator stop leak after every coolant flush. The first operation in changing the heater core is \"remove dash\"! ouch! I sold that and got a 96 winf=dstar with a 3.8 and have 260K on that. Both had trand trouble early on (I had read about that) and guess what both times it was an inexpensive electronic device ( speed sensor (sable) and neutral safety switch (windstar). both parts were under $50.00 and I replaced the neutral safety switch myself.
Now anyone who ownes a ford knows the trouble you can have with transmissions. Both the taurus and windstar are known for weak transmissions..........I gotta wonder how many of these tranny failures are accountable to the forementioned minor electrcal failures and have been towed into a \"transmission shop\" and told they needed a $4000. Tranny!
Gary.

Chris W · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2007, 12:44:56 PM »

My girlfriend had a 02 Focus (I believe that was the year). That thing had a ton of recalls, it was pretty sad.