Very strange Focus problem

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Very strange Focus problem

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Very strange Focus problem - 3/31/2008 9:16:14 PM

gearyoil

Posts: 15
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Joined: 10/14/2005
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2.o SOHC split port engine has 140K miles. Car ran fine when parked. Next morning started and imediately started LOUD knocking. Shut it off and tried to restart. Wanted to run, but badly. Removed plugs to check compression and the plug on back cyl was mashed to within .002 of an inch gap. Opened it to .045 and it started but did the same thing. What the .........??!!

Post #: 1

RE: Very strange Focus problem - 6/1/2008 9:49:19 PM

rjay29

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Joined: 6/1/2008
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I guess this post is a little late but I just found this site. I will answer anyway maybe it will help someone else out since this is a common problem with the 2.0/1.9 SOHC engine.
What happened to your engine is that the intake valve seat dropped and I would almost bet money it was number 4 cylinder but have seen 2 cyl. go first one time and I have done so many of these I have lost count but in the last 10 years I have probably seen and repaired 100 or more. (a good living thankyou Ford)
I personally drive a 2000 focus that had 117,000 when she dropped hers and I baught it from the customer and had the head fixed with all new valve seats.replaced the one rod and piston,timming belt and tensioner,water pump.This car now has 228,000 miles and the only thing I have done to it since the engine repair is another timming belt and struts,brakes plugs and wires.It still has the original auto/trans that still shifts great,the compression in every cyl. is 180/185 I do the 5000 mile oil change intervals and it never uses more than a half quart in that time.
We call these cars "throw away cars" in the business but once you get past the valve seat problem they are not bad little throw away cars.
If your Focus experiences this kind of failure shut off right away because if that rod seperates from the piston it will at the very least gouge the cylinder which is repairable with a sleave however if it breaks the cylinder or goes through the block its trashed.
Also one last tip for your do it your selfers,DO NOT go to a wrecking yard and buy a pre 2000 2.0 SOHC engine out of an escort for your Focus because it wont work. There is no provision on the back of the block to bolt your carrier for the right cv shaft. I cant tell you how many guys come in scratching their heads looking for some advice!

(in reply to gearyoil)

Post #: 2

RE: Very strange Focus problem - 6/11/2008 5:14:14 PM

gearyoil

Posts: 15
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Joined: 10/14/2005
Status: offline

Thanks for the reply. I see that you replaced the piston and rod in your engine. May I ask why you had to do that? Did the valve seat break in pieces or just come loose and hold the valve open?

(in reply to rjay29)

Post #: 3