Question: I took my 2000 Focus in to the mechanic for a check up. It has been idling badly on start up in the very cold weather- down to 15 degrees some mornings. The emission light came on yesterday during a bad cold spell.
They have come back to tell me that the problems are because of carbon deposits building up on the intake and exhaust valves between the stem and guides and that the only option is to replace the cylinder head at a cost of over $1200 in parts plus labor.
Surely a car with 67,000 miles should not be looking at a new cylinder head, and there must be other things that can be done to remove the deposits rather than replacing the entire head. I know Ford does not recommend use of gas treatments, but do these additives work?
Also it has been suggested that if the wrong viscosity grade was used, that it could cause similar problems, and the check engine light has come on within a week of my last oil change.
In 6 months the car has had $1800 in repairs done and I do not believe that this can be the only option available to me. Despite the garages quote, and Fords own repair release detailing this work.
Answer: Do you baby your car when you drive and don't floor it very often? It could just be a matter of getting some hard acceleration and heat in the engine to burn the carbon off. It could be that the wrong oil grade caused the build up, but more likely the quality of gas. Short trips in cold weather and getting the engine up to operating temperature will also contribute.
I would get the oil changed to the correct grade immediately and then cruise at high speed for a while and then stomp on the engine to get some heat in the top end and try to blow out any deposits. Also a valve decarbon service is available at most repair shops. That might burn the carbon off the valves.
If you can't do that and don't want to change the head, you could take the valves out and use a wire brush to clean the carbon off, just don't scratch the stems. Make sure you put them back in the same hole they came out of to ensure you wont have any noises or premature wear.
2001 Ford Focus 2.0 four cylinder.
Has a check engine light misfire.
Replaced timing belt.
Question: car has a miss fire on cylinder 1 and compression is 25 PSI. When car is running the compression goes to 125 lbs.
Answer: Sounds like you may have a valve or valve seat problem. Carbon on the valves, bent valve, worn valve seat, etc will give low compression during a static compression check, and higher when running. This will usually cause a misfire at idle or just above idle only. It would not misfire at higher RPM's. A compression leak down test would reveal this condition. You could try a de-carbon service from a local shop. if does not help, removing the cylinder head and having it machined or valve replaced would be needed if this is your problem.
Ford Focus Using Water
Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia 2003
Question Here: Car ok in summer but using water in winter. Have to keep topping up water bottle.
Answer: The only reason that it can loose coolant in the winter not summer is that something is shrinking because of the cold temperatures. Which means it is ot leaking when running, but when sitting. There must be a gasket that leaks. Rubber seals shrink when cold and can leak, then expand when warm. You are going to need to have a coolant system pressure test done on your Ford Focus to find the leak.
Ford Focus Won't Idle
2003 ford focus...won't idle. replace 02 sensors, plugs plug wires. what now?
Answer: Rough, unstable or not being able to idle is most commonly a vacuum leak problem, carbon buildup in the throttle or idle control motor.
Start by cleaning out the throttle and plate real good with a carb cleaner or Seafoam, then take it for a ride and blow it out.
Next, check for a vacuum leak. A good way is to spray brake cleaner around vacuum hoses and intake gaskets, staying away from all ignition components. When the brake cleaner hits a vacuum leak the idle will surge up for a second.
Lastly check the operation of the idle control valve / motor. This is what control s the idle speed.
