Need HELP with 04 Ford Focus. Hate this Car!!!!

[Mazda]

Hi Guys,

So my brother has this 04 Ford Focus 2.3L SFI DOHC PZEV. Has 80,000 miles on it. I hate this car.

Here is the problem. Car starts. Runs like crap. Idles like crap. Is drive-able but sometimes at a light you have to keep your foot on the gas to keep her from dying on you.

He doesn't take car of this car at all. I think last time it had a oil change was 2 years ago when I did it.So I am trying to repair it so he can get off his ass and get a job and out of my brothers house.

I'm thinking it is the Fuel Filter because I know it hasn't been changed in 10 years. Dad goes and gets a new fuel filter, Spark Plugs, Oil and a filter to try some basic things before I take it to the shop. Oh by the way the OBD2 connector is toast. I have no idea how he spilled crap in it and my scanner won't read anything. He says CEL been on for like a year.

So anyway go to change the fuel filter. Parts guy gave my dad the wrong one. So in the mean time I go to replace the plugs and I find out the main problem with his car. Cylinder 2 and 3 spark plugs are DRIPPING oil off of them when I pull them out. I mean like Syrup coming out of the bottle. I think that's why it wont run/idle there is no way any kind of spark is going on with 2 cylinders.

Question is what caused this. Could he have totally wore down the rings in both cylinders. And what would be the best way to repair. ????

The bottom oil pan is clear of obstruction. Can I just pull the head. push the 2 piston up. Re-ring and go from there.. Any help is very appreciated.

Also the fuel filter for this engine is only available from for and it $50.00. Crazy

 

[RonD]

I would do a compression test first, dry then wet.
Rings are probably OK.

Where does the PCV Valve's hose come into the intake manifold, if the oil isn't changed like you think there would be alot of oil vapor coming into the intake, and if hose is near #2 and #3 you found the source of the oil.

Valve guide seals would also be a more likely issue for the oil than rings.
with DOHC it would probably just be easier all around to pull the head to do these, although I changed a Camry DOHC engine's guide seals with head on.
Not sure on how the duratech's cams are set up

 

[adsm08]

I am having trouble picturing the Ztec right this moment, been a few years since I had to deal with one, but I know that Ford's later 4-cylinder engines had lots of issues with valve cover gaskets leaking into the plug wells and causing rough running.

But you should have found that when you went to pull the plugs since it's oil on top of the plug.

A compression test would be the first thing to do. It will show any issue with the rings.

I guess in theory it's possible to pop the piston out like that, but it would be difficult. It's hard to get the piston up around the crank. You also need to deglaze the the cylinder walls before putting new rings in, or they won't seal.

Finally, what screw ball fuel filter is on this car that's $50?

 

[Mazda]

I don't even know where the PCV is. This motors emissions is so different. It being a PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle). Asked on a Focus message board. Didn't get much help.


But you should have found that when you went to pull the plugs since it's oil on top of the plug.

Oil is dripping of the bottom of the plugs (thread side).


Finally, what screw ball fuel filter is on this car that's $50?

It's because its a PZEV

Thanks guys I will do a compresstion check and go from there. Will probably just pull the head off anyway. IDK

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[RonD]

Found this thread on how to fix PCV hose(common issue it says) and replace PCV Valve.
Which requires pulling off the intake manifold: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212938

 

[Mazda]

Thanks a lot RonD !!!!

Looked but didn't find anything. Happens when I'm frustrated.

 

[Mazda]

Again thanks RonD.!!!! Here is a update. Read the article you suggested. Took me 2 hours to remove the intake to get to the PCV hose. $30.00 replacement. 1 Hour to get it back together. I can't believe they put it there. I thought my 94 2.3 had it in a difficult place.

Runs Like a new car again. I really thought he blew the motor when I saw all the oil on the plugs.

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So the hose goes from the PCV (orange looking pipe) to the back of the intake.

 

[dirtcowboy]

Good you got it fixed. I have a 2000 focus ZX3 and I love that car! Bought it new, lowered it, 18" wheels and tires, great little ride!

 

[Mazda]

Thanks ....It's not mine. My brother loves it. It gets great gas milage. I'm the one that has to work on it so that's why I hate it. Nothing in this car is simple to repair. And it's way more expensive than other cars I have owned or worked on. Did his clutch a while back Flywheel was toast new one was $300.00 bucks. WOW

 

[RonD]

Good work

 

[MastuhWaffles]

Now you just need to convert it to AWD and turbo it for a rally car.