Hello you sexy munchkins.

I’ve not long taken ownership of a stunning white mk3 (2012) Ford focus 1.6T Zetec S. I adore it, but an issue has come to light which has got me kind of worried. 
 

When I rev the engine, I can hear a clatter. I’ve also just taken it down the duel carriageway and when I floored it from second to third gear it hesitated and I heard the clatter again.

Anyone else had this issue? I shall try and post a video once I’ve reduced the file size on my desktop. 

Has it had all necessary servicing oil and any cambelt changes? (flooring it without knowing history...building up confidence is necessary in my book?)

Is there a chain connecting the camshafts on this engine, or hydraulic valve lifters or something specific to that engine ???

Thanks for the response. It is due a cambelt change and the recent service history is somewhat lacking. I have ordered a service kit for now until I can get it in for a cambelt change. 
The oil seems pretty fresh though and is at the correct level. 

14 minutes ago, Pburgess2208 said:

Hello you sexy munchkins.

Never read the rest of the post, knew instantly it wasn't addressed to me 🤣

Sounds like a misfire.  Probably a dodgy coil.  Are spark plugs included in your service kit?

11 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Sounds like a misfire.  Probably a dodgy coil.  Are spark plugs included in your service kit?

You know what. I’ve just checked the spark plugs and lo and behold the top of spark plug 2 is corroded at the top. I’ll definitely be getting a new set 👍🏻. 

From "clatter", I went down the mechanical rabbit hole - shows the difficulty of long distance diagnosis and the need for very clear descriptions?

Hope the plugs and service sorts it (I'd change one thing at a time and see when the fault disappears (do tell us!)

Thanks @Shearers 👍🏻. I’ll let you know how I get on with the spark plugs replacement and service. Whoever had this car before more really did neglect it. Probably why it was so cheap. But I’m gonna do all I can to make sure it’s well looked after from now on. 
 

once all that lots done I’ll have to start saving for a cambelt change. 

Heres the link to a little video of the sound when I rev the engine.

HERE

3 hours ago, Pburgess2208 said:

Heres the link to a little video of the sound when I rev the engine.

 

I've listened and, whilst carrying out any/all service items if you don't know the history is a good idea, that sound, to me, seems mechanical?
I'd use the old long screwdriver "stethoscope" and scan around things like alternator, water pump, A/C compressor (although it sounds more top end related to me?)

IMHO if it has no record of a cambelt change and is overdue or unknown, that would be a priority for long term reliability, I certainly wouldn't "hammer" it until I'd built up some confidence.

While the belts can wear and fail, it's the idler and water pump bearings that are also critical (I had a plastic pulley rim fail which required new belt kit and a couple of valves-Olde Worlde Mondeo diesel)

Anyone again?

Cheers man. I’ve ordered some Iridium spark plugs and I shall be phoning around a few garages today to get some cambelt change prices. You are right. It definitely needs doing urgently 👍🏻

3 hours ago, Pburgess2208 said:

Cheers man. I’ve ordered some Iridium spark plugs and I shall be phoning around a few garages today to get some cambelt change prices. You are right. It definitely needs doing urgently 👍🏻

I got my cambelt and water pump changed at 89k miles due to millage when I bought mine (bought at 86k). No history of a change so thought best to. 

Good job too as when garage did it they sent me photos of my belt and it was definitely showing signs of wear. Also had to get serpentine belt changed as it was so worn the garage refused to put it back in the car. 

Saved myself from catastrophic failure there I think. You might do the same. 

My car is much better now. Accelerates so much smoother and gets to the right temperature much quicker. 

Let us know how you get on with the cambelt 🙂

18 hours ago, Shearers said:

I've listened and, whilst carrying out any/all service items if you don't know the history is a good idea, that sound, to me, seems mechanical?
I'd use the old long screwdriver "stethoscope" and scan around things like alternator, water pump, A/C compressor (although it sounds more top end related to me?)

IMHO if it has no record of a cambelt change and is overdue or unknown, that would be a priority for long term reliability, I certainly wouldn't "hammer" it until I'd built up some confidence.

While the belts can wear and fail, it's the idler and water pump bearings that are also critical (I had a plastic pulley rim fail which required new belt kit and a couple of valves-Olde Worlde Mondeo diesel)

Anyone again?

Im about to change my cam,belt and water pump for age related reasons. Car is 8 and a half years old but only got 17420 miles on the clock but its getting done anyway . I already have the kit ready to go.

I got some prices today for the cambelt change. Talk about diverse! So, called up my local Ford stealership, their price was £1,800😳, I asked why it was so expensive, they said because its a wet belt. I then had to explain to them that it was a dry belt on the 1.6 models. They put me on hold and came back to me with a new price of £975 after telling me that I was correct. Doesn't really instil confidence in the company that they don't know their own products. Anyway, my next quote was from a local independent garage £573.48, which I thought was very reasonable, then I called another garage and they gave me a price of £370. So I've booked it in with them for 10 days time ✊

£370 seems very cheap for this engine.  I wouldn't be surprised if that changes when they actually see it.  £500-£600 is realistic for an independent.

14 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

£370 seems very cheap for this engine.  I wouldn't be surprised if that changes when they actually see it.  £500-£600 is realistic for an independent.

I thought that too, but I'll take it over to them first I think just to get a definitive price from them. The garage has been highly rated as they have been recommended to me by various people locally. If that is all they're charging, then I shall be giving them a tip 😆

14 hours ago, Pburgess2208 said:

I thought that too, but I'll take it over to them first I think just to get a definitive price from them. The garage has been highly rated as they have been recommended to me by various people locally. If that is all they're charging, then I shall be giving them a tip 😆

Just make sure you discuss a guarantee with them. I paid an independent garage £608 for cambelt, water pump, and serpentine belt. 1 year guarantee on parts in writing. 

And the "clatter" my be unrelated to a straight cambelt (and waterpump) change so best to mention/demonstrate that so there are no unhappy surprises?

Just to give you guys an update on this. I changed the spark plugs and upgraded them to a set of Denso Iridium plugs. It now runs and idles really smoothly and I'm no longer experiencing any misfires, especially on cold starts and it has been cold the past couple of days. I shall be doing the oil and filter(s) changes this weekend ✊👍.

I’ve done the oil change this morning. The previous owner of this car really didn’t take care of it at all. Oil was low and jet black. Not great for a petrol engine. Also the wrong oil filter was fitted 🤦🏻‍♂️. Once oil and filters were changed I took it for a long test drive. The clatter is still very much there, I’ve taken it to a few garages in my area, but nobody is available just to have a quick look and listen to it. I’m a bit worried about driving it, but I really need to for the school runs next week. I’m getting a bit concerned now that I’ve been sold a problem car. I’ve only had it for 2 weeks ☹️

CLATTER VIDEO HERE

Heres an updated video. The engine was at a constant 2000rpm and you can clearly hear the clatter. Could it be the tappets? Crank bearings? Water pump bearing? I could Honestly cry. I have 6 months warranty from where I purchased the car from so if its anything majorly serious I'm gonna have to see if I can claim. I do love the car though and I really want to fix it.

51 minutes ago, Pburgess2208 said:

I have 6 months warranty from where I purchased the car from

I'd take it back with no delay - I don't think it's your problem:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/problems-with-a-used-car/

If you do want to do any testing, I'd be checking the fuel pump tappet first.  Though admittedly that video does make it sound belt end.

59 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

If you do want to do any testing, I'd be checking the fuel pump tappet first.  Though admittedly that video does make it sound belt end.

Sounds like something connected to either cambelt or serpentine belt to me. The clanking has a rhythmic sound.

If you want to take the car back, go for it. If you want to repair it, my first thought would be an all-in cambelt, serpentine belt, water pump, ignition leads, core plug, and breather pipe change. Give the engine the best chance at recovery. 

mates car made a noise like that the crank pulley fell off - as he kept going, needed a whole short engine as he destroyed the crank - they tried a new pulley and loctite but it fell off again