Hi,

my ford focus has around 75k miles and was running fine, no error codes and anything popping up on dash. On morning I had to move my car and did that easily. Later on in the evening I tried to start my car and it wouldn’t start, battery was dead. I put in a new battery and still the car wouldn’t start.

i asked a mechanic to have a look and they are saying the timing has slipped and I need a new engine. 
 

im just surprised with how well the car was driving and in one day I need a new engine, has anyone had anything similar? Or can advice on what to do

video below of trying to start

https://streamable.com/zqvf0q

 

10 minutes ago, Fordfocushelp123 said:

has anyone had anything similar?

Do you mean today ? If yes, then you're the first today 👍. On average there is usually 6 or 7 per month.

Generally the 1.5 diesel is probably the most reliable but failures are starting to be more common. Have a look over at PumaSpeed and see what they can offer regarding a new engine. If it's not listed then give them a call.

 

 

The mechanic didn’t do a full strip down and just made the diagnosis through process of elimination.

is there a chance the engine doesn’t need to be replaced?

would it be worth buying a used engine instead of a brand new one?

I can understand your angst...one minute, all fine, next you are told "New engine" - Ouch!

I don't know about these engines and their failure modes but had old Mondeo timing pulley (not belt) crack the plastic guide shell leading to belt falling off and two bent valves which was able to be repaired. I suspect I was lucky!
I think you need a bit more info on what goes wrong (from here?) and, perhaps a little further investigation on your actual engine (but that may be throwing good money away to no purpose?) to help you understand and accept the advice you have been given (or not)

Are these interference engines i.e. multiple valves/piston damage or what?
If any possible repair is either expensive/difficult (time is money)or won't last then you may have to resign yourself to that engine change or a write off (at 2018, that doesn't sound like a good option) or get rid (also an expensive way out?)
Having been the victim of "used" engines in the very distant past where it was "If it doesn't work just bring it back, sir" I'd want a very long term solution with a secure warranty

Could someone please paste in the relevant thread on here or  failure modes with reasons and background to help @Fordfocushelp123 (and me) understand and accept this upsetting diagnosis and blanket solution?

13 hours ago, unofix said:

Do you mean today ? If yes, then you're the first today 👍. On average there is usually 6 or 7 per month.

Generally the 1.5 diesel is probably the most reliable but failures are starting to be more common. Have a look over at PumaSpeed and see what they can offer regarding a new engine. If it's not listed then give them a call.

 

 

Looks like no change from £4100 , that not including fitting and extras like dual mass flywheel, clutch maybe? 

15 hours ago, Fordfocushelp123 said:

The mechanic didn’t do a full strip down and just made the diagnosis through process of elimination.

is there a chance the engine doesn’t need to be replaced?

would it be worth buying a used engine instead of a brand new one?

If your mechanic strips this one he will probably find the cam-chain has snapped.  As it snapped when attempting to start, you may be lucky and only need to replace a few rockers.  Another member was lucky with theirs in the same situation.  If it had snapped at 3000rpm on the motorway then I would've expected major internal damage.

These engines aren't easy to find used, which means they're fairly expensive if you can find one.  Not all that far off the cost of a new one.  If you do go down that route, then I would recommend changing the cambelt and fitting the thicker upgraded cam-chain to make sure the same thing doesn't happen with the replacement engine.

I take it these are Ecoblue engines you are talking about ? Asking for a friend.....lol.

1 minute ago, Delboy777 said:

I take it these are Ecoblue engines you are talking about ? Asking for a friend.....lol.

Yes, all Mk4 Focus 1.5 diesels are 16v EcoBlue.

Example:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387877266075

OR

https://fair-motors.com/shop/engine-z2da-ford-focus-iv-4-1-5-ecoblue-95hp/