As per previous post, I have grey smoke when starting. Engine is a 1.6 Ecoboost with 345k km, car is from 2013. Apparently it is most likely the valve seals. The seals themselves don't cost much but does anyone here know roughly what it would cost to have these replaced by a garage? I assume a fair bit.

To get access to the valve stem seals, both camshafts need to be removed. This means that the timing belt also needs to be removed. Once removed the timing belt should be replaced since re-using a timing belt that has previously been fitted is a no go.

Once the camshafts are removed all tappets can be removed. Next, the valve springs can be compressed, the valve spring retainers removed and finally the valve springs can be removed. Once all of those parts are removed the valve stem seals can be changed.

To prevent the valves from dropping down into the cylinder the compressed air method can be used. By pressurizing the cylinder through the spark plug hole the valves of that particular cylinder will be firmly pushed into their seats which prevents them from dropping.

Since this engine has solid tappets, the valve lash adjustment need to be adjusted by replacing the tappets (dozens of different sizes are available). Checking and when needed correcting the valve lash adjustment has the exact same interval as replacing the timing belt. Once the timing belt and camshafts are removed to change the valve stem seals it is therefore also strongly recommended to also check/correct the valve lash adjustment.

I estimate the replacement of the timing belt, checking of the valve lash adjustment and replacement of the valve stem seals to be somewhere between €1000,- and €1250,- depending on the type of garage and how familiar they are with this type of engine. A Ford dealership will usually even charge considerably more.

Great, thanks. Not too bad then. I need the front shocks done too and that will be €2000.

€2000,- for a pair of front shocks? Are they made of gold?


A pair of high quality Bilstein B6 front shocks will cost less than €350,-.
A pair of high quality Eibach (standard height) springs will cost less than €75,-.
A pair of SKF strut bearings (full set) will cost less than €50,-.

This is based on top quality parts. Regular pattern parts will even be cheaper.

Add another €50,- for small parts like nuts, bolts rubber bump stops, etc. And the total price for parts will still be less than €525,-.

On a Focus MK3 the front shocks are really easy to replace. Just a single bolt at the bottom and 3 at the top and you can take the entire strut out.

Replacing the struts will be about an hour each side. Assembling the new struts using the abovementioned parts will be another hour for both. This full job can be done in about 3 to 4 hours so he maximum I would pay is €1000,- for both sides.

I've got the adjustable shocks, they are €800 each here in Belgium.

That changes things.

What is wrong with the current shocks? Most adaptive shocks can be rebuild/overhauled, which is usually significantly cheaper that replacing them.

They clunk and leak oil. They also almost failed me on the annual inspection a fews ago so I will need to sort it before then.