Hi all, my Ford Focus Estate 2013 1L Ecoboost had its wetbelt changed at 95,000 miles. I'm not sure if it was done before then. Shortly after the works (days/weeks) the turbo was unusually loud and progressively stopped working properly with a loss of power to the engine and white/blue smoke out of exhaust. We've been advised the turbo has blown and this may be due to bits from the degrading wetbelt. Unfortunately we've invested £2000 in new parts etc. for the car so are committed. Now we need to spend £800+ on a new turbo.

Can anyone speak about the likelihood that there will be a systemic problem in the oil feeds or engine (despite the garage flushing the engine etc.) from bits of the degraded wetbelt, assuming this blew the turbo. Whats the likelihood this could cause engine failure or further problems very soon? Is it even worth spending another £800?

Many thanks,

Rhys

Was the sump removed and pickup cleaned? Was the oil pump belt replaced?

And most important: Was the turbocharger oil supply strainer cleaned or replaced?

The strainer is located behind the timing cover and can only be accessed when the timing cover is removed. Cleaning this strainer is often forgotten or even deliberately ignored to save time.

Never replace the turbocharger without identifying the root cause of the failure! If the cause is oil starvation (which is highly likely) that problem should be solved before a new turbocharger is installed.


Performing an engine flush on these engines is usually a very bad idea. Especially on an engine that already suffers from wetbelt degradation and has rubber particles in the oil. The engine flush additive causes debris and dirt to come loose and collect inside the oil filter. Once the oil filter becomes fully blocked with dirt, debris and rubber particles the integrated overpressure valve opens, causing unfiltered oil to be pumped directly into the oil channels and strainer.

3 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Was the sump removed and pickup cleaned? Was the oil pump belt replaced?

Thanks for your swift reply. The invoice has the following on it:

Timing Belt & Coolant Pump

Coolant Flange, Ring, Hose, Gasket - Water Pump, Gasket, Timing Belt Kit & Coolant Pump, Radiator Cap

Engine Oil & Filter Change

5W-20 Fully Synthetic, Consumables, Oil Disposal, Seal Washer Kit, Oil Filter - Canister.

In conclusion, not sure about the oil pump belt, but certainly the first part yes!

3 hours ago, JW1982 said:

And most important: Was the turbocharger oil supply strainer cleaned or replaced?

The strainer is located behind the timing cover and can only be accessed when the timing cover is removed. Cleaning this strainer is often forgotten or even deliberately ignored to save time.

Never replace the turbocharger without identifying the root cause of the failure! If the cause is oil starvation (which is highly likely) that problem should be solved before a new turbocharger is installed.


Performing an engine flush on these engines is usually a very bad idea. Especially on an engine that already suffers from wetbelt degradation and has rubber particles in the oil. The engine flush additive causes debris and dirt to come loose and collect inside the oil filter. Once the oil filter becomes fully blocked with dirt, debris and rubber particles the integrated overpressure valve opens, causing unfiltered oil to be pumped directly into the oil channels and strainer.

Thanks for your in-depth response I appreciate it. Almost certainly not (re: your first question) from the invoice I've seen and interesting what you say about the engine flush, albeit very concerning. They put 3.4 hrs on the invoice for renewing timing belt and coolant pump so very likely they were "saving time" as you said.

Do you know if oil starvation through blockage from wetbelt bits is actually solvable? How would you find out the blocked channels?! I am based in Wales, UK so if you could recommend any trustworthy garages that would be really appreciated.

42 minutes ago, RhysFocusEstate said:

Thanks for your swift reply. The invoice has the following on it:

Timing Belt & Coolant Pump

Coolant Flange, Ring, Hose, Gasket - Water Pump, Gasket, Timing Belt Kit & Coolant Pump, Radiator Cap

Engine Oil & Filter Change

5W-20 Fully Synthetic, Consumables, Oil Disposal, Seal Washer Kit, Oil Filter - Canister.

In conclusion, not sure about the oil pump belt, but certainly the first part yes!

How can you be sure the sump was removed? 3.4 hours isn't enough time for this job.

An experienced mechanic that has all required special tools can replace both wetbelts in approximately 8 to 10 Hours.

The person that can perform the full job in 3.4 Hours must be a magician.


Based on the invoice I have a strong feeling that this company is not trustworthy to perform this job. In fact it is highly likely that they caused the turbocharger failure.

The invoice does not even list the fuel injector seal set and high pressure fuel line which are mandatory items for this job. Failing to replace the fuel injector seals can result is a full leak causing the vehicle burning to the ground (there are quite a few well-known cases over the Years).


I suggest to fully redo the entire job but this time properly and in accordance with all manufacturer requirements.

23 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

How can you be sure the sump was removed? 3.4 hours isn't enough time for this job.

When I asked they said: "yes we carry out an engine flush, and renew the oil and filter, and make sure the oil pick up is not blocked on all wet belts renewals."

9 minutes ago, JW1982 said:

An experienced mechanic that has all required special tools can replace both wetbelts in approximately 8 to 10 Hours.

The person that can perform the full job in 3.4 Hours must be a magician.


Based on the invoice I have a strong feeling that this company is not trustworthy to perform this job. In fact it is highly likely that they caused the turbocharger failure.

The invoice does not even list the fuel injector seal set and high pressure fuel line which are mandatory items for this job. Failing to replace the fuel injector seals can result is a full leak causing the vehicle burning to the ground (there are quite a few well-known cases over the Years).


I suggest to fully redo the entire job but this time properly and in accordance with all manufacturer requirements.

Wow ok, they offered an upfront quote originally for it and may have adjusted the hours on paper to keep the hourly rate the same but meet the same quoted price if that makes sense. Even so 3.4 hrs seems extremely short compared to what you've said.

Could the injector seal set or high pressure fuel line be within the "timing belt kit"?

The timing belt kit usually only contains the timing belt, belt tensioner and depending on the manufacturer of the kit it may also include the crankshaft pulley bolt.

I have never seen the fuel injector seals or high pressure fuel line to be included in any timing belt kit.


To remove the sump the turbocharger downpipe also needs to be removed. On a vehicle this age it is highly unlikely for those parts to come loose easily. It is quite common for at leats one of the bolts or studs to snap during disassembly. This easily ads 1 or 2 Hours to the job.

The invoice should also list the exhaust gaskets. Since those are not specifically shown I highly doubt that the sump has been removed.

1 hour ago, RhysFocusEstate said:

When I asked they said: "yes we carry out an engine flush, and renew the oil and filter, and make sure the oil pick up is not blocked on all wet belts renewals."

That's just words unfortunately.

My honest opinion would be to get rid of the car and never use that garage again. I haven't seen any evidence that the job was done anywhere near correctly so far. That means more problems will occur in future.

It is possible the invoice is just wrong. But that isn't a risk I'd be comfortable accepting personally.