Well after 20 years motoring I'm now 1 day into Ford ownership. 2008 Focus Est, 90bhp, no DPF (I hope). I'm aware of some of the issues around the PAS/Ford DV6 engine, namely injector seal probs and oil sludge. Its had 3 oil changes, by Ford at 15k and 32k with semi-syn, and now at 45k with fully syn low-ash oil. Obviously much shorter intervals would have been nice, but fingers crossed its going to be fine

I've only driven one other 1.6 TDCi so I don't really know what "normal" is, but just how noisy are these engines? From cold its like shaking a tin full of pebbles. Of course its a diesel, and a Focus Style doesn't have the best sound-deadening in the panels, so maybe its normal. There's a fair bit of drivebelt whirring, as well as some gearbox whine. I'm hoping these are all Ford "features", little noises to help you know everything's still working :P and that I haven't bought a heap of trouble!

Oh, and in terms of preventative maintenance, apart from using 5/30 fully synthetic every 8k miles, is there anything else I can do? Is replacing the turbo oil feed pipe(s) worthwhile, or even inspecting for sludge? Anything I can do to stay on top of injector seal issues?!

Oh, one other question- the engine doesn't have a big black plastic cover as you'd expect to see. The other 1.6 I looked at didn't either. Presumably it came with one, do they get thrown away for some reason??

Welcome to Fords grahamp,

Now I've never owned a Ford diesel, a Volvo S40 2.0D SE. yes, which shares engine with the Focus. But your wanting the low down noise wise on the 1.6, so known help there. Now I'm interested to learn why you say no DPF I hope. Have you given a motor factor your reg and asked them to look up if it is fitted with a DPF. Or is it just the fact that all your doing is actually hoping?

Reason I say that is, to my knowledge all 2008 1.6 TDCi's have a DPF that needs replacing, indeed the very last Mk2.5 TDCi they built has a DPF that needs replacing. The new Mk3 1.6 TDCi Focus like the Focus 2.0 TDCi 2008 build onwards have the CDPF, still a DPF but not one that needs the eloy's additive, and the filter replacing every 6 years or 75K.

I'm pretty sure 90bhp 2008 1.6TDCi's are likely to be non-DPF. They're optional on a Euro4 car right? I got the seller to check, but I did take that on trust. Yeah, I know. I'll feel like a right plonker if I've bought one! er... so how can I be sure I have/haven't got one? The schedule generated at http://www.etis.ford.com mentions dpf replacement "if applicable".

edit to say- I read another forum post somewhere that the way to tell is to check the last field on the certificate plate on the driver's b-pillar.

7 = IV + no DPF

V = IV + DPF

mine is a 7, so hoping that info is correct!

Call your local dealer, and advise them the number plate / VIN number they will tell you for definite.

Welcome to Ford ownership, Drivebelt Whirring / Gearbox whine and tin of pebbles, I am afraid to say where not commonplace on my 55 Focus 1.6 TDCI, however I cant comment on the slightly later shell of the MK2.5.

The noises, could be mounting brackets absolute worst case scenario could be Dual Mass FlyWheel (think their still installed on the later Foci). Otherwise, the Drivebelt Whirring, could be a bearing gone somewhere on a pulley and the gearbox whine, I havent the foggiest!

I would however (since you are only one day into the ownership) contact your seller (hopefully a reputable garage, as opposed to individual) and advise them of the issues, ask them to thoroughly check it over and fix it under (I hope you have) a warranty. On the other hand, maybe take it to Ford and get them to look at it if you do not get too many responses on here. this will give you better ammo if you need to go back and ask the seller to resolve these issues for you.

Again welcome to the club, and hope you do enjoy your Focus, but I wish you much more hope and joy on the lack of DPF on the vehicle!

Yeah, thanks for that jeebowhite. The car's probably fine, just the usual new owner paranoia that you've bought a dud. Haynes manual is on order! I might get it checked over at my local Ford main dealer (though I don't like them due to a negative experience in the showroom). 3 month warranty, so if there is an actual problem, now would be the time to identify it!

edit to say- I read another forum post somewhere that the way to tell is to check the last field on the certificate plate on the driver's b-pillar.

7 = IV + no DPF

V = IV + DPF

mine is a 7, so hoping that info is correct!

Yes something similar with my S40, that is how I found out mine had one, just one digit difference in the Vin.

And I have just been looking at the specs on the Wisebuyer website, and the 90's don't mention DPF in the model varaint designation. Where as the 110 does.

So well done you, that will save you a bob or two.