Storm16 Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Sorry to do a newbie post as a problem / question - but pretty much fed up with an intermittent problem on my Focus! Purchased as an ex lease car 3 weeks ago, came with service history but had it in to my local garage the day after purchase for a service which included fuel filter change. Drove to the garage (via motorway) with no issues and was pretty impressed. Driving back via the motorway had a bit of a splutter, then it picked up again. Breakdown 1 - Morning after it had been serviced went to start the car and it would turn over but would not fire up. Resulted in calling the AA out, AA 'primed' the fuel filter (an after market one) and car started. AA chap suggested it was probably air in the filter or similar and may not happen again. Breakdown 2 - Ran for a week with no issues at all. A week to the day later exactly the same happened again. Rather than call out the AA (as it was on the drive) I took to the internet to see if anyone had reported similar prob's. Left the car about half an hour, eventually started once I pressed clutch & accelerator together, turned key 5 times then turned over and it started. Again ran fine for the next week. Breakdown 3 - The week after breakdown 2 did a 250 mile round trip, mainly smooth motorway until about 10 miles from home a couple of splutters, then on M1 slip road it cut out and broke down. Called AA who said they were not sure what it was, but after removing then putting back the fuel pump relay and turning engine over and spraying starter spray in to the air filter pipe it started. I now have a car that I dare not go anywhere in in case it breaks down again! I would be very grateful if anyone has any suggestions / ideas that I could try. I have a fault code reader and there are no fault codes showing. Have purchased a genuine Ford fuel filter which will be fitted this weekend. Car always has fuel in it, so although its like its running out of fuel, I know its not, its just as though the fuel isn't getting through, but the problem comes and goes so I am at a loss of what it could be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgen Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I would get the fuel filter replaced again and check pipe unions have no cracks or diesel leaks, even very small leaks let in air and a diesel sucking air will stop and back drain during the night. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IINexusII Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 i'd also get a genuine ford filter. i tried an aftermarket one from my local parts shop and that ended up in a huge airlock. had to re-install the old dirty one and a long time cranking and opening injectors to get it fired up again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm16 Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 really appreciate the help thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEADS Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Have a look in the unions/pipe and have a look to see if the small sealing o ring has not come displaced allowing air in usually when this happens the car is rough on idle but your problem does point to when the filter was replaced . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnH Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 ensure the air bleed nipple is tight on the top of the filter. Ensure all the pipes seals are not nicked and in situ, also ensure the pipes are clicked fully home. Also ensure the fuel filter lid is tight, very tight...if it still fails I would bet the rubber seal for the fuel filter is not on correctly or a pipe has split. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm16 Posted September 10, 2013 Author Share Posted September 10, 2013 Thanks will change for genuine filter and check all connections etc,thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxy63 Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 I have the 2006 1.8 tdci on my purchase it was rough starting but had taken back to garage and two out of four glow plugs were dead so they fitted new ones then it had a recall for cooling fan wire loom replacement and while it was at fords the put it on a computer and did an update for me F.O.C so pleased with that. Now the only thing I can think of is it might need an update or being a lease car it may have had petrol rather than diesel in the tank which has to have the tank off to wash it out. It's happened many times before with people I have talked to so hope that helps. I have also been told by my mate (ford specialist) that they don't get air locks sorry don't know the tech name he gave it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 When changing fuel filters on a diesel Ford the seal must be changed as well. They don't reseat very well if disturbed. Also agree- original Ford filters are a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm16 Posted September 17, 2013 Author Share Posted September 17, 2013 Hi all just to let you know had a new ford fuel filter fitted when mechanic changed them over the non genuine filter seal was a bad fit very loose worse than the ford one! and seal was under the filter instead of on top to make a good seal, cars run great now no problems over a week now and 800 miles.Will fit a genuine every time now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IINexusII Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Yeah theres two seals, one small o ring that connects the fuel filter to the top of the housing, and one that is around the housing lid. when i replaced mine the small o ring was deformed and needed a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Hi all just to let you know had a new ford fuel filter fitted when mechanic changed them over the non genuine filter seal was a bad fit very loose worse than the ford one! and seal was under the filter instead of on top to make a good seal, cars run great now no problems over a week now and 800 miles.Will fit a genuine every time now. Glad you got it sorted out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madgav82 Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 I had a similar problem with my 1.8tdci, I purchased servicing bits from europarts, did the service and end up with a massive air lock, I believe the problem was caused by a cheap aftermarket filter, after a trip back to europarts to swap the filter for a more expensive "Mann" filter and a couple of hours siphoning the air lock out it started straight up. And for those thinking of taking this job on make sure you have these items at hand, 1, A decent quality fluid pump (suitable for derv) 2, 1m of clear plastic pipe (8mm in diameter) 3, some small hose clamps for air tight connections 4. And this is most important!! Before you start the service take a long hard look at the hose connections on your fuel filter then go to a local scrapyard and find some that match, the idea is to make a siphoning hose that you can click on and off just like your fuel line. finally! When your siphoning your fuel line be sure to leave the main feed from tank connected to filter top and connect your pipe to the port that goes to your pump/ injectors, also open your fuel cap and use the pipe off a jerrycan to keep the airway open, which makes drawing the fuel through much easier! Thanks for reading! Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norbsa Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 I have a 2008/9 Focus 1.8 TDCI and I have just been recovered by the AA who is saying it is the in tank fuel pump. I did not know it had a low pressure pump in the tank.There is no access panel under the rear seat so the tank will have to be dropped. It has been left at a local garage and I will go and see them in the morning and tell them my problem. I don't wont to be made a fool by suggesting this fault. So IS there a pump in the tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ned_Mk2_1.8tdci Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 16 hours ago, Norbsa said: I have a 2008/9 Focus 1.8 TDCI and I have just been recovered by the AA who is saying it is the in tank fuel pump. I did not know it had a low pressure pump in the tank.There is no access panel under the rear seat so the tank will have to be dropped. It has been left at a local garage and I will go and see them in the morning and tell them my problem. I don't wont to be made a fool by suggesting this fault. So IS there a pump in the tank? No there is no fuel pump in the tank. LP fuel pump is mechanically coupled to the HP pump. Check for new fuel filter, possible leaks in the fuel pipes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norbsa Posted August 27, 2020 Share Posted August 27, 2020 Got the car back from the garage and the possible cause is the sensor on the end of the fuel pump. Is this a replaceable item? Bottom right of picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted August 27, 2020 Share Posted August 27, 2020 7 minutes ago, Norbsa said: Got the car back from the garage and the possible cause is the sensor on the end of the fuel pump. Is this a replaceable item? Bottom right of picture. That's the fuel pressure regulator (not technically a sensor so worth double checking). Yes it is replaceable - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-FOCUS-MK2-1-8-TDCI-Fuel-Injection-Control-Valve-Pump-Pressure-Regulator-OEM-/261854063453 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norbsa Posted August 27, 2020 Share Posted August 27, 2020 Have now ordered one, should be with me on Monday. I don't want to use the car until it is replaced. Hopefully I won't have to bleed the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norbsa Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 Easy fit, appears to be running normal, TOUCH WOOD ! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevabradley Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 Hi, my son has a ford transit connect 1.8tdci engine 2008. He has just done a head gasket repair but we can't get the van to start with fuel from the fuel tank. We have fully bled it pumped fuel through from the tank with a hand pump. Filled the fuel filter but it won't fire up. If we disconnect the fuel line from the tank and use a Jerry can of diesel it starts and runs. The minutes we swap back to a feed from the fuel tank it starts and then cuts out as if it can't draw fuel from the tank. We can't see any leaks, or split fuel lines we can pump fuel from the tank to the pump without any air bubbles. Amy ideas ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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