Ford Focus Clutch Disaster
05-31-2013, 07:16 AM
#1
So one of my brilliant E-1 Sailors new to my command went against everything I told her and bought a used car and didn't tell anybody. This was Wednesday. Thursday I get a call from my first class asking if I knew she bought a car and learn she is broken down on the highway. Another call later I find her on the side of the very start of H3. Clutch in this 2002 ford focus is SUPER DUPER GONE. No forward or backward movement. Just a burning smell. You can hear gears engage but nothing but burning clutch.
Anyways because she can't afford $2300 I took it in to my garage to repair at the cost of lunch for a week and her buying all parts. $179ish for a clutch kit then whatever varying fluids I need
I am really considering the route of pulling motor and trans so I can also do timing/ serpentine belt/ oil/ plugs/ clutch/ and whatever else I can get at to prevent this lemon from giving her any more problems
Looking to borrow a engine hoist, bigger jack than what I got (tiny crap one), maybe an extra jack stand, crow bar, some torx bits(t-8 and any help people wanna provide.
Thanks
757-287-6289
Anyways because she can't afford $2300 I took it in to my garage to repair at the cost of lunch for a week and her buying all parts. $179ish for a clutch kit then whatever varying fluids I need
I am really considering the route of pulling motor and trans so I can also do timing/ serpentine belt/ oil/ plugs/ clutch/ and whatever else I can get at to prevent this lemon from giving her any more problems
Looking to borrow a engine hoist, bigger jack than what I got (tiny crap one), maybe an extra jack stand, crow bar, some torx bits(t-8 and any help people wanna provide.
Thanks
757-287-6289
05-31-2013, 07:21 AM
#2
Technical Know-It-All
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Sterling, VA
Posts: 2,123
Car Info: '02 WRX + '15 WRX
It's a Ford Focus. The entire car is a disaster. The fuel pump will go next.
IMHO you need to tell her not to spend another dime on it and sell it for a different car.
IMHO you need to tell her not to spend another dime on it and sell it for a different car.
05-31-2013, 09:01 AM
#3
Already aware of the horribleness of this car but a fuel pump is nothing. Really I am worried about the valve seat because apparently on these sohc motors they go anywhere between 85k-120k. **** drops in cylinder and takes out a whole piston and effs the head. That's the kinda stuff I wanna fix for her before. With me doing it the cost to get the motor out and clutch fixed is way lower than a new or different car. E-1 in military means have fun affording a cell phone payment 
.
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05-31-2013, 10:01 AM
#4
Already aware of the horribleness of this car but a fuel pump is nothing. Really I am worried about the valve seat because apparently on these sohc motors they go anywhere between 85k-120k. **** drops in cylinder and takes out a whole piston and effs the head. That's the kinda stuff I wanna fix for her before. With me doing it the cost to get the motor out and clutch fixed is way lower than a new or different car. E-1 in military means have fun affording a cell phone payment .
.
05-31-2013, 01:19 PM
#6
Cool thanks for the resource offers. I am aiming to take out motor. Based off parts count it will
Be cheaper for her to pay to overhaul valvetrain( to prevent 100k valve seat blowout), timing, serpentine, clutch, plugs and wires, gaskets oil, and tranny fluid. This way it will run like <$1000 vs as newerish car at 5-8k
Maybe I'll paint the valve covers pink lol.
Be cheaper for her to pay to overhaul valvetrain( to prevent 100k valve seat blowout), timing, serpentine, clutch, plugs and wires, gaskets oil, and tranny fluid. This way it will run like <$1000 vs as newerish car at 5-8k
Maybe I'll paint the valve covers pink lol.
06-01-2013, 08:28 PM
#10
Not down for getting it towed again and paying for it to be there while I yank motor and then towed back. Originally when te car broke down I presented all offers like a shop, hobby shop, or my place if I can do it. My place is cheaper so didn't take to hobby shops or a mechanic.
Just don't wanna smash my toe or something.
Just don't wanna smash my toe or something.
06-01-2013, 08:46 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Posts: 193
Car Info: 09 STI
Not down for getting it towed again and paying for it to be there while I yank motor and then towed back. Originally when te car broke down I presented all offers like a shop, hobby shop, or my place if I can do it. My place is cheaper so didn't take to hobby shops or a mechanic.
Just don't wanna smash my toe or something.
Must be the season!