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

 

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.

 

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 .

 

DAYM! i remember those days of being like, "PFC Walters is going to treat himself to the Dallar menu.... next day where is all my money?" lol If you need help i got a racing jack.... **** lifts my car high enough were i got my trans out.

 

I'll see if I can swing through; I've got a company thing this sunday but possibly some time sat. Can drop off an extra jack and stands to ya though

 

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.

 

Leave it to the Airmen to buy a POS...

 

Bump. Still looking for either a cherry picker or fender support thing. If I can't grab one ill just use jacks and prayer

 

Can you get it to our hobby shop?

 

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.

 

Makes sense. That sucks though...we just did a buddies clutch and flywheel that blew out on H3 too.

Must be the season!

 

I don't know how people do it. I got my Cobb AP and LC my car like 9 times now and it still works. This girl shifts two times and kaboom. Lol

 

It's the curse of being an Airman.

 

Anyone have a portable torch? I have two exhaust
Bolts hampering my progress. I am following the chilton and don't wanna skip ahead so I'm stuck.

Almost done.

 

Nvm. Got it