Timing Belt for 06 Focus Cmax 1.8 TDCI 115hp

dr.fuzzenstein

Just rang my local motor factors about a timing belt kit for my Focus.
It's an 06 1.8 TDCI 115 hp CMax with the Duratorq engine.
I was advised that motorfactors do not sell timing belt kits for that particular model since there is a problem with the design of the belt and I should go to Ford to have the belt changed under warranty (), but I remember Ford quoting me €300 to do the work, no word of warranty or design fault.
Does anyone have experience changing timing belts on one of those?
Does the belt and chain have to be replaced, or just the belt?
Can this be tackled at home by a reasonably handy mechanic?
I have changed the belt on her MX5 before, so wonder how it compares.

Plug

Well the issue here is some of them have a belt and a chain and some of them have 2 belts even in the same year! If you give Ford the chassis number they should be able to tell whats in it. Most of them have a chain and belt but an odd few have 2 belts so beware. Even when you strip it down to remove the top belt(cams etc) you still can't see if there is a belt or a chain behind inside the engine. The second belt or chain drives the high pressure pump. All so worth knowing is the second belt if it does have one is submerged in oil like a chain.

I never heard of warrenty due to belt issues on this at all. This engine requires special tools do change the belt so I don't think you'll manage at home. To be honest €300 is not bad considering its a big enough job on these. Hope this helps.

dr.fuzzenstein

Thanks for the replies.
Looks like going to the dealers alright, but with tax also being due this month the bills are quickly mounting and those two things will surely blow the budget for January.:(

Plug

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
Looks like going to the dealers alright, but with tax also being due this month the bills are quickly mounting and those two things will surely blow the budget for January.:(

I feel your pain!

dr.fuzzenstein

Plug wrote: »

Well the issue here is some of them have a belt and a chain and some of them have 2 belts even in the same year! If you give Ford the chassis number they should be able to tell whats in it. Most of them have a chain and belt but an odd few have 2 belts so beware. Even when you strip it down to remove the top belt(cams etc) you still can't see if there is a belt or a chain behind inside the engine. The second belt or chain drives the high pressure pump. All so worth knowing is the second belt if it does have one is submerged in oil like a chain.

Right, went to Ford dealer in Ennis and was told timing belt is due and will cost 350-380 to do, but they only work when I work, don't do courtesy cars and when asked if they open Saturdays the reply was loud laughter and "Jaysus Christ, thank God No!"
So they're out unless I take a day off or hire a car.
Went to a.n. other Ford dealer in Limerick and was asked "right, 1.6 litre diesel?"
Said "No, 1.8 litre"
Was asked if I was sure, they took the chassis number, was told "there is no such thing as a 1.8 TDCI Cmax" and later quoted E700 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Also told it's only due at 10 years or 200k km.
So they're out unless I win the lotto or knock over an old lady for her handbag.
Might just do what I always do, buy parts online, fit it myself or with friend or go to good indy garage.
Main dealers have always been an expensive waste of time.
Honestly, main dealers really should not be surprised that people are deserting them.

Plug

Post up the full Chassis number there, its at the passanger side of the front sindscreen. There might be something about it.

dr.fuzzenstein

WF0MXXGCDM5D31157
Replaced O with 0

dr.fuzzenstein

According to Mick's Garage this is the part I need:
http://www.micksgarage.ie/autoparts.aspx?dept=278&ga=&b=31&AssemblyID=100405&MakeID=36&ModelID=5056&CarID=18937

Plug

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

WFOMXXGCDM5D31157
Ford dealer had a look at it and was none the wiser.:cool:

Just went to type it into the Ford etis website and nothing. All its saying is 'The VIN you entered contains an invalid character. Valid characters are: 0-9, and A-Z (excluding I, O, and Q).'?????

Anyway they are 10 years or 200,000km, but €700 quid is very expensive. If they start acting the bollox just buy the parts and go indy but make sure you find out if it has 2 belts or a just a chain and belt. I've seen an engine destroy itself over the second belt snapping 70000km after the first belt was done, it was a 08 1.8TDCI Galaxy.
Ford have had always had it with the chain and belt set up and then changed to 2 belts for a few years but now they are back with the original design. They never said anything about it though!

dr.fuzzenstein

Plug wrote: »

Just went to type it into the Ford etis website and nothing. All its saying is 'The VIN you entered contains an invalid character. Valid characters are: 0-9, and A-Z (excluding I, O, and Q).'?????

Anyway they are 10 years or 200,000km, but €700 quid is very expensive. If they start acting the bollox just buy the parts and go indy but make sure you find out if it has 2 belts or a just a chain and belt. I've seen an engine destroy itself over the second belt snapping 70000km after the first belt was done, it was a 08 1.8TDCI Galaxy.
Ford have had always had it with the chain and belt set up and then changed to 2 belts for a few years but now they are back with the original design. They never said anything about it though!

WF0MXXGCDM5D31157

Plug

After searching I can't see anything about that second hidden belt. Its straight forward enough to do the belt, alot easier than the Zetec. I would think you don't even need the timing tools but make sure you mark it correctly and don't loosen off any of the bolts off the cam pulleys..

dr.fuzzenstein

Plug wrote: »

After searching I can't see anything about that second hidden belt. Its straight forward enough to do the belt, alot easier than the Zetec. I would think you don't even need the timing tools but make sure you mark it correctly and don't loosen off any of the bolts off the cam pulleys..

The car actually says ZETEC on the boot, though that could relate to trim level, rather than engine...
Was advised on the CMax owners forum that timing belt is straighforward enough, the kit at micksgarage is 90odd Euros, so methinks this is a viable DIY project with the help of a friend maybe.
But also it said in the service schedule that the belt is due at 200k km or 10 years, so at 5 years and 165k km it isn't actually due yet...

OldmanMondeo

There is a problem on getting the timing belts for the focus of that age. We have loads on back order but Gates are unable to supply them. I believe the other manufactures are in the same position. I am not sure off hand if it is the 1.8TDCi or the 1.4 petrol. I will check a Gates catalogue tomorrow.

OldmanMondeo

Ok, I chekc the book, you need gates number K015541XS. These are readliy available. You shouldn't pay more than €85 inc vat for it.

dr.fuzzenstein

OldmanMondeo wrote: »

Ok, I chekc the book, you need gates number K015541XS. These are readliy available. You shouldn't pay more than €85 inc vat for it.

Had a look, thanks for your help, might get a kit and get *anyone but Ford* to fit it.:D

Plug

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Had a look, thanks for your help, might get a kit and get *anyone but Ford* to fit it.:D

If it only has one belt a monkey could do it once you have it marked properly and dont loosen any pulley bolts.

dr.fuzzenstein

Plug wrote: »

If it only has one belt a monkey could do it once you have it marked properly and dont loosen any pulley bolts.

Like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAuqOAp72m0

dr.fuzzenstein

Right, been talking to a mechanic who runs a motorfactors.
Bit of a Ford head too, so I think I can trust his info.
He advised me that my Focus has a timing chain and belt.
The chain keeps all the crucial bits running, i.e. valves and pistons.
The belt simply drives a pump.
The chain has a much longer life than the belt so no worries there.
The belt should be changed at 200000 km or 10 years (also according to the manual) and if it goes it won't do any damage.

Plug

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Right, been talking to a mechanic who runs a motorfactors.
Bit of a Ford head too, so I think I can trust his info.
He advised me that my Focus has a timing chain and belt.
The chain keeps all the crucial bits running, i.e. valves and pistons.
The belt simply drives a pump.
The chain has a much longer life than the belt so no worries there.
The belt should be changed at 200000 km or 10 years (also according to the manual) and if it goes it won't do any damage.

The belt drives the camshafts from the pump and the chain drives the pump from the crankshaft. TBH I'd say the 2 belt setup is used only in the Smax, Galaxy and Mondeo after 2007 but then ford changed back to the old system without telling anyone:rolleyes:

If the belt snaps it will do a lot of damage. Believe me:D

dr.fuzzenstein

Plug wrote: »

The belt drives the camshafts from the pump and the chain drives the pump from the crankshaft. TBH I'd say the 2 belt setup is used only in the Smax, Galaxy and Mondeo after 2007 but then ford changed back to the old system without telling anyone:rolleyes:

If the belt snaps it will do a lot of damage. Believe me:D

I was told the chain drives the cams and the belt drives the pump.
It's deffo not the two belt setup.

taintabird

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Just rang my local motor factors about a timing belt kit for my Focus.
It's an 06 1.8 TDCI 115 hp CMax with the Duratorq engine.
I was advised that motorfactors do not sell timing belt kits for that particular model since there is a problem with the design of the belt and I should go to Ford to have the belt changed under warranty (), but I remember Ford quoting me €300 to do the work, no word of warranty or design fault.
Does anyone have experience changing timing belts on one of those?
Does the belt and chain have to be replaced, or just the belt?
Can this be tackled at home by a reasonably handy mechanic?
I have changed the belt on her MX5 before, so wonder how it compares.

Timing belt kits are readily available for focus c max 1.8 tdci CONTITECH PART NUMBER CT983K1 any motor factor should be able to supply them,

Plug

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

I was told the chain drives the cams and the belt drives the pump.
It's deffo not the two belt setup.

Its definitely 100% the other way around, the way I said, belt drives the camshaft and chain drives pump from crankshaft. This knowledge will save you a good bit of time of pointless stripping.