2001 Ford Focus Engine lock-up

115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FARMER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
In September while sitting at a stop light the engine just stoppped and wouldn't turn over. The mechanics said the timing belt had broken which they replaced and said everything else checked out. Then a couple of months ago it started cutting out/idling rough by not consistently. I talked to a mechanic who said it sounded like a vacuum leak. On the way to a parts store, while sitting at a stoplight again, the engine died again but with a little more noise and smell than the previous time. This time the engine would turn over but never seemed to fire. After a few attempts to restart, the engine quit turning over and appears to be locked up. I tried to turn the engine forward and backward manually but it won't budge. My questions are, is the engine toast and if so could the timing belt be a cause?
Jan 16, 2009 at 2:21 AM
Avatar
DAVE H
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 13,383 POSTS
the timing belt snapping would not cause the engine to lock up ... there must be damage around the piston area .. for it to lock up completely .. remove timing belt cover to see if the belt is intact .. and check if something is jamming the the cam or crankshaft pulley's ?
Jan 16, 2009 at 2:48 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle