2001 Ford Focus Grinding engine, then quit

14,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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WALTERRAE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
This car has given me very little problems over the years. One day recently, I had to make a very hard left and stomp on the gas to avoid a person driving at me and not looking. The car then sounded like there was something loose in the front end, but continued to drive. The next morning I started it up and it sounded like I was grinding rocks in the engine. It ran for about 40 feet and quit and would not start again.
Timing chain (or belt)????
Jun 30, 2010 at 12:33 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 8,548 POSTS
Chains would be enclosed, while belts would have a plastic cover.

The emergency move may have caused the oil pickup to come loose.

You will have to remove pan and look for metal shavings in oil, if present, then main bearings.
Jun 30, 2010 at 1:53 AM
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