Ford TDDi/TDCi engines

[Grahamr123]

I had a Mk1 Focus with the TDDI engine for about a year. It was very reliable, had enough usable power and bags of torque. It got 45mpg no matter how hard I drove it. The only downside is that you are very aware that is a diesel, its pretty rough, but as a cheap daily run around, it's fantastic.

[405dogvan]

jonnM said:

405dogvan said:

It's not like other turbo diesel engines don't fail in the same way but the TDCi does seem particularly prone

Can you back that up with some figures? Units sold vs number of failures etc?

Of course not - even Ford don't have that because having that would mean admitting there was an issue - what I can tell you is that I don't know anyone who's owned one and not had some sort of issue (not something I can say about a VW group diesel) - and I can tell you that the trade is even wary of them because they know punters are getting wise to their issues.

The fact that the issue can crop-up fairly early in their lives doesn't help matters - they were singled out in a couple of consumer reports a few years back because the issues could show-up as early as 40-50K miles (that traditionally being considered 'young' and not the time you'd expect 2-4K engine bills!!) - of course than means a lot of cars have now had their issues and been fixed 'for the time being'.

I'd personally not touch a Ford petrol or diesel because I see too many of them in bits tho ;0

[rex]

Currently running a 2005 Mondeo TDCI with 223,000 miles on the clock. Has been in the family since new and maintained on the dot.

Running fine. Big expense was at about 170,000 miles with dual mass flywheel replacement and clutch. New suspension was put on at 215,000 miles and runs fine. Gets about 37 mpg with 11 mile commute each way. Have got 50mpg on motorway run at 60 mph. At 70-80mph gets 43-45mpg.

I am about to get a front end respray as it's looking a bit stone chipped and a couple of parking dings sorted. I am hoping to take it past 300,000 miles and perhaps even further.

[BGarside]

Used to like the 1.8 TDCi in my old Mark 1 Focus. Went well after remapping and quite willing to rev as well. Used to return around 52mpg at 70-75mph on the motorway.

The stories of self-destructing fuel pumps, injectors & DMF were a bit scary though, although these issues did not affect my car.

Not as quiet as newer diesels perhaps but I'd say less gruff than the VW 1.9TDI which I've had in my subsequent car, though the 1.9 is more tuneable and a tad more economical as well.

[HT281]

rex said:

Currently running a 2005 Mondeo TDCI with 223,000 miles on the clock. Has been in the family since new and maintained on the dot.

Running fine. Big expense was at about 170,000 miles with dual mass flywheel replacement and clutch. New suspension was put on at 215,000 miles and runs fine. Gets about 37 mpg with 11 mile commute each way. Have got 50mpg on motorway run at 60 mph. At 70-80mph gets 43-45mpg.

I am about to get a front end respray as it's looking a bit stone chipped and a couple of parking dings sorted. I am hoping to take it past 300,000 miles and perhaps even further.

What diesel have you used over that time? Do you use any additives?

[thatdude]

There is a known issue for the injectors to keep injecting fuel in an attempt to regen the DPF. This can result in liquid levels in the sump rising (diesel in the oil) which dilutes the oil (not so great) and can lead to a level which means the engine "runs away"

This has been investigated heavily by ford and mazda (they share engines) and the issues tends to be solved by forcing a regen, then changing the oil (and filter), and resetting the cars computer to say "you've regenerated the DPF, stop that nonsense now".

[cars1993]

TDDI's are ok but slow noisy and smelly.

TDCI'S are quieter but unreliable and fuel system components break easily. Generally not good engines

[XJ40]

Grahamr123 said:

I had a Mk1 Focus with the TDDI engine for about a year. It was very reliable, had enough usable power and bags of torque. It got 45mpg no matter how hard I drove it. The only downside is that you are very aware that is a diesel, its pretty rough, but as a cheap daily run around, it's fantastic.

I second this view, my '02 TDDI is still going strong, 164k clocked now.

As far as bangernomics goes these have to be right up there with best choices. Bought the car for £1100 two years ago and it's not cost me much at all, besides consumables. Easy to DIY service, cheap parts, I'm laughing all the way to the bank.

[MondeoMan1981]

Mk4 Astra 1.7 or 307 1.4/2.0 might be a better bet reliability wise.

PSA 1.4 I can vouch for having had it in two different cars. Slow but will get you there for pennies. Injector seals should be done around 100k.

[rex]

HT281 said:

rex said:

Currently running a 2005 Mondeo TDCI with 223,000 miles on the clock. Has been in the family since new and maintained on the dot.

Running fine. Big expense was at about 170,000 miles with dual mass flywheel replacement and clutch. New suspension was put on at 215,000 miles and runs fine. Gets about 37 mpg with 11 mile commute each way. Have got 50mpg on motorway run at 60 mph. At 70-80mph gets 43-45mpg.

I am about to get a front end respray as it's looking a bit stone chipped and a couple of parking dings sorted. I am hoping to take it past 300,000 miles and perhaps even further.

What diesel have you used over that time? Do you use any additives?

Just regular diesel from whatever filling station.

Tried an additive after reading forums but only did it on a couple of tanks. Did not notice any real difference. Will possibly try again at some point as I have 4 bottles of the stuff knocking around still.

[HT281]

rex said:

Just regular diesel from whatever filling station.

Tried an additive after reading forums but only did it on a couple of tanks. Did not notice any real difference. Will possibly try again at some point as I have 4 bottles of the stuff knocking around still.

Interesting. It seems odd that some people should experience the HP pump break up and damaged injectors and you haven't (fingers crossed/touch wood). I'm wondering what the secret to longevity is with this fuel system.

Has yours always had a genuine Ford fuel filter fitted or pattern?

[HT281]

rex said:

Just regular diesel from whatever filling station.

Tried an additive after reading forums but only did it on a couple of tanks. Did not notice any real difference. Will possibly try again at some point as I have 4 bottles of the stuff knocking around still.

Interesting. It seems odd that some people should experience the HP pump break up and damaged injectors and you haven't (fingers crossed/touch wood). I'm wondering what the secret to longevity is with this fuel system.

Has yours always had a genuine Ford fuel filter fitted or pattern?

[Slotcarman]

I've had my Focus Estate 1.8tdci since new (Oct)2003, originally purchased for
business/private use, I clocked up almost 116,000mls in the first 4.5yrs, my
current mileage is 153,000+ and I'm now doing about 6000mls annually.

I'm still on the original Clutch and exhaust system though its had an appetite
for rear discs, corrosion and wear, I think I'm on my fifth pr, the fronts
were first changed at 112,000.

It still goes very well though this year its developed knocks in the suspension
its only let me down twice, within the first two years the crank sensor failed
and more recently a seized front brake caliper stranded us in Moffat.

It currently doesn't like restarting when its hot, starter gear or flywheel?