Mk1 Focus problem

[wrightman90]

Hi all, i've just bought a 2001 focus 1.8 zetec (petrol) and it seems to be a good runner. In the first three gears it feels fine. But at 70 mph + it needs nearly full throttle, and only does 105 mph (indicated) flat out (on a private runway of course!). This has been gps verified and so isn't a problem with the speedometer sensor or anything like that.

Could this potentially be because it is running on 18" wheels?

Might it have a diesel gearbox with taller ratios?

It is also terrible on fuel. I have had a 1.8 zetec like this in the past and it pulled to 126 mph and was very good on fuel. This one seems twice as bad, using £20 per 100 miles of cruising.

Any ideas?

[Defcon5]

Has it been serviced and whatnot? Nothing clogging airfilter or anything, good plugs etc?

[wrightman90]

Cheers for the fast response. No its been serviced new spark plugs, air filter, oil and filter.

[Defcon5]

Cam timing slightly out? I beleive that can cause these symptoms

[Allyc85]

Might be worth getting a fault code reader on it.

If you dont have one post up in your regional area as im sure somebody could lend you one

[Zad]

When you changed wheels, did you use thinner section tyres to compensate? If you didn't, then the distance you travel per wheel rotation is going to be longer (12.5% in the case of upgrading from 16 to 18 inch) the speedo will be reading 12.5% low (118 becomes 105mph), and each gear will be 12.5% higher. The engine will feel like it is struggling, and you will have to give it more throttle or stay in a low gear longer.

[Trooper2]

Hi, I'm a Ford mechanic from Montana.
I think the biggest trouble here is that you are expecting anything from a Focus.

If the windows go up and down, the heater works and it ocassionally moves under it's own power...then you're golden.

[Zad]

Trooper2 said:

Hi, I'm <...> from Montana.

And I think I have spotted your problem there.

[wrightman90]

It must have a diesel gearbox because-

The focus is doing 1000 rpm at 30mph in fifth gear

The focus revs to 7000 rpm

Its geared for 7 times 30 mph- 210 mph!

But lets say a diesel focus would rev to 4500 rpm..

4500 divided by 7000 equals 0.643

210 mph times 0.643 equals 135 mph, or what would be considered a good speed for a diesel to theoretically be geared to achieve at maximum revs at the redline figure in top gear.

[Trooper2]

Zad said:

Trooper2 said:

Hi, I'm <...> from Montana.

And I think I have spotted your problem there.

Well the Focus is an entry level car here but with all of the French and Italian offerings you folks have it must be considered a luxury saloon in Europe.

[Dave^]

I'd hazard a guess at it being the Coil Pack....

It's quite common on the older Zetecs....

[t84]

Trooper2 said:

Zad said:

Trooper2 said:

Hi, I'm <...> from Montana.

And I think I have spotted your problem there.

Well the Focus is an entry level car here but with all of the French and Italian offerings you folks have it must be considered a luxury saloon in Europe.

I wouldn't bother comparing that ste you get over their to our Euro Focus, TBH.