Hi,
I have a 2006 Ford Focus LX 1.6L Petrol car (112k mileage).
I have an EML showing a code (I don't know what the code is) indicating the VVT Camshaft Pulley for Inlet Camshaft requires replacing. I would like to understand if what I'm about to mention has caused it or if it's just coincidence.

In 2018 (85k mileage), I started noticing two seconds of loud clackering (for want of a better description) engine noise most times I started the engine. After six months of this, I though maybe the cambelt is on the way out (I have no idea what I'm talking about, though) and booked the car in for its first cambelt change along with the water pump too. Once the job was done, the clackering noise was still present. The mechanic stated it was just the oil pressure building up on an old car. I also had a full service at this time too.

Fast forward five years to 2024 (112k mileage), I've just had a power steering leak repaired, prop-shaft seal leak repaired, and a engine flush and oil change. Within 40 miles of collecting the car, the EML came on and the mechanic (different garage to five years ago) stated the fault code was suggesting something with the Camshaft (I didn't quite understand it). He said maybe it is due to the engine flush dislodging some sludge (the car's last oil change was in 2019 and it had be SORN for 2021 and 2022 so sitting still) and that is now blocking areas (i.e. solenoids). He cleared the code and said come back if the EML comes on again. 100 miles later it did. The mechanic said the same fault code showed. He took out the two solenoids and two other components in that area, and all were free of sludge. For this reason he doesn't feel the engine flush or oil sludge has caused the problem. The mechanic feels the Camshaft pullies were showing signs of failure in 2018 when the start-up clackering noise started (I had explained the history of the car's noises in case it helped). He suggests it's just coincidence that the EML showing the Camshaft pulley has come on within 40 miles of an engine flush, power steering leak fix, prop-shaft seal leak fix.

I trust these mechanics and they certainly know better than I do, but I just don't believe in coincidences of this sort.
For my curiosity, do you have any understanding if the three pieces of work has caused the VVT Camshaft Pulley for Inlet Camshaft to fail to the extent the EML is now on?
Could it be the repairs have made the car more efficient, increased engine pressure which has caused old, worn pullies to finally malfunction?

I'm trying to understand if there is a connection because I'm now in two minds whether to repair the car or not. If I repair this Camshaft pulley, which includes another cambelt replacement, then will this repair cause another part of the car to fail.

This question isn't looking for ammo against the garage. It's just one of those things and not their fault. It's purely curiosity and to help my decision on repairing it or not. I did want to drive the car for a few more years - hence paying for the two leak fixes and oil change.

Your thoughts are welcomed and apologies for the essay. Thanks.

Edited by dac1 on 06/12/2024 at 17:48