Focus Filters

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Fri 5 Jan 2007 15:54
Focus Filters - quizman

I took the Focus TDCI for a MOT, which it passed, an oil change and filter and a new fuel filter to my local independent garage yesterday. The reason why I get the garage to do the oil change is because it is impossible to do without being on a ramp. It is very difficult to do even on a ramp, it took the mechanic quite a while to get the undertray off, it took even longer to get it back on again. What a kerfuffle, I challenge anyone to do an oil and filter change on this car without a ramp.

A different mechanic put the new fuel filter on today, after the garage getting 2 wrong ones! He fitted it in place quite easily and tried to start the car. The battery ran down, on went the big charger, it still would not start . He kept spraying some sort of fluid into the air intake which made the engine start, bang a bit , and then stop. This went on for 45 minutes. I asked him and the other mechanics if he was something wrong. No they are all like this I was told, the fuel will come through eventually. They ended up tow starting it, after about half a mile it started, the amber heat light came on then went off. They let me take it home. I looked in my Haynes manual which said that you should fill the new filter with diesel before trying to start it! Why are mechanics and garages so useless? I have no faith in any of them.

Does anyone know whether all this will harm the engine, I am particulary worried about any damage to the fuel pump after reading of problems others have had.
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Fri 5 Jan 2007 15:58
Focus Filters - mss1tw
I would not think that has done the cambelt system and good at all. You are very lucky it didn't jump any teeth.

Idiots.
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Fri 5 Jan 2007 16:08
Focus Filters - LeePower
Sounds about right for a TDCi fuel filter change when it isnt done correctly, they are a right pig to start if you dont prime the new filter with diesel before fitting it.

Normally if the filter change is done correctly 2 or 3 short bursts on the starter is enough.
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Fri 5 Jan 2007 16:36
Focus Filters - wayne1980
sounds like the spray he was using was some kind of easy start/ ether spray. a word of advice though. a collegue of mine was using this to start 3 2 year old, well known, pieces of plant machinery in coldish conditions. 6 months later they were into the main dealer for engine re-furb.
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Fri 5 Jan 2007 16:58
Focus Filters - quizman
>>>Normally if the filter change is done correctly 2 or 3 short bursts on the starter is enough.


I agree, but would like to know why 4 mechanics don't know how to do it correctly in a busy independent garage?
Why don't they look in a book or ask someone. It has made me cross, I am sure they have damaged the car in some way.

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Fri 5 Jan 2007 16:56
Focus Filters - Roly93
They sound like maniacs !
Simply putting plenty of diesel in the new filter would have made the car start fairly easily.
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