Newbie and need some tips

[Svt03focus]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum and just recently picked up on 03 svt focus, I picked it up with decently low miles(65k). I was under the impression that the timing belt broke, I pulled the cover off and it was not broke, pulled the plugs out and noticed piston damage on cylinder no. 3. Is the a common problem with them? I'm thinking I can get the oil pan off and the head off and replace the piston, what are some tips and things I should look for? This is my first focus as I am big into the mustang scene. Thanks, hope I'm am welcomed

[Sponsor]

[mainest]

Welcome, indeed! It sounds as if the timing belt slipped, thus putting the valves and pistons on a collision course. I believe you will need to pull the head to determine the extent of the damage. Then, in addition to replacing the valve train, and perhaps a piston or two, you will need a new timing belt, plus pullies, and a water pump while you are in the neighborhood. Good luck.

[Svt03focus]

I heard these things like to just time, and the belt did in fact feel loose, do you know tips such like maybe leaving the intake or exhaust manifold on with the removal of the head?

[jetrinka]

I would certainly turn the engine over by hand first, line up the timing marks and make sure that the timing belt slipped, before doing all this work and having it happen again. It doesn't make much sense that just one piston would have damage from a mis-timed engine.

Your sure its piston damage? Either way the head needs to come off if it is damaged.

[Svt03focus]

It looks like 2 of the 4 have damage but number 3 more so. The belt was definitely looser than what it should have been

[Svt03focus]

Figured I'd post an update, pulled the head off and all the pistons are fine, all the valves are fine, I called the mechanic who previously worked on the car before I bought it, he said it had now compression and his guess was melted pistons....