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All owners, check your valve cover bolts

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#21 ·
Livens said:
That is exactly how it starts on my 2002, and gets progressively worse. At least the gaskets for the MK3 are cheaper, ~$20. For the 2002's that gasket is $40+ at local part places.

How many miles on your 14'?

Oh, and just found this thread: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/mk3-focus/299030-2012-valve-cover-gasket-leak.html

It looks like this is a 'normal' issue with these gaskets. I just wonder if it goes any further than just a little oil sweating over time.
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10k miles. It would be under warranty if ford deemed it a problem. But they will probably say it is normal, which it isn't much so I'm not too concerned. Also quite a few other owners are telling me it's ok.
Again, it's not a ton but i'll keep an eye on it in the future.


Edit: just clicked your link. Seems like a common problem starting at 10k or so miles. I may bring it up next time I get to the dealer, if it becomes an worse.
 
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#22 ·
sailor said:
Yep, AMC 6-cyl. plastic valve covers were a PITA.

Checking for loose nuts - cool.

Worry about seepage like 04ZTSJelf posted as an example - no reason to.

That amount of seepage I couldn't have gotten warranty for on a Motorcycle. BMW in particular was strict on that. Only leaks, and that means enough to drip. Seep & weep was considered normal, the amount you could hardly see if the thing was washed regularly.

Accumulate that much seepage & grunge since new? Pfui.
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oh-man don't remind me of those, my thinking is going back to when they all started using plastic radiator tanks crimped onto the alum. tube assembly's.
or when they started making those crazy shaped t-stat housings that connected many hoses, way back in the mid 80's
seepage is a don't worry about it just watch it, using 1.5 qts in 5k normal
 
#23 ·
sailor said:
... Seep & weep was considered normal, the amount you could hardly see if the thing was washed regularly.

Accumulate that much seepage & grunge since new? Pfui.
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Completely agree with that. And I think having dust on the engine allows the oil to spread out further and keep siphoning more out. Hot engine that cools down quickly at night, your going to get a little oil come through.

But on my 2002 it started that way and over time always turned into an actual drip. Hit the brakes and oil would run down onto the exhaust manifold. That smell let me know it was time for a new gasket :)

I would just clean it off real good with a light degreaser and a rag, plain ole Windex works well for me. Then check it once a week or so. You should be checking your oil and coolant levels regularly anyway, so no big hassle.
 
#24 ·
Upon further inspection, there's more seepage down onto the intake manifold.. This is a recent thing, as I clean the engine bay regularly and hadn't seen it before.
 
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#25 ·
The last time I just hand tightened them up but today I followed the torque specs brought up in this form and my oil leak has went away but I accidentally broke a valve cover bolt off so now I need to figure out how to get the bolt out and order another bolt from Ford. Anyone got some helpful tips on how to get the bolt out. The bolt moves freely up and down in the valve cover and I can somewhat turn the bottom of the broken bolt.
 
#27 ·
remove the vc and try to turn the bolt out with a tiny pick, if it fails to move easy it will be a drill it out job better left to a shop then a diyser
 
#28 ·
Thanks for the info. I got the main part of the bolt out but have a small piece that turns but won't turn out so Monday I'm taking it to my local shop to try to get the rest of the bolt out. Gonna order a new bolt from my local Ford dealership Monday. But man I really like the extra power after I tightened up the valve cover to spec. I did a few front wheel gravel throwing episodes.
 
#29 ·
JoshuaCurrie said:
Thanks for the info. I got the main part of the bolt out but have a small piece that turns but won't turn out so Monday I'm taking it to my local shop to try to get the rest of the bolt out. Gonna order a new bolt from my local Ford dealership Monday. But man I really like the extra power after I tightened up the valve cover to spec. I did a few front wheel gravel throwing episodes.
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More power from tightening the valve cover bolts eh? I'm hoping to feel more power once I get the streaks out of my windows.
 
#31 ·
I'm guessing the car was sucking in unnecessary amounts of air into the engine threw the loose valve cover. A good majority of the bolts I was able to turn with my fingers. Also the Focus can be a quick car with a little aftermarket parts added to it.
 
#32 ·
Placebo effect can be large when something is now "fixed".

But there is a possibility of improvement, if exceedingly loose. Can't imagine it being loose enough for extra air without spewing oil, but if it was that would be unmetered air as PCV air source is after the MAF.
 
#34 ·
American said:
Assuming the PCV valve is functioning. This may be another indication.
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Actually the pcv valve being stuck open or closed is a common problem and can lead to damaged emissions systems parts and fuel tank damage (denting) that requires a new gastank and repairs up to $2800+ you may or may not get a check engine light with this problem but if you do, it may be too late...there is a TSB for it and I recommend everyone change the pvc valve as a preventative measure to prevent costly repairs needed later
 
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#35 ·
Plastic valve cover FTL... I wonder if someone could make an aluminum one for MK3
 
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#36 ·
FFhb13 said:
Actually the pcv valve being stuck open or closed is a common problem and can lead to damaged emissions systems parts and fuel tank damage (denting) that requires a new gastank and repairs up to $2800+ you may or may not get a check engine light with this problem but if you do, it may be too late...there is a TSB for it and I recommend everyone change the pvc valve as a preventative measure to prevent costly repairs needed later
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That's the Purge valve not PCV, here's a link to one thread on it:http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/...roblems-archive/624921-could-sticking-purge-valve-cause-fuel-tank-collapse.html

Electrically controlled valve for the EVAP emissions system, located in the engine compartment.
 
#37 ·
a vc as loose as some feel they are could well make the engine run lean and throw on the MIL with mixture codes.
if I smell it i'll then worry
 
#38 ·
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