2001 Ford Focus

MARIE1042

MEMBER
2001 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
134,337 MILES

I bought this car form a mechanic three months ago and I was told that it was in perfect working condition. Two weeks later the check engine light kept coming on, he told me that it was the computer that was not reading the automatic start key. Now the head gasket is blown, the anti freeze is leaking into the oil, the oil pan is leaking, the water pump is leaking and the car is overheating. My question is could all these problems have been avoided if he had checked the engine? And what would cause the head gasket to blow?

Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 8:24 PM

2 Replies

SAWMASTER88

MEMBER
38 POSTS

It is possible that all of the problems could have been avoided by him checking the engine, but not guaranteed. As for the head gasket it is quite possible that it has just gone out do to age and wear and tear. It happens as the car gets older with a high amount of miles. If you do decide to replace the head gasket I would also recommend that you replace the intake gasket as well. Hope this helps and good luck.

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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 10:07 PM

HELPING YOU

MECHANIC
100 POSTS

What usually happens (starting in this age/mileage range) is "deterioration of multiple parts" - just like people. They might need a little more attention. And it's wise to "put the blinders on" to any seep that's not a leak (not dripping on the groud).
Most likely a small seep allowed coolant to get a little low, a little hotter, a little more seep, a little lower, a little hotter. Or at least the (common) water pump seal failure wasn't noticed soon enough before the engine got hot and the head gasket blew. By the way, I'm wondering how you know it's a gasket and not the head cracked that's allowing coolant in oil - I usually don't know until the vehicle's back together and been driven a while.

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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 10:45 PM