Rattles at 3000rpm?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Tom - 28 Jun 2005 12:14 GMT

My 2000 2.0L has a loud high pitched rattle everytime I get to 3000rpm
which stops as your increase the revs, it does in any gear, does'nt appear
to be anything obvious, any ideas, many thanks in advance

Reply to this Message

MrDodgy - 28 Jun 2005 16:19 GMT

Happened to mine and I had to get the engine replaced - apparently a
problem becoming more common as focus's get older (so I was told by the
mechaninc). Ended up getting shot of my Focus for a Honda.

Reply to this Message

Dave Gower - 28 Jun 2005 16:47 GMT

> Happened to mine and I had to get the engine replaced - apparently a
> problem becoming more common as focus's get older (so I was told by the
> mechaninc).

Well, both the SPI and Zetec motors are carryovers from the old Escort, and
many of them have racked up two hundred thousand miles or more on their
original engine, as have some of the first Focuses as well. Most rattles are
not indicative of a dying motor.

Reply to this Message

FanJet - 28 Jun 2005 21:33 GMT

> Happened to mine and I had to get the engine replaced - apparently a
> problem becoming more common as focus's get older (so I was told by
> the mechaninc). Ended up getting shot of my Focus for a Honda.

Had one of those: tic, tic, tick, TIC, TIC, TIC, tic, tic, tic, etc, ETC,
etc. I'm not sure what they give the testers but it's *not* what you and I
can buy. OTH, Focus engines are practically bullet proof and have the
history to prove it.

Reply to this Message

Dave Gower - 28 Jun 2005 16:43 GMT

> My 2000 2.0L has a loud high pitched rattle everytime I get to 3000rpm
> which stops as your increase the revs

A noise that only occurs at one rev range, not above or below, is a
harmonic, caused by something starting to get a little loose. It is likely
to be some kind of shield or panel, and not necessarily part of the motor,
although it may sound like it.

If its that loud it should be possible to find the culprit from underneath
by feeling around for a loose part.

Reply to this Message

Tom - 28 Jun 2005 21:40 GMT

Thanks for the replys, does sound as if something is loose, but having had
alook underneath, there's nothing that looks out of place....mind you its
not that easy with your hand on the accelerator :)

>> My 2000 2.0L has a loud high pitched rattle everytime I get to 3000rpm
>> which stops as your increase the revs
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> If its that loud it should be possible to find the culprit from underneath
> by feeling around for a loose part.

Reply to this Message

Dave Gower - 29 Jun 2005 14:00 GMT

> Thanks for the replys, does sound as if something is loose, but having had
> alook underneath, there's nothing that looks out of place....mind you its
> not that easy with your hand on the accelerator :)

There's no substitute for getting underneath a car on a lift in a garage,
with good lighting and freedom of movement. It probably won't help to run
the engine, since that will simply drown out any rattles. Sometimes corner
garages will let you join the mechanic underneath. I'd first check the heat
shield on the exhaust.

Reply to this Message